c3 motors

[Alice C.]

I would appreciate your comments about the pros and cons of a 71 automatic with 350,300 hp versus 72 454,270?I previously drove a 66 powerglide w 300 hp which was great and am looking to the next generation.Thankyou.

[Patrick H.]

Re: c3 motors

Alice,

That's really an apples vs. oranges comparison. The 350 will be wonderful driver/cruising engine but the 454 will have a lot more torque, especially if you ever want to get pushed back in your seat when you take off. You'll probably get 50% better mileage with the 350 but that's only a guesstimate on my part.

You really should drive one of each. I don't think that an adequate comparison can be made online.

Patrick

[Kurt G.]

Re: c3 motors

Alice,

The first thing you want to remember is in 1972 the way the horsepower of the engine was determined was changed. In 71 and prior years the horsepower was determined using the engine only. In 72, in order to be fairly compared to many foreign manufactures and pressure from the SAE the US car companies started rating horsepower with the normal accessories attached, like the water pump, alternator, etc. So, the 1971 350 base engine rated at 270 h.p. is the exact same engine as the 1972 base engine rated at 200 h.p. Only the casting numbers and pad numbers were changed to protect the innocent.

Now to your question. You have to make the choice of engines based on what you want to do with the car. If you just want a car you can have fun driving, the 350 will make you grin just like the 454, especially at the gas pump. If you will be cruising at slower speed, the 350 definitely. I've heard from several friends the 454 has a problem with overheating at slower road speeds.

The question over the automatic vs. I'm assuming the 454 is a 4 speed is a personal matter. My choice is it's a sports car and you should have to shift it yourself. However, my wife loves here 06 convertible with the 6 speed auto.
You ultimately have to make the choice, and it won't be an easy one, cuz they are both Chevy engines, built to last, and are in the right car.

[Michael W.]

Re: c3 motors

71 automatic with 350,300

There was no 300HP small block in '71. Did you mean the 270HP base engine or is the car a '70 w/300HP?

[Alice C.]

Re: c3 motors

Hi
Thank you for responding.Its a 72 ls5 454,270 versus a 1990 350,300.
I do intend to test drive both next week of course,to really appreciate the driving experience but would be interested in your views.thqnks

[Alice C.]

Re: c3 motors

Patrick
thanks for the reply.
Will be test driving the cars next week.Any insights would be helpful.

[Alice C.]

Re: c3 motors

Kurt
Thank you very much for your post.Will test drive both next week.

[Alice C.]

Re: c3 motors

sorry,a 1970 350/300

[Rich P.]

Re: c3 motors

Patrick
thanks for the reply.
Will be test driving the cars next week.Any insights would be helpful.

Alice,

Easy mash the gas peddal to the floor and which ever car leaves the longest black tire marks..well buy it.

Seriously, if it is possible take the cars on the same route and especially take note as to how the 454 does in the turns compared to the 350.

Rich

[Jim T.]

Re: c3 motors

I would appreciate your comments about the pros and cons of a 71 automatic with 350,300 hp versus 72 454,270?I previously drove a 66 powerglide w 300 hp which was great and am looking to the next generation.Thankyou.

Don't know about a 71 350/270 with 9:1 vs 1970 350/300 10:25 compression, however compared to the 66 powerglide shifting out of first about 60, my 70 350/300 turbo 400 automatic will shift out of first about 60, shift out of second about 90 into third and went to 130, that was enough for me. Never have found out how the 454's compare.

[Tom S.]

Re: c3 motors

I much prefer small blocks for several reasons. They are much easier to work on. They don't tend to run hot. The car feels alot more balanced with the small block.I also think the 300hp 1970 would give the 1972 a good run for its money.Alot easier on gas if you plan on doing much driving.But this is just my opinion. Tom Stanton #41491

[Chuck S.]

Re: c3 motors

I would appreciate your comments about the pros and cons of a 71 automatic with 350,300 hp versus 72 454,270?I previously drove a 66 powerglide w 300 hp which was great and am looking to the next generation.Thankyou.

Is money a consideration?...A 70 300 hp will be considerably cheaper than a 72 big block, and it will be no less a Corvette or performance car.

On the other hand, if you can afford one, the value of the big block is likely to grow quicker, and has more of that muscle car mystique that buyers want. However, no Corvette, old or new, should be considered an investment. Unless you are deady serious about restoration, I would only buy a classic car that is NCRS Top Flight quality (don't listen to salesman BS about such either).

Also, consider the options on each, and how you intend to use the car. Enjoy cruising?...look for AC and power steering. Enjoy the wind in your hair and the sun on your face (it has it's down side as well)...look for a convertible.

If you are only interested in scratch laying power and road straightening handling, forget old cars and buy a C6 or C6 with Z51 performance package. Then you can straighten roads while listening to XM or CDs in automatic air-conditioned comfort. There's no sense in giving up the creature comforts we have become accustomed to just to get classic car performance...the newest generation puts them in the shade performance wise, and get probably twice as many miles to a gallon.

[Alice C.]

Re: c3 motors

thank you Tom
am going to test drive this week.

[Tom L.]

Re: c3 motors

I've never driven a small block, I have a '72 LS-5, and it would be interesting to hear your analysis after driving both on the same day. My hunch is go for the BB, you'll get over all the problems associated with it after you own it. I guess all the problems make it a love/hate things.

[Alice C.]

Re: c3 motors

Chuck and Lynn
Thank you
Just drove the 70 300 horse and it goes.Missed communicated w the owner on the 454 and arrived to find that while they were repairing a coupling near the steering wheel the front wheels came out of alignment and needed to be repaired.So,the hunt continues.