Discussion
I am thinking of buying a late 70's Corvette (love the shape) and was wondering a couple of things:
I believe the engine would be an L82? Can these be tuned reasonably well at a reasonable price, or
Is it easy to swap for an LSx engine?
I am looking for around 350bhp and reasonable reliability.
I believe the engine would be an L82? Can these be tuned reasonably well at a reasonable price, or
Is it easy to swap for an LSx engine?
I am looking for around 350bhp and reasonable reliability.
Not the first time Cliff. I've seen pics of LT5 C3's in the past. Check out this LT5 C2 split window
http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=408072
Btw, who did you bump into at Claremont on Boxing Day??
http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=408072
Btw, who did you bump into at Claremont on Boxing Day??
LSx engine swap will be moderately involved - you'll need to install a suitable loom and all the ECU etc. as well as run high pressure fuel lines and fit a suitable injection fuel pump arrangement.
LSx will give good economy and lighter weight too, BUT if you don't do that many miles (i.e. don't mind less economy) you'd find it very straightforward to drop in a crate first generation small-block. These can be had in any state of tune from around 190 hp (stock lowest power Vette...) to over 500 (latter likely to be a bit more pricey).
Check out Real Steel in West Drayton for prices on long engines, can't remember but think around the power you want will be circa £3.5k for a new motor. Then you've got your old one should originality suddenly become a desire again... And it'll drop more or less straight in. The people at RS have always been really helpful too, so worth a ring even if you're just considering it.
PS LS engine will need some aftermarket tweaks to the control setup (ECU/PCM) since as standard it will want to see cats (o2 sensor after cats) and probably also other inputs like vehicle speed and transmission sensors.
LSx will give good economy and lighter weight too, BUT if you don't do that many miles (i.e. don't mind less economy) you'd find it very straightforward to drop in a crate first generation small-block. These can be had in any state of tune from around 190 hp (stock lowest power Vette...) to over 500 (latter likely to be a bit more pricey).
Check out Real Steel in West Drayton for prices on long engines, can't remember but think around the power you want will be circa £3.5k for a new motor. Then you've got your old one should originality suddenly become a desire again... And it'll drop more or less straight in. The people at RS have always been really helpful too, so worth a ring even if you're just considering it.
PS LS engine will need some aftermarket tweaks to the control setup (ECU/PCM) since as standard it will want to see cats (o2 sensor after cats) and probably also other inputs like vehicle speed and transmission sensors.
Heres an engine loom, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Corvette-ZR-1-1990-Brand-new-E
LT5 power will return good stock long legged power,great sound and looks although to get over 500 hp you will need big ££££'s but there are 350's with home grown work known to get in the 11's.
LT5 power will return good stock long legged power,great sound and looks although to get over 500 hp you will need big ££££'s but there are 350's with home grown work known to get in the 11's.
No problem Kevin - first generation smallblocks are actually the most popular engine on the planet in terms of numbers out there, and many parts are interchangeable between different engines. Tuning these is also relatively cheap, options wise on a late 70's Vette, these engines were probably some of the most strangled engines due to smog equipment (emissions) and therefore have the most potential to increase power from their stock forms.
It'll depend somewhat on the condition of the engine you get as to what you'll need to do - it's no sense tuning a tired engine, although rebuilding these is not super expensive or super difficult. Assuming the bottom end is in good condition, probably best advise is to get some tubular headers, different heads, inlet manifold, carb and cam. That'll release a pretty respectable amount of power, probable cost for that lot around £2k, but check it out first! Check it against a new engine though - there may not be that much price difference in it.
Sorry about emoticon - Sciencebird is interfering!
It'll depend somewhat on the condition of the engine you get as to what you'll need to do - it's no sense tuning a tired engine, although rebuilding these is not super expensive or super difficult. Assuming the bottom end is in good condition, probably best advise is to get some tubular headers, different heads, inlet manifold, carb and cam. That'll release a pretty respectable amount of power, probable cost for that lot around £2k, but check it out first! Check it against a new engine though - there may not be that much price difference in it.
Sorry about emoticon - Sciencebird is interfering!
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