Engine swap or not?

[crossboss]

Guys,
Need a bit of advice/opinions on this one. My friend who owns a '69 Camaro wants me to do an engine swap...a Brand X engine swap. I'm trying to 'convince' him to stay with the intended engine (Chevrolet). Yet, he is sticking to his convictions for the other brand. I asked him 'why?'. Said he wants to be different than the norm. I'm not shy about doing custom work such as this. However, in this situation 'I' don't feel it is right. Should I do it, or not?

[MO]

Well, there are plenty of engine swaps with different makes, so that's nothing new. I'm sure you have tried to reason with your friend to make sure that's what he/she really wants to do. If it makes you feel better, you're providing a service; no judgment necessary. Just try to preserve things the best you can for a future reversal.

[Kelley W King]

Not much difference than a LS conversion IMO. Either would be an engine built for a different platform entirely. I feel sure we will see electric conversions soon if not already.

[crossboss]

Well, yes in that degree. However, he is thinking a 455 Buick or a 351 Windsor!

[maroman]

I don't have a nickel in this, but what do you want your reputation to say about you? I would think there's plenty of work available in your comfort zone and what you believe in. If you sway toward the dark side it will be known as a car that Crossboss worked on.

[crossboss]

I don't have a nickel in this, but what do you want your reputation to say about you? I would think there's plenty of work available in your comfort zone and what you believe in. If you sway toward the dark side it will be known as a car that Crossboss worked on.

Exactly. This is why I questioned it. 'I' don't feel it is the right thing to do. Not a big fan of cross breading. Chevrolet car, Chevrolet engine. Ford car, Ford engine, etc.

[169INDY]

Go Pontiac 400cu/in, It will be Different and be a piece of Cake,,,,,,,,,

Just 'Cause' a Guy has a Packard Stright Eight (LoL) laying around often does not make economic or rational sense to Just do it just because, but Hey, It only takes  funds and desire ,,,,,,,,,,
&
the old adage, "It is his car"  the Customer is ALWAYs right when he/she is writing the Checks.

[crossboss]

Go Pontiac 400cu/in, It will be Different and be a piece of Cake,,,,,,,,,

Just 'Cause' a Guy has a Packard Stright Eight (LoL) laying around often does not make economic or rational sense to Just do it just because, but Hey, It only takes  funds and desire ,,,,,,,,,,
&
the old adage, "It is his car"  the Customer is ALWAYs right when he/she is writing the Checks.

I agree, the customer is always right. As mentioned he is a friend. He won't be a 'customer' so to speak. As a joke, I said to him "You might as well install a Hemi". I think I just gave myself a dose of my own poison. Anyways, the reason he wants the Buick or Ford engine it's because he has them already--"I wanna use what I have". Spock logic. Oh well...

[MO]

Hopefully your friend will choose the Buick. It's at least in the family, so to speak.

[crossboss]

Hopefully your friend will choose the Buick. It's at least in the family, so to speak.

He chose the Windsor engine. I won't be working on his car.

[MO]

Seems weird, but that's what hot rodding was/is based on. Be interesting to see how that works out.

[crossboss]

Seems weird, but that's what hot rodding was/is based on. Be interesting to see how that works out.

On that respect, I agree. Hot Rodding is all about modifications/engine swaps, etc. Nice that you do have an open mind to his adventure.

[69Z28-RS]

A Chevy Camaro with a 351 Ford engine will be 'interesting' at car shows at the very least, given the several million Fords that have been updated/improved with Chevy engines over the last 67 years (since 1955)!  Before 1955, installing a Ford flathead into anything else was pretty common... 

[crossboss]

Guys,
I have to admit, your open mind to all of this is amazing. Especially from a 'restoration' Camaro site. So, from what I am hearing, do you think I should actually work on his car with the Windsor swap?

[adjudimo]

I think you actually working on the car is not an issue. It all falls on the owner for what is done. They ultimately will be the one who will end up with the questions. And if someone comes along and tries to be negative towards you for doing work and committing what they themselves consider wrong then again, that's on them. Your friend in this matter is becoming a customer for which he wants you to perform a service for him/her. So just consider it as just another job, collect your fees and be done with it. I would never put a Windsor in a Camaro myself, but to each there own. Who knows, maybe someone later might come in and ask for a Cummins. In the end, I wouldn't have issues with whatever choice you make. Like said earlier; it's their car and you are the means to their END. No fowl, no harm in my thoughts.