What would you do with a 512 block

CDNL-78 · #1 09-09-2012, 02:27 PM

Gentlemen,

I have just purchased a 512 block dated Jan 9 69 std bore. I have also picked up a 7115 crank and dimple rods. My thought's are to build a L-72 bottom end with a L-88 cam, 840's, 163 intake. This will give it the correct look for the Nova. I also have a 6223 crank in the garage to use if need be. However, I don't believe there is much more effort to build an LS-6 with this block. What are the difference's? Best bang for the buck, and fun factor is what I'm looking for. This will be my winter project. If these parts were sitting in your garage, what and how would you build it. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/

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**Alss** · #2 09-09-2012, 04:52 PM

I'd sell the factory bottom end stuff and buy a good stroker rotating assembly as a drastic measure..but using parts in hand..454!....cubic inches equals [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/

[/img] especially in a street car [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

VintageMusclecar · #3 09-09-2012, 05:05 PM

I always advise the first two things that need to be determined are 1) A performance/HP goal, and 2) a budget.

Since you already have a pretty nice stash of parts to work with, I'd lean towards a 454 build, or even better as Al suggested above, possibly a 489/496 stroker build. I did exactly that with the engine in my Chevelle--rectangle port closed chamber heads, solid lifter cam and a 163 intake--and it easily surpassed my expectations with plenty more left in reserve (and I'm not done with it yet either! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img] ) .

You can read about it here if you'd like.

**427freak** · #4 09-09-2012, 05:41 PM

I have 2 new stroker kits that I ended up not using. Will take the engine to 496 cu in. Let me know if you have any interest.

**69SSZL1** · #5 09-09-2012, 07:19 PM

There is nothing that sounds like a 427 L88 motor at idle or running at 7000RPM!

ss427copo · #6 09-09-2012, 07:26 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 69SSZL1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is nothing that sounds like a 427 L88 motor at idle or running at 7000RPM! </div></div>

YUP......that's what I say every time I fire up the 69. .685 lift will do that!

CDNL-78 · #7 02-28-2013, 02:13 PM

Got the motor back now, and it's in the garage ready to be installed. We built it as indicated in the first post. Stock L72 bottom end with the L88 cam. Found a M22 to put behind this motor now also.

I finally found a set of 842's and took them to the machine shop yesterday. He will just touch up the seats and valves quick and check the spring pressure's then install them in place of the 840's. I realize they won't increase the HP, but will look pretty neat.

Your thoughts on HP that this motor will make? I'm being told around the 500HP mark. Does that sound right for my combo? Regardless, I can't wait for our snow to melt and get this all in the car and go for a tour.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Jim Ferron · #8 02-28-2013, 02:46 PM

I built a 496 [489 most 496's are really 489's]with mine. You can get cheap stroker kits and some that are not quite as cheap. I paid $1800 for an eagle set up but the Scat kit was maybe half as much.I wish I had saved the cash and bought the Scat...

I'll bet the cheapest stuff you could find is stronger/better than anything GM made. Nobody will see whats inside the engine, just call it a 427 and you be good to go,

[I painted mine blue and called it a 400 as I jammed it in my 69 GTO]

And remember it's the the cubes that make the sound, it's the compression.

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