Seeking advice on engine swap for 1980 El Camino

996ttderm

I just bought a 1980 El Camino, Royal Knight with 267ci original engine that has never been rebuilt. The car has 157k miles. Rather than have the original engine rebuilt, I am thinking that I will just buy a rebuilt engine and have it installed. The 267 seems to be kind of a dog anyway. This is a car that is mainly for the girlfriend to use as a *temporary* daily driver and when I told her that I thought it would be cool to put a 454 in it she complained that her gas milage would suck. She told me a 350 would be a much better choice.

I don't mind spending the bucks for big block that will kick the rear end of *lesser* Porsches or vettes, but I don't really want to spend a lot on a small block chevy, maybe 2 or 3 or 4 thousand is my budget. Also, I am not going to do it myself but have the mechanic do it for me so I don't want to select an engine that will require moving around a lot of stuff in to engine compartment to make it work. Also, definetly want to keep the car's A/C system and not want to buy additional parts to maintain the functionality of this and other options.

The previous owner just installed new tranny, radiator, a/c compressor, alternator and I would like to use these existing parts if possible.

I looked at superchargers online and they look like a nice way to bolt on 100+ hp, so I am thinking that if it turns out that I like the car later then I might spend an extra 2k later on that.

What are my options?
350?
383?
others?

Thank you. I really appreciate any advice. K Warren

CANTED · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 6:22 pm Post subject: mill swap

Welcome to ECC, Kelly. Any of the engines you mentioned will be a good wake up for your 80. A small block will be better for your budget and a less involved swap. It will also be less fuel hungry like your lady friend mentioned.
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Jim
70 ElCamino 461 solid M20 331eaton
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Elky 83 · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:11 pm Post subject:

Don't forget that if your build big HP you will need a better rear end. The 7.5 won't hold alot of hourse power.
Mike
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mygallary

1BadElky · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:23 pm Post subject:

yep. you can expect to spend 600+ on a Buick GN rear end.
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Steve81OR · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 2:31 am Post subject:

old_coot · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:10 am Post subject:

I am wondering if the original tranny was rebuilt and if its the th200 that was behind the 267---I have had one of each and they are indeed weak. I don't want another of either...but in the 4 thousand dollar range I would think that that would allow for a new crate motor and a fresh th700r4 --all goodness for the el caminos....the rear end can be dealt with later when you really want to make some power---I have had a couple 383's in g-body cars that have kept the 7.5 rear end, as long as you don't make a lot of power and put sticky tires on you will be just fine..My old Monte CarloSS with the 383, th700r4 and stock 3.73 geared 7.5 inch rear end was good for 12.8 quarters all day long and I had that combination together for over 40,000 before I sold it and had no problems---as far as I know its still out there pounding the ground...My el camino is in the process of getting a fuel injected 406 withth700r4 and for now the 7.5 is getting the duty of bringing up the rear but I have toadmit I am also in the process of adapting the 8.8 disc braked rear end from a t-bird turbo coupefor its future duty as a tow vehicle for my Regal-T-type......Dan
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I don't think I have ever had a car that was "FINISHED"........unless it was totaled.