Reply to "chevy conversion"

I believe a number of Panteras have been converted to big block GM engines. As I understand the conversion process, it can be very expense and end up with poor performance results. Not the big block expense because they are cheep. It�s all the other stuff that needs to be done to get the engine installed. Even if the big block was free it would most likely be less costly to rebuild the 351C. You don�t see many GM big blocks in Panteras now a days because most of the people that installed them did not get the performance they expected and ended up pulling them back out. The 351C is only 550 lb and you sure do not need 75 lbs or more added to the back of a Pantera. I�m not sure but isn�t the big block going to be over 625 lb with custom motor mounts, custom headers, etc.?

The 351C can be pretty easily built to 475 � 500 hp or if you want really big HP go with a 427 Windsor. I think you are doing the smart thing though, by checking out the availability and cost to make the conversion. Once you start buying stuff and start the conversion it�s hard stop when you discover that it is very costly and a well tuned 351C car will out perform the monster big block.

On the surface the GM option looks attractive but there are many negatives in the end. If you already have the big block you could sell it for a few bucks and put that money on the 351C or find a 351W.



[This message has been edited by Mike Dailey (edited 05-12-2003).]