Engine Recommendations - Need help for 70 GM A Body PT platform

[Bigmanz]

Okay, so the bodywork on my 70 Chevelle Malibu is nearing completion. I've began to purchase the parts: big brake kit, suspension, interior, A/C and long laundry list of other parts. I'm having trouble though with regards to the decision of which engine and drive train combination to go with.

Initially, I was dead set on the 454 or possibly saving up for the massive GMPP ZZ572 ($$$). But then I thought about the weight added and the fact that this car is supposed to be one that has power and the best handling possible. So i'm not convinced that either of those will do the trick. I've also considered the LS and LSX motors but haven't found a site that has reasonable prices listed.

Any recommendations for engine/transmission combinations that work well in this car and/or sites for ordering them would be greatly appreciated. I've looked at enginefactory.com, atk motors and a few others but they all seem a bit pricey. I'd like to stay under $5k to $8k on motor and transmission if possible but if need be I could spend more. Any info on vendors that sell salvaged/used motors and transmissions would be great well.

Thanks and I look forward to your feeback.!

[Nemesis RR]

I am going with an L92 out of an Escalade with a 6L80 transmission. I will changing the cam, keeping the truck intake as it makes more power, but have not decided on any head work other than springs. I will be looking at around 460hp which combined with the gearing in the transmission should provide an easy 11 sec cruiser. Now I just have to decide on the converter.

[Bigmanz]

I am going with an L92 out of an Escalade with a 6L80 transmission. I will changing the cam, keeping the truck intake as it makes more power, but have not decided on any head work other than springs. I will be looking at around 460hp which combined with the gearing in the transmission should provide an easy 11 sec cruiser. Now I just have to decide on the converter.

I don't know much about the L92 motor but it sounds like it's going to be a beast. It also seems like it would be a pretty inexpensive build especially if you've already got your hands on a L92. Thanks!

[Nemesis RR]

You can get an L92 for less than 4500. That is with pedal, front ass. and wiring harness. A lot cheeper than an ls3 and all you get with the LS3 is the cam which you are going to change, lighter valves, and a prettier intake (that makes less hp).

[Bigmanz]

Sounds a lot better than the direction I've been going so far. Did you pick it up locally? Or from an online vendor?

[6spdcamaro]

I got an 04 LS1 6speed from Cleveland pick apart. It came with motor, tranny, clutch, front drive, intake to oil pan, shifter, pedals, computer and harness with 30,000 miles for about 4800 bucks. They test run all of the motors in house so you know your getting something that works. I think its the best you can do for the money. All thats necessary is a computer tune and harness rework. Speartech did mine for about 800$.

[ArtosDracon]

I'll throw out a vote for an all aluminum BBC. Weight will only be slightly higher than an LSx and will be a LOT lighter than the standard iron block\iron head BBCs and will still sound and feel like a bigblock. There's almost nothing you can do to an LS to make it sound and feel like a BB, unless you're an editor for a performance camaro magazine and can build an obscene 460ci all custom LS3, which very few of us can. :)

[65 drop top]

there is something about a 70 chevelle that screams big block, I'm thinking 502 and a tko 600

[Bigmanz]

Funny, you mentioned the 502, that was one of the first BBC's that I had on the radar. If I could have found one for a reasonable price this would have been a dead issue. I've seen em online though for no less than 8 to 10 grand. That would have definitely be the way to go though.

As for the all aluminum BBC, sounds nice as well. Any leads on a good site to purchase one from?

[JChilders]

Check out chevelles.com. Someone there may be able to point you in the right direction. I know a user there bought a 505 for about 6k. If you want send me a PM and I will get the shop info.