Author Topic: Engine swap or not? (Read 7618 times)

crossboss · « **on:** March 15, 2022, 03:22:56 AM »

Guys,
Need a bit of advice/opinions on this one. My friend who owns a '69 Camaro wants me to do an engine swap...a Brand X engine swap. I'm trying to 'convince' him to stay with the intended engine (Chevrolet). Yet, he is sticking to his convictions for the other brand. I asked him 'why?'. Said he wants to be different than the norm. I'm not shy about doing custom work such as this. However, in this situation 'I' don't feel it is right. Should I do it, or not?

MO · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2022, 04:38:06 AM »

Well, there are plenty of engine swaps with different makes, so that's nothing new. I'm sure you have tried to reason with your friend to make sure that's what he/she really wants to do. If it makes you feel better, you're providing a service; no judgment necessary. Just try to preserve things the best you can for a future reversal.

Kelley W King · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2022, 11:24:35 AM »

Not much difference than a LS conversion IMO. Either would be an engine built for a different platform entirely. I feel sure we will see electric conversions soon if not already.

crossboss · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2022, 04:05:27 PM »

Well, yes in that degree. However, he is thinking a 455 Buick or a 351 Windsor!

maroman · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2022, 04:19:15 PM »

I don't have a nickel in this, but what do you want your reputation to say about you? I would think there's plenty of work available in your comfort zone and what you believe in. If you sway toward the dark side it will be known as a car that Crossboss worked on.

crossboss · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2022, 05:00:02 PM »

Quote from: maroman on March 15, 2022, 04:19:15 PM

I don't have a nickel in this, but what do you want your reputation to say about you? I would think there's plenty of work available in your comfort zone and what you believe in. If you sway toward the dark side it will be known as a car that Crossboss worked on.

Exactly. This is why I questioned it. 'I' don't feel it is the right thing to do. Not a big fan of cross breading. Chevrolet car, Chevrolet engine. Ford car, Ford engine, etc.

169INDY · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2022, 06:17:59 PM »

Go Pontiac 400cu/in, It will be Different and be a piece of Cake,,,,,,,,,

Just 'Cause' a Guy has a Packard Stright Eight (LoL) laying around often does not make economic or rational sense to Just do it just because, but Hey, It only takes funds and desire ,,,,,,,,,,
&
the old adage, "It is his car" the Customer is ALWAYs right when he/she is writing the Checks.

crossboss · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2022, 07:20:43 PM »

Quote from: 169INDY on March 15, 2022, 06:17:59 PM

Go Pontiac 400cu/in, It will be Different and be a piece of Cake,,,,,,,,,

Just 'Cause' a Guy has a Packard Stright Eight (LoL) laying around often does not make economic or rational sense to Just do it just because, but Hey, It only takes funds and desire ,,,,,,,,,,
&
the old adage, "It is his car" the Customer is ALWAYs right when he/she is writing the Checks.

I agree, the customer is always right. As mentioned he is a friend. He won't be a 'customer' so to speak. As a joke, I said to him "You might as well install a Hemi". I think I just gave myself a dose of my own poison. Anyways, the reason he wants the Buick or Ford engine it's because he has them already--"I wanna use what I have". Spock logic. Oh well...

MO · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2022, 07:18:59 PM »

Hopefully your friend will choose the Buick. It's at least in the family, so to speak.

crossboss · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2022, 07:46:16 PM »

Quote from: MO on March 16, 2022, 07:18:59 PM

Hopefully your friend will choose the Buick. It's at least in the family, so to speak.

He chose the Windsor engine. I won't be working on his car.

MO · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2022, 04:23:03 AM »

Seems weird, but that's what hot rodding was/is based on. Be interesting to see how that works out.

crossboss · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2022, 04:36:46 AM »

Quote from: MO on March 17, 2022, 04:23:03 AM

Seems weird, but that's what hot rodding was/is based on. Be interesting to see how that works out.

On that respect, I agree. Hot Rodding is all about modifications/engine swaps, etc. Nice that you do have an open mind to his adventure.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2022, 11:58:44 AM »

A Chevy Camaro with a 351 Ford engine will be 'interesting' at car shows at the very least, given the several million Fords that have been updated/improved with Chevy engines over the last 67 years (since 1955)! Before 1955, installing a Ford flathead into anything else was pretty common...

crossboss · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2022, 04:53:29 PM »

Guys,
I have to admit, your open mind to all of this is amazing. Especially from a 'restoration' Camaro site. So, from what I am hearing, do you think I should actually work on his car with the Windsor swap?

adjudimo · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2022, 11:57:14 PM »

