Thread: New member/Engine build post question

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Hi all,

Wanted to introduce myself. My name is Bryan, 27 years old, and I currently live in Oroville, California, originally from San Jose, Ca. I bought a 1983 Monte Carlo SS clone about 5 years ago and have always dreamed of the day I could think about seapping out the 200k mile 305 for something... more.

I revently got a stable job here in town and it seems like I will have no trouble saving money for improvements to the Monte. One problem, although I have wished for an opportunity to make a living working on cars and engines, life had other plans and I currently do not have the time to learn myself or the opportunity to change career paths. I have ideas and plans, but I don't have the practical knowledge to know how to execute those plans or realize my ideas. Where in the forum should I start a thread about an engine build (that I will have to pay someone else to actually build) if I need advice on part recommendations for my plans?

For example, I would love to have either a 350 sbc or 400 sbc, pushing out at least 400 hp, but would like to achieve that with about $5k-$6k. I also do not plan on racing it, it will definitely be a street car and regular driver, but I don't want to compromise too much either on performance mods; I would like to be able to stomp on it on the highway or blow a mustang or two out of the water at the stoplight now and then. Where in the forums should I turn to and what obvious advice can you all give me if any? I'm tempted to buy a crate edelbrock 350 with the power I am looking for, but am hoping that you all can help me piece together something like this without shelving out 8k or more. Thanks in advance.

Welcome aboard.

As far as where to start you engine build post it would probably be best here.

Chevy-Small Block

Your 83 has (should have) a computer controlled engine. Your first step should be whether the car will need to go thru emissions testing and if so what are the acceptable limits on any modifications you make. It would be a shame to spend a bunch of money on an engine and the work to install it only to find out the car can;t be registered and driven.


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Welcome young man!

The more you learn on the front end, the less you'll spend fixing mistakes.

First decide if you want new technology, or modern tech. EFI or carburetor.

One of the site gurus, a Mr. Tech is bound to chime in and offer a book to read. Heed his advice and you'll do well.

Welcome from the right coast. It's good to see you here and wanting to start a thread for a build.

Since you're asking for opinions, I'll offer mine. I'd definitely say go with a crate motor and a transmission change also. Keep the computers and keep the emissions legal.

Also spend some money on stopping power as well as going power! But most of all, have fun with it!!

I would assume that an 1983 probably has disc brakes on the front--------- and cats---------sooooooo, easiest thing to do first would be to move outta Caliland---------

I'd suggest looking for a late model "liftout" LS aluminum engine , trans, accessories(a/c modern Freon) and all the brackets-plus engine wiring harness and ecm

Originally Posted by Mike P

Welcome aboard.

As far as where to start you engine build post it would probably be best here.

Chevy-Small Block

Your 83 has (should have) a computer controlled engine. Your first step should be whether the car will need to go thru emissions testing and if so what are the acceptable limits on any modifications you make. It would be a shame to spend a bunch of money on an engine and the work to install it only to find out the car can;t be registered and driven.


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That is something I haven't given enough thought to. I live in California so even with the Edelbrock crate motors seem like I could run inti smog problems. I know I'm OK to swap for a 350 so long as I don't say anything, or just flat out lie and say its a 305 since they are identical looking from the outside, but this sort of begs the question: Is a 400 hp engine even possible to have while being emissions legal? Sounds like I will start out with a separate thread on that. Thanks for the heads up though, I forgot about the smog requirements.

Originally Posted by Mike P

Welcome aboard.

As far as where to start you engine build post it would probably be best here.

Chevy-Small Block

Your 83 has (should have) a computer controlled engine. Your first step should be whether the car will need to go thru emissions testing and if so what are the acceptable limits on any modifications you make. It would be a shame to spend a bunch of money on an engine and the work to install it only to find out the car can;t be registered and driven.


.

Good point. Living in California, a engine with the power I'm looking for, in the package I am looking for is likely not even possible. Will definitely have to make some conpromises, either on power or type of engine I am looking for.

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

I would assume that an 1983 probably has disc brakes on the front--------- and cats---------sooooooo, easiest thing to do first would be to move outta Caliland---------

I'd suggest looking for a late model "liftout" LS aluminum engine , trans, accessories(a/c modern Freon) and all the brackets-plus engine wiring harness and ecm

Moving would definitely be easiest. I lived in NYC for a couple years so I have a love for the EC anyway, there would be no arn twisting in that decision, but for now it just isn't realistic.

As far as finding an LS engine, it seems like an LT1 would be a good fit for what kind of setup I want (I would rather have more than what I wantes and have no emissions problems than settle on less hp and torque), but that also destroys any budget I had been thinking of. Thanks all for your advice. I have a good mechanic I can talk with that can help me figure out some things befire I start placing orders and spending money. Looking forward to your advice from then on, any books firebird77 referred to I would be more than happy looking at as well

Consider purchase of a complete wrecked vehicle. Just so long as the drive train is intact. You can pull the engine and transmission complete with harness and computer, then part out what's left and scrap the hulk. Some folk even squeak out a profit in the process. If you have the time and energy it's possible.

"Hot Rod Build Logs" is probably where you should start. But first, find out what you can do.....EXACTLY.....and still be California legal with the Monte.
Frequently Asked Questions: Emission Laws And Regulations
SEMA's California Vehicle Titling Solution - Super Chevy Magazine

Are you aware that LT motors had a unique cooling system that cooled the heads first? You may have to use the entire stock architecture to make it work in a swap, I'm not sure because I have never fiddled with an LT. LS motors used the conventional cooling that we have been used to for the past 100+ years. A 4.8 Chevy with turbo will rock your world, if it is allowed to be swapped into an '83 Monte Carlo by California law. Google "4.8 LS Turbo" to see a ton of turbocharged motors and how they were built.

But again, first find out what the State will allow you to do.

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I agree with Jerry, move out of californication as I did 42 years ago.

The LT engine family has been 20 years now since they were used-I still do upwards of 30 a year

The new Chev does have an engine they named LT that is direct injected-will be pricy---------

The term here to inquire about at wrecking yards-LIFT OUT- means complete, engine, tranny, accessories, under hood engine wiring harness, ecm----------you can find them out of several vehicles from corvettes to trucks-nice compact exhaust manifolds---------also get the fuel system which may be an in tank pump-all from SAME vehicle------

Check with John Tucker at Southern Performance Systems------

Welcome to CHR! I'd also have to say you should look into a LS swap. Pacific performance is in California and they do a lot of LS stuff. Call them and see what they have to say about smog and emissions for a swap. You can get an engine and trans cheaper if you hunt around. But since you don't have the extra time, this could be for you.

Tilden Motorsports Ready To Run Engine Package 5.3L

Welcome to CHR!

I really like Ryan’s idea about Tilden Motorsports Ready to Run Engine Package 5.3L. For $2500 you get something that’s already clean and nearly bolt in with all the computer and run-ready components in place and will in all likelihood satisfy the authority having jurisdiction concerning the emissions controls as it is a stock-type replacement. They also have transmissions. With Gilroy only 200 miles away, I’d be tempted to give them a call and then go see them and talk about what you’ve got and see what they can do as far as supplying a complete engine/transmission combination.

That said, a 5.3 will fall about 100 horsepower short of the 5.0 Coyote Mustang GT so you’ll not likely surprise a new generation that sprints 0-60 in the low 4 second range but you will have a dependable power plant that gives respectable performance for many more years and not break the bank at the pumps.

Have fun with this car – nice wheels and tires and a lowered stance turn these into boulevard bruisers and still offer seating for the family to take a comfortable drive.

Again, welcome and keep us up to date,
Glenn