RamJet 350 for my C1 Driver???

[Justin B.]

I have 2 1958 Corvettes. One which is a very original big brake fuelie which will most likely be a trailer queen and another that is an un-original but very complete car in need of restoration. I have really been thinking hard about installing a new RamJet 350 in this second car but I had a few questions first.....

1. Does anyone have any experience with these engines?

2. How hard are they to install and get running since there are computers and stuff?

3. They don't come with exhaust manifolds so what would I use?

4. Are there any manual transmissions (5 or 6 speeds w/overdrive) other than 4 speeds that will fit without modifications?

5. Does anyone have any connections on these new crate motors? The best price I have found is about $4850.00?

[Jim T.]

Re: RamJet 350 for my C1 Driver???

I have a 6 speed Corvette that is really great for interstate trips. The owners manual says don't drive below 60 in sixth gear. The RPM's at 60 in sixth gear would lug the engine. If you want a speed for short trips and city driving you would not be using the benefits of a 6 speed. A wide ratio four speed behind the RamJet 350 and a 3:08 rear end would be in my opinion a good combination. It would be fast enough shifting out of first at 60 mph with the 3:08. The Ram Jet installation has been done in C1's. I don't know all the details but had read that the Ram Jet has to much height and the hood would not close on your 58. Don't remember how it was done, but the Ram Jet was installed in a C1 lower than the original engine to make it work. The computer that runs the indection is small and should be easy to mount. A inline high pressure fuel pump I belive is used, so no fuel tank modification is necessary. Check with all GM parts managers and see what kind of deal they will give you, it is a one day in the door out the door purchase.

[John O.]

Re: RamJet 350 for my C1 Driver???

Go to GMGOODWRENCH.COM and there you will see the engines and prices.

John

[Bruce B.]

Re: RamJet 350 for my C1 Driver???

I installed a Ramjet 350 in my 62 Corvette 3 years ago. The installation is similar to any small block with a few minor exceptions.
1. Before you install the emgine buy a new front motor mount (aka crossbrace) and fit it to the engine as there will be some interference with the timing chain cover. Grind the mount until it fits and then take off a little more for clearance.
2. Install the front mount and water pump to the engine carefully and torque the 4 nuts. Use a non hardening sealer (Permatex #2 I believe) on both sides of all 4 gasgets.
3. Install the engine like any other SBC. Use high pressure fuel lines for safety purposes, 6AN braided stainless over rubber lines works great. The wiring harness that comes with the engine contains everything you need and includes fuel pump circuts, tach wires fuses and relays. Everything is labeled and it is plug and play. The computer is bolted to the intake but I moved mine under the dash for a cleaner appearance.When I was ready to start the engine it fired so quickly it surprized me. It,s a great setup. Be sure to make plenty of GOOD grounds or you will have problems.
3. Take the 2 rubber engine mounts and cut thier thickness in half. After you do this you need to make a spacer (or washers)to put on the motor mount bolt to make up for the loss in thickness of the rubber. I also cut about 8 inches out of the hood brace for additional clearance. I don,t believe it had any negative effect on the hood stiffness or strength.
4. An inline high pressure pump is required, 40 to 55 pounds pressure. I used a Rock Valley stainless steel tank with a built in sump with an electric fuel pump.A good fuel filter which will handle the high pressure is also required. I used an inline Jegs unit.
5. GM Performance Parts recommends headers with 1 3/4 inch tubes for maximum power. I used 2 1/2 inch cast iron 62 Corvette Rams Horn cast iron exhaust manifolds and they worked fine. Headers will give maximum performance.
6. I used a stock BW T-10 4 speed and a 3.08 gear. The car was great on the highway and I drove it about 7000 MILES and got around 22-25 MPG at highway speeds.

As far as price I paid about $4500 3 years ago from Greenwood Chevy in the Youngstown, Ohio area. $4850. 00 is a good price.
Feel free to call me if you have any other questions or concerns.
Bruce Bursten
Middletown, Ohio 45042
513 420-0006

[Justin B.]

Re: RamJet 350 for my C1 Driver???

Thanks Bruce, you helped me a ton!

[John D.]

Re: RamJet 350 for my C1 Driver???

Justin, One of my customers tried to put the ram jet on his 60 and it hit the hood big time. I don't know a whole lot about the solid axles but I asume the 58 to 60 hood dimensions are about the same. Knowing you as well as I do I can't believe you would want to do this anyhow. Better off putting a nice 283 with a carb on it. Or do like everyone else and make it an FI car. John