Anyone know of a good mechanic in so cal who has done a v8 conversion? I have a 71 and am looking to swap out the engine and prob the 3 speed. I know TLC does it, but a brand new fuel injected GM isn't really what I'm looking for. Thanks!
Small block swap mechanic
- Thread starter superswift
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Maybe not soca but Georg from Valley Hybrids in Stockton is probably the best expert you can find in California. He goes by @orange45 on here.
Consider a different transmission. If you want a manual, maybe an NV4500. You generally lose the heater keeping the 3 speed. The shorter motor pushes the trans forward about 1~1 1/2 cylinders. The five speed is long enough to work out pretty well. If you want to stay cruiser the four or five speed from the 60 series. The shifter comes out a few inches farther back on the top cover than the 40 series four speed. It gives you some more wiggle room. On top of that the first gear in the three speed is basically the same as second in a four or five speed. V-8's don't like lugging down to 400 rpm like a straight six will. The three speed isn't all that good a match for a v-8 powerband
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- #5
Yeah the nv4500 seems the way to go. Just need to find someone in SoCal that can do it 
Why not just buy one with a v8? They sell for less than the 6cyl ones typically