I think you actually working on the car is not an issue. It all falls on the owner for what is done. They ultimately will be the one who will end up with the questions. And if someone comes along and tries to be negative towards you for doing work and committing what they themselves consider wrong then again, that's on them. Your friend in this matter is becoming a customer for which he wants you to perform a service for him/her. So just consider it as just another job, collect your fees and be done with it. I would never put a Windsor in a Camaro myself, but to each there own. Who knows, maybe someone later might come in and ask for a Cummins. In the end, I wouldn't have issues with whatever choice you make. Like said earlier; it's their car and you are the means to their END. No fowl, no harm in my thoughts.

crossboss · « **Reply #15 on:** March 18, 2022, 04:31:30 AM »

Thank you guys for your thoughts and opinions! I'm going to talk to my friend this weekend and have a pow-wow with him to see what comes out of our meeting. IF I decide to move forward on this project, it won't happen for a while anyways. Again, thanks for the support!

MO · « **Reply #16 on:** March 18, 2022, 09:38:19 PM »

I don't see any reason for you not to take it on assuming it falls in line with your abilities. As long as you do a good job with the modifications you shouldn't get any hate for it. Good luck with it if you take it on.

cook_dw · « **Reply #17 on:** April 04, 2022, 11:58:34 AM »

There has been a flathead in a 67 Camaro and a 302 Ford in a 68 Camaro, and an AWD 68 Camaro that was turbo'd. Point is do what you want and what makes you happy. Don't worry about what others think.

https://engineswapdepot.com/?p=73

https://www.motortrend.com/features/1810-check-out-outrageous-unique-awd-1968-camaro/

MO · « **Reply #18 on:** April 05, 2022, 04:42:02 AM »

Ditto, do it the best you can. Progress pics!

crossboss · « **Reply #19 on:** April 06, 2022, 03:27:47 PM »

Thanks guys! Spoke to the friend with the Camaro and the 351 engine. I won't be able to work on the project until later this year (have my project to finish first). I will try and get some preliminary pics to post for everyone.

David K · « **Reply #20 on:** April 12, 2022, 04:02:44 AM »

Tell him to step up and put a 428 Hemi in it. He’ll definitely only one.

crossboss · « **Reply #21 on:** April 12, 2022, 04:45:43 PM »

Quote from: David K on April 12, 2022, 04:02:44 AM

Tell him to step up and put a 428 Hemi in it. He’ll definitely only one.

I believe you meant 426 Hemi, not 428. lol

MO · « **Reply #22 on:** April 13, 2022, 04:10:58 AM »

Maybe Boss 429?

crossboss · « **Reply #23 on:** April 13, 2022, 04:23:44 PM »

Quote from: MO on April 13, 2022, 04:10:58 AM

Maybe Boss 429?

Hehe...speaking of that one, the friend said he would like my engine (Boss 429 as seen in my avatar) in his Camaro! I told him, sorry thats reserved for my project. Either the Hemi or Boss would be a different approach in his Camaro, I told him not to get way over his head on this...and expensive.

MO · « **Reply #24 on:** April 14, 2022, 04:45:49 AM »

Agree. Not sure of actual costs, but I'd think the the Boss would be more expensive to do.

crossboss · « **Reply #25 on:** April 14, 2022, 05:27:52 PM »

Quote from: MO on April 14, 2022, 04:45:49 AM

Agree. Not sure of actual costs, but I'd think the the Boss would be more expensive to do.

Building a Hemi or a Boss 429 is not cheap, or really practical for this project. This is why he wants to use the engines he has (Buick 455 or the 351 Windsor). I can understand his reasoning. It's a 98 percent he is going with the 351.

crossboss · « **Reply #26 on:** April 22, 2022, 04:44:37 AM »

Here are the Carrillo rods for the 351 engine he intends to use.
Gotta say, those Carrillo's are a work of art!

David K · « **Reply #27 on:** April 23, 2022, 02:11:47 AM »

I was at the Goodguys show in San Diego last year. 56 Chevy with 426 hemi under the hood. That was cool.

MO · « **Reply #28 on:** April 23, 2022, 03:56:42 AM »

Quote from: crossboss on April 22, 2022, 04:44:37 AM

Here are the Carrillo rods for the 351 engine he intends to use.
Gotta say, those Carrillo's are a work of art!

No doubt!

crossboss · « **Reply #29 on:** April 25, 2022, 06:25:30 PM »

Absolutely those Carrillo's are way ahead of those Chinese import con rods you see for sale. What is also so amazing, they are extremely light weight. Best of both worlds, strong (rated up to 1,200 HP!), and light for less mass on the rotational assembly. Btw, they are 6.125 in length, and Honda sized on the big ends @ 2.2"

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Author Topic: Engine swap or not? (Read 7618 times)