What engine for my challenge car?

I’m bored at work and thinking about the future challenge drivetrains I have kicking around my garage and what I should use.

Option 1 is a free GM series 2 3.8L missing the supercharger and injectors. I could find and replace those parts with junkyard items or get a NA intake and add a turbo or 2. Engine might need gaskets, rings and bearings since it had a knock and has been sitting. Not sure till I crack it open and see what I can cheap out on.

Option 2 is a 1995 caprice 5.7L LT1 I picked up for $100 and have yet to sell anything off of it. I’m thinking just clean it up and drop it in with maybe some N2O for the drags. I also have a 1993 Camaro harness and computer.

Option 3 is a 1996 Suburban 454 block I picked up for free (ok, $1.30 if you count the gas to go get it). I also have a set of rods and a crank out of a marine 454 that cracked but should fit my current block. Only issue is the crank has been balanced and has some weight welded in professionally. I’m not sure how is been balanced (internal or external) but it did have this heavy flywheel looking thing on the back. That thing had marks in it like it was balance at the factory. If the balance is internal then I should be all set and can just throw a rebuild kit with a cam at the engine for big blocky challenge fun.

Option 4 is a free 350 long block I have kicking around. It was rebuilt once but I don’t know the history on it or if it’s even useable. Heads have been off for over 10 years and the bores have some rust. Not to excited about this option because it’s really common.

Now I’d look for a cheap LS motor but I already have these engines taking up space in my garage. These would be going in a 69 Camaro behind a 200-R4 transmission. What looks like the best most interesting option? I know there are pros and cons behind each choice. Just wanted to see what you guys thought.

Option 2; Is it a 4.3 or 5.7? If the former then no, the later then maybe. Option 4; sounds heavy and possibly weird to deal with. Option 1 with a pair of turbo's could be fun.

weight is always the enemy, go forth and turbo

The heaviest would most likely be the option 4 and the rest should weigh close to the same. I’m also not worried about fuel injection, fuel pumps, wiring, etc. I’ll figure all that out once I pick an engine.

Option 3 but dump the peanut port heads, imo. Lots of options for BBC's if you look around hard enough.

Brian

There is no replacement for displacement! Option 3 and clean up at the drag and hope to do ok in the autoX.

I vote 454, but are you guys saying that the 350 is going to weigh more than the 454????

I though the 454 was 50-75 lbs heavier depending on what accessories are bolted on them.

Go with the BBC and build something that will set the record for most cones taken out during the challenge.

Pseudosport wrote: I though the 454 was 50-75 lbs heavier depending on what accessories are bolted on them.

At least. The guys on here saying the 350 is heavier than the 454 are crazy.

build the angriest 454 you can, or turbocharge and MS the 3800.

Spinout007 wrote: Go with the BBC and build something that will set the record for most cones taken out during the challenge.

And turbo it.

BTW, it you'd rather use a 700R4, I know where you can get one. 8)

Thanks or the offer but I’m using the 200r4 because I already have it plus it was rebuilt with a shift kit and new converter. It also the same length as powerglide that was in the car and won’t require cutting the driveshaft.

Is there anyway to tell how the crank was balance without having a machine shop charging me money to put it on the balancer again? Also I heard rumors that some marine 454’s were reverse rotation. Would any of my rotating assemble be different then a normal 454?

I think you should be the first challenger to swap in different engines for each event!(intentionally, anyway)

petegossett wrote: I think you should be the first challenger to swap in different engines for each event!(intentionally, anyway)

greg we need to do this

Ha, don’t tempt me.

I could run a free 305 for the autocross and the 454 for the drags. Honestly I don’t even care how the car performs. This is just a fun project and it gives me reason to start working on the car again. I just want to show up with a clean 69 Camaro that makes awesome big blocky noises and have people call BS. So far most of my budget is going towards sheet metal and paint just to make it drivable.

Option 2 does sound rather promising. The turbo six would be cool but somehow Camaro and V8 just seem to go together.

option 2 and give me the 454 stuff

WilberM3 wrote: build the angriest 454 you can, or turbocharge and MS the 3800.

No see your wrong..

you put OR where there should be an AND 2 engines FTW!

LT1 for $100? That's a no brainer - great torque and reliable.

Don't ask me what transmission to use...