Hello all,
My '67 Belvedere II has the original 318 engine in it, and has had maintenance items done on it over the years, but has never had a long or short block done. It has a bit over 42K original miles on it, and starts and runs strong, but shows it's age...a bit of valve train noise, shows a hint of light blue smoke at time, and never idles as smooth as I'd like it to. I haven't had to add oil between changes, and has no leaks. The timing chain, carb, transmission gasket, head gasket, and rear main seal are new.
I can just drive the car as is, but I've considered swapping the original block for a well-done long block, or having a long block done to the original engine at a shop.

I realize my car, as nice as it is, isn't a huge collectable. Would I be making a mistake by taking the original engine from it?

Thanks!

 

That is a nice car and I think it does have some collector value. Check the compression on all the cylinders. If you have good compression and you are not using oil, I would drive it. As far as it not running smooth, maybe a good tune up and valve adjustment would help. Todays gasoline is not carburetor friendly and may be some of the rough idle problem.

 

I would not hesitate for a second to build a small block for it and swap it for the original 318. Just pull it and set it aside with all the original pieces and have a blast with your car.

I don't Leave anything stock....

 

Thanks for the advice. The only thing I haven't done is check the compression. It's been tuned by a professional and he also just put on an new edelbrock 600cfm carb with electronic choke.

 

yeah. that.