L69 350 dilemna!

[Guest BillV]

I can buy a good running 84 TA w/ 5.0HO and 5 speed for $900, i also know where I can get a W/C T5 w/ bellhousing and flywheel for $385. My dilemna is whether to go with the L69, or get the trans separately and find a car with a running 350. I just want a running car for, now, Next summer I will build a motor for it anyway. (the car is an 83ZX by the way) This is going to be a budget swap for now, and I could probably part out the TA and recoup most of my money.

THANKS!!

[jonzer12]

I picked up a free l69 rebuilt motor off my buddy and was going to put it in as a budget motor until I got laid off lol, anyways its hardly a powerful motor but its will make a decent ground pounder in a Z for street use. I would just lose the factory carb. You said yourself that its just a budget project and v8 torque will make any Z fun. If the motor is in good shape pick it up. Seems like a good deal to me.

[Guest BillV]

Thats the direction I was leaning, I know the engine runs ok, and the tranny shifts ok, plus all the accessories I will need are there. I might change the cam, since I need to put gaskets on anyway. Will a 650 spreadbore Holley be too much? I have a good one in my garage. Also, what about L98 aluminum heads? I think I can get a set at a good price, even though they aren't as good as aftermarket or Vortec heads, just trying to save some weight.

[Guest Aaron]

I personally think those types of situations are perfect for a budget build. Put the engine and trans in the car and get it running. It will make a good driver. Then you can save up your money to build a 327, 350, 383, 400, whatever your heart desires, and it will drop right in the place of that 305.