1967 What do to with my engine

[chagood]

So I have a 1967 coupe that I got with a 4 speed transmission and a 351C engine. 2 barrel carb and intake. Machine shop says $1,650 to get my engine rebuilt. Should I do this and stick with the 351 2 barrel or go with a new 302 4 barrel for $1,400 from Checker. I am new at this and don't know what to do.

[rwhite65]

If ur car came with the 351c, u should keep it. Several reasons, but mainly it will cost u some money to switch the car over to a 302. Not many people run the 351 c's, but they can make some great power.

My advice is to find a buddy who likes working on cars....offer him/her some cases of bear to help you redo your engine.....then the rebuild cost will be much lower.....leaving only machining costs.
Ryan

[GGRacing]

That cleavland motor is not the original, they didnt offer the 351c until 69, but it will run, they are good motors, if your looking at eventually looking to build power i would go with the 302, their is a lot more aftermaket backing to build, the 351c 2v heads either are open chamber heads and/or dont have the good flow characteristics for building power. Another alternative is to get a new bellhousing for the tranny and put a 390FE in your car, thats what i have in my 67 and it feels really good everyday driving and taking off the line (Smoked the tires till the top of second across an intersection with my old tires) but im not sure what else has to be changed to handle the torque of that motor, but anyway, both windsors and cleavlands are good motors, i would personally would go with a 302 or 390 though

Steven

[rwhite65]

If the 351c is operational in the car now....I think u r better off running that engine. Not many people do it anymore yes, but does it build power....yes. Your 351 with minimal performance parts is gonna outrun my 302 with decent performance parts. What is more importnat too you is the question. Money or power? What is your goal for it in the next 5 years?
Ryan

[GGRacing]

sorry, just reread my post and rwhite65's, i didnt mean the 351c wont make any power, but if your looking to build a hot street motor, youd be better off going with a windsor, or another thing would be to get 4v heads and intake for your 351c. Those pieces can add up to be preaty pricy vs aftermarket aluminum windsors, but it all depends on what your final goal is, a reliable daily driver with good torque (rebuild the 351c), or if you want a built motor turning 7k RPMS go with a 302

Steven

[chagood]

The decision ended up being out of my hands anyway. Machine shop called yesterday and told me they found a hairline crack in the block and that a rebuild was not an option. Also found out that it had been machined before and the boreing (sp?) was already almost too far. But thank you all for your advice! I really appreciate it.