Old Engine is Junk, New Engine Time - what to look for...?

[bc_suv]

Hi All,

After many months of woes and a few attempts to get my engine sorted before I submit it for SVA I have been told by someone much more experienced than me that my efforts at building an engine, although enjoyable, have been fruitless.

My engine is junk and apart from the new ancillaries it should be thrown in the bin.

Although this is obviously disappointing news, I now get some pleasure from knowing the new engine I put in the car will be properly built and last a while yet.

I will replace the existing engine with another Chevy small block so it mates with my headers, gearbox et al but the question is what to go for....

I have a budget of approx £2500 and need something that will pass SVA.
What age block do I need to go for and any recommendations on where to source one?

Finally, It looks like I’ll be going to Le Mans in the Volvo – if you’ll still have me that is

All the best,

Brian

[JonnyT]

Don't worry Brian - all the best people go to Le Mans in a Volvo!!!

Its strange the way all those going with me take the mick but are more than happy to be driven in the Volvo all the way!!

Don't know very much about the engine I'm afraid, save that I think the year of the block for the emissions test is 1972. What was so wrong with the old one?

Jon

[Purple AK]

Originally Posted by bc_suv

Hi All,

After many months of woes and a few attempts to get my engine sorted before I submit it for SVA I have been told by someone much more experienced than me that my efforts at building an engine, although enjoyable, have been fruitless.

My engine is junk and apart from the new ancillaries it should be thrown in the bin.

Although this is obviously disappointing news, I now get some pleasure from knowing the new engine I put in the car will be properly built and last a while yet.

I will replace the existing engine with another Chevy small block so it mates with my headers, gearbox et al but the question is what to go for....

I have a budget of approx £2500 and need something that will pass SVA.
What age block do I need to go for and any recommendations on where to source one?

Finally, It looks like I’ll be going to Le Mans in the Volvo – if you’ll still have me that is

All the best,

Brian

Hi Brian. Firstly "who said" and "why" is your engine junk?

[Noel]

Thought 1973 was the magic year??

As Chris says......who and why

[TINKA]

I have to ask the same question as Chris & Noel After just having to completely rebuild my own engine requiring new crank, cam shaft, oil pump, harmonic balancer, friction plate, sump, gaskets, inlet manifold getting it all balanced, block hot tanked all for just under £1,000 unless your block is cracked can't see why it is only fit for scrap.

[Andy S]

Brian I can echo the comments above, and dont worry about the er volvo !!!!!!!!!!
Speak to Ian Briggs, aka Big Thirsty on here as he is British American Engines and if something can be done with what you have then Jez the engine builder will be able to do it for you, even if that means just using the ancilliaries, but speak to them for a second opinion at least before you do anything else.
Failing that Dave Clarkson who's just up the road from you is also very good in the engine dept and it may be worth having a chat to him as well before doing anything.

[bc_suv]

Hi All,

It's over at Racetec at the moment.

The engine is full of water and has ruined the internals. Might be a cracked block, leaking head gasket, poor assembly (by me).

Time to cut my losses on rebuild costs a and consider a new one...

One advantage of the Volvo is it has a great boot..... loads of room for wine, beer and sausages....

Thanks,

Brian

[titch]

Hi Brian,

Know how you are feeling my chevy powered Dax had loads of problems, tried a so called american specialists who did even more damage to it and charged me £800 and then I found Jay at Race tec 3 years ago and I found him to be brilliant worth every penny morgage the house sell the kids and put the wife on the game it really is worth jay to do it mine is now perfect so there is light at the end of the tunnel and I will look out for the volvo on the way to Le man,s regards Ian