ranma Posted March 2, 2024 Posted March 2, 2024 Any better engine's from either AMT or MPC to replace the junk that comes in the '76 Caprice kit?? I think that the '70 Monte Carlo has every thing in the correct location, to match the Caprice, but not sure of this.
espo Posted March 2, 2024 Posted March 2, 2024 If you're referring to a big block Chevrolet engine, a couple to consider would be any of the recent Revell kits with a big block Chevelles or Camaros. The AMT '70 Monte Carlo would be a possibility, but AMT has offered a few kits since then that may be a better choice. AMT had several Corvette kits that had nice big block engines as well.
Rodent Posted March 3, 2024 Posted March 3, 2024 The 70 Monte Carlo has the best 69-up BBC with the accessories in the right place.
bobss396 Posted March 3, 2024 Posted March 3, 2024 I just picked up a nice BBC from VCG resins for my '77 GMC wrecker project, not cheap but very nice. 3D printed, very crisp details.
espo Posted March 3, 2024 Posted March 3, 2024 Another one to think about would be the Revelle '66 Impala SS kit as well. That one even has the air conditioning system present.
blizzy63 Posted March 5, 2024 Posted March 5, 2024 (edited) Back in my last year of high school (c.1981), my Physics teacher drove a '76 Chevy Caprice 2-door with a 454. As we didn't see too many big block V8s in our area of the continent, I was curious to see a 454 in an everyday Chevy. I have to say, after having a good look under the hood in Auto class, that I was not impressed with this detuned dinosaur covered over with accessories and smog control devices. The 454 went from muscle car legend in 1970 to gas-guzzling anachronism just six malaise-ridden years later. The challenge with the MPC kit is not just to add the appropriate engine accessories but to include all the black rubber and plastic under-hood linguini typical of American cars of this period. The kit: Reality: Edited March 5, 2024 by blizzy63 1
Bainford Posted March 5, 2024 Posted March 5, 2024 MPC sure 'phoned it in' with that one (typical of the era, of course). I would say that for anyone intending to fully detail out the Caprice engine bay, the actual engine used wouldn't matter. You could get away with a Lego brick once it's buried under all of those wires, hoses, and vacuum lines. 1
blizzy63 Posted March 6, 2024 Posted March 6, 2024 Here's the built-up engine bay on the AMT 928 '70 Monte Carlo SS454 kit (2018) for comparison to the MPC '76 Caprice. [Model by Dragonhawk1066] 1
stavanzer Posted March 11, 2024 Posted March 11, 2024 The '76 Did not come with a BBC, IIRC. Only a small block. The "Wrong Engine" issue has been a much talked about problem for some time. Every time the '76 is re-issued, the reviewer usually takes the time to point out that the engine is a carry over from the original 1973-74 version of the kit, and thus incorrect for the '76. So, I'd say find a late 1970's Small Block and swap away.
blizzy63 Posted March 11, 2024 Posted March 11, 2024 (edited) 19 hours ago, stavanzer said: The '76 Did not come with a BBC, IIRC. Only a small block. The "Wrong Engine" issue has been a much talked about problem for some time. Every time the '76 is re-issued, the reviewer usually takes the time to point out that the engine is a carry over from the original 1973-74 version of the kit, and thus incorrect for the '76. So, I'd say find a late 1970's Small Block and swap away. 1976 was the final year for a big block in a Chevrolet automobile. The 1977 Chevrolet full-size was a completely redesigned animal and had a small block 350 as its biggest engine. The ‘76 full-size was available with a 225 net h.p. Turbo-Jet 454. I’ve only seen one such factory-equipped Caprice in my life (see my post above). Edited March 11, 2024 by blizzy63
1972coronet Posted March 11, 2024 Posted March 11, 2024 22 hours ago, stavanzer said: The '76 Did not come with a BBC, IIRC. Only a small block. I believe that you're subjectively correct : IIRC, the Turbo Jet 400 (402) and the 454 weren't available with California emissions. The 350 four barrel was the top engine ; maybe the 400 Turbo Fire (SBC).
Rodent Posted March 11, 2024 Posted March 11, 2024 4 minutes ago, 1972coronet said: I believe that you're subjectively correct : IIRC, the Turbo Jet 400 (402) and the 454 weren't available with California emissions. The 350 four barrel was the top engine ; maybe the 400 Turbo Fire (SBC). Online brochure shows the 350-2 and the 454 not available in California. 1
Can-Con Posted March 11, 2024 Posted March 11, 2024 22 hours ago, stavanzer said: The '76 Did not come with a BBC, IIRC. Only a small block. The "Wrong Engine" issue has been a much talked about problem for some time. Every time the '76 is re-issued, the reviewer usually takes the time to point out that the engine is a carry over from the original 1973-74 version of the kit, and thus incorrect for the '76. So, I'd say find a late 1970's Small Block and swap away. I had an actual '76 Caprice Classic Landau, it definitely came with a 454 from the factory. The kit engine is actually a carry over from the '68 Impala kit along with the chassis plate.
Can-Con Posted March 11, 2024 Posted March 11, 2024 9 hours ago, blizzy63 said: 1976 was the final year for a big block in a Chevrolet automobile. The 1977 Chevrolet full-size was a completely redesigned animal and had a small block 350 as its biggest engine. The ‘76 full-size was available with a 225 net h.p. Turbo-Jet 454. I’ve only seen one such factory-equipped Caprice in my life (see my post above). I OWNED one. 1
Bills72sj Posted March 12, 2024 Posted March 12, 2024 On 3/5/2024 at 1:16 AM, blizzy63 said: Back in my last year of high school (c.1981), my Physics teacher drove a '76 Chevy Caprice 2-door with a 454. As we didn't see too many big block V8s in our area of the continent, I was curious to see a 454 in an everyday Chevy. I have to say, after having a good look under the hood in Auto class, that I was not impressed with this detuned dinosaur covered over with accessories and smog control devices. The 454 went from muscle car legend in 1970 to gas-guzzling anachronism just six malaise-ridden years later. The challenge with the MPC kit is not just to add the appropriate engine accessories but to include all the black rubber and plastic under-hood linguini typical of American cars of this period. The kit: Reality: I was trying to go all in on my smog era 74 H/O with a 455 Rocket Olds. 2
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now