1969 Corvette Stocker

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by S/ST4707

If you were building a 1969 Corvette for Stock what engine combination do you think would be most competitive? Also, if you were to go to a big block which combination would have available head and manifold castings.

If it was me just starting out in stock I would go with the 300 HP version. It has been de-rated to 290 HP and the 69 Corvette coupe breaks (10.87) good for F and G. Going to E might be tuff although the car can get really light. The one I ran back in 1970-72 could get to 2950 lbs with steel cragar spoke wheels on the front and the OEM ralley steel wheels on the rear. This was with the radio, heater, windshield wipers, etc. still in the car and I had to carrry the steel wheeled spare tire and some balist to make weight (3152) as we couldnt go to the min. weight back in 1970.. Its a less expensive combo to assemble and you can still get away with the swing axle assembly with an automatic (Turbo 350 or 200 metric= less weight). We had to use a 400 turbo back in the stone age although mine was a 4-speed (muncie). If you beef up the rear axle assembly with larger u-joints and a 12 bolt ring and pinion (cut down to fit the 10 bolt rear) it will live. The big blocks really need the 12 bolt conversion although some are getting away with the swing axle (pure luck) with an automatic. If money is no object then Id build an L-88 for AA and A with an automatic. A 12 bolt solid axle would be mandatory with the big "KHAHUNA" All of the engine combos are set back in the chassis approx 10% and the wheelbase is only 98 inches. GREAT for a race car. Its one bad Mo Fo. Those Mustangs wont keep their HP rating forever as some inflated egos will come into play sooner or later. Its all a mater of how fast do you want to go and how much do you want to spend.