Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 1
Tree Offline OP
Grease Monkey
OP Offline
Grease Monkey
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 1
I have a 1983 base model El Camino. My engine finally blew out and I need to replace it along with the carburetor because the carburetor does not match the engine. this is my first time working on a car. what used engine should I look for? (I have no background knowledge of cars or mechanical work)

Wilwood Engineering1955-1957

Willwood Engineering

Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems.
Wilwood Engineering, Inc. - 4700 Calle Bolero - Camarillo, CA 93012 - (805) 388-1188


Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
Welcome to Chatter.
Most of us on this forum will recommend tracking down the original parts for the car which proves easier to do than modifying to fit something different and make it work properly.
If you have limited mechanical knowledge I would advise offering a friend that has a lot more knowledge a few appropriate beverages after the repairs to celebrate.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,034
Likes: 107
Hall Monitor
ChatMaster - 7,000
Offline
Hall Monitor
ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,034
Likes: 107
wel2 parking
I'll move this to a technical forum so you'll get a wider audience. I would recommend getting in contact with one or more local car club members and ask who they use. Good luck with your project.


VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,700
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,700
Likes: 141
Which engine did it have? A 229 or 231 V6, A 307 V8 or?


Gene Schneider
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 470
Likes: 33
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 470
Likes: 33
I have an 1987 Monte Carlo LS with the 4.3 TBI motor in it. GM G-Body based car like yours. This is the one that really got me into the car hobby. The 41 Chevy is a father son project that came later.

As for engines first ask your self what you want to do with this vehicle. The G-Body platform had different v6 and v8 engines applied to it over the years. Cruising around or performance. Keep it stock or hotrod. Budget?

The cheapest option is to replace the engine you have with the same one. If everything else in the car works the replacement should bolt in. No adapters etc.

Perhaps the most popular one I see installed that was not originally offered is the SBC 350. It is the same physical size as the 305 that was originally offed in the car. There is allot of information on this install on the internet.

My preferred engine is the 4.3 TBI. Nice motor for cruising around. It is not a powerhouse but has enough torque to get the car to speed without issue. The TBI means no messing with a carburetor. My car has had the same 4.3 in it since it left the factory. Anything with fuel injection may be more work in yours since it was originally carbureted.

Do not forget that if you put in a different engine you will need to replace the exhaust and make sure to make clearance on the drivers side for the steering shaft etc. Depending on the size of the engine and headers you may need to remove the heater box from the passenger side of the firewall. There is a delete plate for this.

If getting a used engine check the reputation of the source you are getting it from. If it is from a junkyard the quality of the engine is based not only on how it was removed but how the prior owner cared for it. If you plan to keep the car for a while then getting a motor from a rebuilder with a warranty might be a safer bet.

Remember do not get discouraged during this process. It is common that all projects take more time than planed and require more money than originally budgeted. There will be little things like bolts or tools that you need to complete a task that you do not have or did not budget for.

With the G-Body cars get a good set of metric wrenches, both ratcheting and non-ratcheting. Also a good set of sockets, 6 points are highly recommended to avoid rounding nuts. At times you may want two 10mm wrenches and sockets. Do not loose the 10mm when working on this car. A special tool is needed for the water pump pully. Get a torque wrench to make sure everything is tightened correctly. The Haynes repair manual list all of the required torques values. The inexpensive Harbor Freight ones are fine for things like the water pump etc. Tekton makes some nice long handled ratchets. I have one of the 3/8 long ratchets with the 18 inch handle. Works great for breaking loose bolts and not having to reposition each time.

https://gbodyforum.com/ is a forum dedicated just to GBody GM cars. There is a wealth of information on this sight specific to these cars already posted in existing threads. Placing a question normally gets a fast response.

https://www.mikesmontes.com/ is one of the best sources I have found for new, NOS and reproduction parts for these cars. There service is good and the prices are fair.

Hope this helps.


I have found that having an old car is a constant project that is never done. I think that is a good thing. Keeps me learning new things. Having two from different eras is just a form of higher education.

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
1 members (swedechev), 78 guests, and 15 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
NeilA, Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman
18,308 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
SabrinaKarras, Speedy1
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,072
Posts429,077
Members18,308
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5