engine choices for malibu/chevelle

[Tannerm]

So I will be picking a 65 chevelle this weekend. It's clean minus a little rust in the normal spots. It is a 4 door but I personally don't care. It got 20" torque thrust wheels that I'll probably replace with some more appropriate wheels. I am not a chevy guy... but I love gen 1 chevelles. And this one is coming in on trade for my bike. It currently has a 283 and 700r. Tranny I'll keep but would love a different engine choice. What would y'all put it her on the cheap? When I say cheap, gimme a ballpark on yalls opinions.

[Tannerm]

It's a work in progress. Plan on driving as is until I get to a point financially to complete it. Talking to the ol country bumpkin, he seems pretty honest. It runs great with no issues.

[Whiteboy]

ls base motor

[AnthonyS]

go BB or go home.... my wife wants a Chevelle, and I'm going big with it. I don't care if it's the fastest thing or not. I want that BB torque of god sensation that only big cubic inches can deliver.

[Tannerm]

So u going with a 396 or a 454? Or a stroker of one of those.

[Tannerm]

ls base motor

I'm inclined to agree with u. Granted, I'm unsure what the cost of a LS motor would be. And it's compatibility with the existing 700r trans. Perfect World I'd have a 5sp manual tranny.

[Tannerm]

F

I'm not against the wheels, but she definitely needs a lowering kit to compliment the torque thursts.

[cool cat]

I have a mid 60's 283 block and crank I don't need.

[dee]

The ls engine will bolt up to the 700 trans but depending on the shape the 700 is in it might not live long.

[talisman]

Is it running? If it is I would just leave it alone. You're not going to get a very good return on investment changing the drive train in a 4 door, and you horse trade a lot. Throw on some Astro Supremes with pinner whites, bellflower tips, and drop it onto the ground.

[Back N Black]

Is it running? If it is I would just leave it alone. You're not going to get a very good return on investment changing the drive train in a 4 door, and you horse trade a lot. Throw on some Astro Supremes with pinner whites, bellflower tips, and drop it onto the ground.

I agree with this. That's a pretty slick car, even if it is a more door.

[ELVIS]

holla at me in 2 months when its for sale. ive got some 13 inch spokes that will look great on it when its sitting in my garage.

god bless.

[whitetrash]

LS swap ballpark 15-2000 total. I see 4.8s and 5.3s for 2-300 regularly

[80coupe]

Lower it and drive it, i like it.

[Tannerm]

No I'm with ya clint. Now for u gm guys... what is a good lowering kit for those torque thrusts? I dig the wheels. But they seem big with its stock height... don't know the first place to find this stuff and what is a good deal.