Smoking Gun

I have a 1980 L-82, all stock with 101k miles. The only thing I have done is I'm currently in the process of replacing all the speakers, CD player and adding a sub and amp. All of that is already purchased and sitting in my house.

Here's where I need your help. The rest of the Vette is stock and I have no more than $600 to spend. I originally thought I would replace the carb and intake but I seem to get mixed reviews on what would work best. What would you recommend I upgrade that best fits this price? I would like to improve performance but don't want to put additional stress on my motor. Fielding all suggestions within my budget.....

NJVette77

You need help spending money? send some my way

Priya

Well, anything you do to increase the horsepower is going to increase stress on the engine, but for 600 you're not going to place a significant amount of additional stress on the engine unless maybe you add nitrous oxide to it.

Other than a carb/intake/ and/or cam there's not a lot you can do for $600.

jotto

Dual exhaust with headers and a cam/lifter swap. Should come in within budget and give you a bit more seat of the pants kick!

eastltd

Without knowing the overall condition of the car and with the limited budget, I would suggest spending the $600 on general maintenance. Brakes, tune-up, suspension, electrical and exhaust systems are all areas you could look at and improve.

Inspect the car and pick the area that needs the most help.

mds3013

Smoking Gun

I've already taken care of all the basics like you mentioned. The tune-up kit is already purchased as well.

Smoking Gun

Got any sites you would recommend to make these purchases from?

Ganey

Start w/ exhaust.
Headers, duals & low restriction mufflers.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Flowtech/387/31106/10002/-1
These are same as Dynomax. L-82 doesn't need another cam badly as L-48 does.
New ig. module rec. if not done.

mydejavooo

Headers and true-dual exhaust gets my vote as well. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9003/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WLK-17657/

Deja

Smoking Gun

How would this set-up work out:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker-Headers/520/2456/10002/-1

http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker-Headers/520/16521/10002/-1

http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker-Headers/520/21502/10002/-1

Please keep in mind I have never used headers in the past so if I've made some mistake with this selection please let me know.

jordan89

After exhaust you might want to think about a cam, intake, and maybe a carb.

Mad Vette

With 101k your engine you might want to consider a rebuilding your it first. At the same time go for a new rotating assembly maybe up the cubic inches to a 383 or a 406 along with a new cam. Then how about some new heads like AFR or Dart. Then go for your new intake carb and headers.

Tuxblacray

If you want it to soud better go with Gainey's advice...

If you want it to look better and breath easier under the hood Try a package like this Performer pack from Jeg.....

http://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/1406/10002/-1

Ganey

Actually if someone has a properly functioning Q-J & replaces w/ the Edelbrock carb, don't expect a perf. increase.

For example:

TQ .................HP same +/-1
343 @ 5000 ... 349 @ 6000 ... Q-J JET Perf. ADAPTER used.
328 @ 4800 ... 351 @ 6100 ... Holley 600
329 @ 3900 ... 351 @ 6100 ... Edelbrock 600 1405
327 @ 4000 ... 350 @ 6100 ... Edelbrock 750 1407

Ganey

Looks good.

Smoking Gun

My concern was that all the parts outlet sizes didn't match up. Now that I look at it more closely.

The headers appear to be 3", the dual exhaust is 2.25" and the mufflers are 2.5". Am I missing something?

Ganey

The ex. pipe kit should & appears to have reducers to the ex. pipes. You would need 2 1/4 mufflers. This is fine for your setup & since are Mandrel bent may be as good or better than some 2 1/2. If you were going to greatly increase power later, then 2 1/2 pipes.

Smoking Gun

Looking to keep the same setup except add these mufflers instead:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Borla/157/40652/10002/-1

Smoking Gun

Any one have any idea how much it would cost to have headers, a true dual exhaust and new mufflers installed? I wish I could do my own work but I can't.