If you’ve been following my blog then you know all about the engine issues I’ve been having with Big Secz. This has been a very frustrating summer. I’ve missed several events that I would like to have gone to due to fearing I’d break down along the way. Recently things got worse. Now instead of just and engine tap, I have a knock to go with it. As if that wasn’t enough she’s blowing grey smoke and the engine vibrates terribly.
For the past couple months I’ve been talking to different people and exploring my options. Everything from attempting to fix the problem, rebuilding the engine, or buying a create engine has been explored and discussed. Each comes with their own set of pros and cons. Of course the downside to talking to a bunch of people is that you get a bunch of different opinions, “well if it were me this is what I’d do”.
The first option, fixing the problems, can’t really be accomplished without tearing into the engine. I’ve received opinions ranging from bad lifters to a piston slap. Still if I replace the lifters there is no guarantee that will fix the problem, and in order to tell if there is a bad piston you still have to tear deep into the engine. So this really wasn’t a viable option due to the amount of work and not knowing what the end result would be. I think by going this route I would be fixing the symptoms and not really fixing the problem, and like everyone knows your engine is only as strong as your weakest link.
This brings me to my next option, rebuilding my engine. Since the engine that is currently in the car is the original numbers matching engine, I was really leaning toward this option. I’ve priced this job out with several local shops and they all quoted me roughly the same price, and that was with replacing it with stock-type components. Knowing that if I was going to rebuild the engine, I’d want to upgrade some of it’s components to improve reliability. This isn’t the type of project you want to face again any time soon.
Now that brings me to the option of buying a crate engine. In comparing the pros and cons against rebuilding my existing engine, I chose this option. Here’s why; I can get a crate engine cheaper than having mine rebuilt. The money that I save by going this route allows me to get better than stock parts which will improve reliability. In addition I can get improved performance. Upon the recommendation of someone that knows the owner, I contacted AA Speed in Woodbridge , VA and spoke to the owner, a real nice guy by the name of, Dan.
Dan called me this past Friday and we spoke for a while about these options. Dan emphasized that “it’s not about what anyone else wants it’s about what you want”. He started explaining to me what I would be looking at by rebuilding as opposed to buying a crate. Finally I asked him, “if this were your car what would you do?” He told me that he has a ’66 Nova with a numbers matching engine and he opted to keep that engine but drop in a crate. He said this gives you more flexibility when/if I ever sell it. The buyer will not only have a good performance engine, but the original as well which allows for different restoration options; go back to original or keep it a restomod.
We then talked about the crate option. This appealed to me the most. Dan explained that we can not only improve performance, but increase reliability, and save a few dollars. So then next question then was, “what type of crate?”
Choosing the type of crate engine as well as the components depends on my intended use. I have no desire to hit the track, burn tires, or flex my muscle at stoplights. I’m looking for something with a little more horsepower and reliable. I want to be able to start her up and go on a cruise confident that she won’t leave me stranded. Occasionally that will mean taking her on the interstate.
Dan suggested that I go with a 347 stroker. He’s had a lot of success with these in the past and has used several crates from Proformance Engines. From there he will reuse my Edelbrock Performer intake, Holley 600 cfm carb and MSD billet distributor. He explained that it’s good that I have these parts since that’s what he would have put on it anyway. This Friday I’m going to meet him and talk about details. So after Friday I will be able to post some specs.
Now with a new engine I face a similar dilemma when it comes to my transmission. I’m starting to have a few issues with my transmission so after pricing that out I’ve discovered that it would be worth a couple hundred more dollars and drop in a new transmission.
So hopefully by the end of November Big Secz will be ready to stampede down the highway. To be continued…