1979 corvette rebuild

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 20, 2006 | 06:48 PM

jdmayo63

Thread Starter

Navigator

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

1979 corvette rebuild

this is a question that many have already posed. I have a 1979 L82 corvette with the 350 ci engine with automatic trans. I am looking to rebuild the motor and install a 4-5 speed trans. I am looking for suggestions on rebuilding the 350 motor. OR as other threads I have read, I might want to store this motor and install another motor, possibly a BB. I am looking to get about 350-400 horse. this will be a weekend type car to just play with. would be nice to take to the strip as fun just to see what it will do occationally. So if someone could give me some ideas and site to visit to either rebuild the 350 stock motor, or build a BB and install. I have about 4k to spend on the motor and a manual trans. Thanks for any advice to this project I have.

Feb 20, 2006 | 07:25 PM

groovyjay

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 8,220

Likes: 208

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdmayo63

If you are looking no more than 400hp stay away from the big blocks. You can build very reliable 500hp small block and it will be a lot lighter making the car handle better.

As for the transmission go with Tremec TKO-600, it's a 5-speed box with an overdrive. If you are not into fabricating you can buy a direct-fit bolt-on package from Keisler.

Enjoy your car!

Feb 20, 2006 | 07:29 PM

jdmayo63

Thread Starter

Navigator

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

info update

thanks for the info, I read a thread on SB verses BB and the money associated with each. I just would like a beefy 350 with a nice rumble. Do you have any recommendations on building a 350 that would give me what I am looking for, or a site that would recommend such. The motor currently runs hot when in traffic, so I am wanting to rebuild the motor, should I install an electronic fan verses belt, same with the water pump, or is the electronic water pump more for strip cars.? Thanks, Jeff

Feb 20, 2006 | 07:35 PM

groovyjay

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 8,220

Likes: 208

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdmayo63

In the end of the day it comes down to money, what are you looking for and how much are you willing to spend.

I would propably buy an 500-600hp crate engine, remove the old engine and drop a new one in and be done with it.

I installed electric fans on my car, I can't address how much I like them. I used to have tons of heating problems before, but now it stays cool regardless the weather or the type of driving.

I've said it before and I say it again, stock clutch fan systems have been keeping 500hp all iron big blocks cool and when they work they should easily keep late model C3's cool as well.

Feb 20, 2006 | 07:44 PM

jdmayo63

Thread Starter

Navigator

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

crate engine

do you have a suggested site or place to purchase a crate engine? I am in Atlanta GA, so I am sure there are places here that could accomodate a purchase and install.

Feb 20, 2006 | 07:47 PM

MYBAD79

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 5,269

Likes: 54

From: Orlando Florida

St. Jude Donor '05

Well.... you have a forged crank and a 4-bolt main block in that L-82... all you need is better rods (with ARP bolts), maybe an overbore and forged higher comp. pistons. Then you'll need some better flowing aluminum heads and an intake... a better cam (although the L-82 cam is not too bad)...

With the bottom end that you have you can get 350HP with only heads,cam,intake and exhaust.... 64cc heads should bump the CR to 10:1 - that supports a healthy cam.... the weak link is the rods and bolts...

decisions....decisions....decisions....

Feb 20, 2006 | 07:51 PM

groovyjay

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 8,220

Likes: 208

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBad1979

That's right!

You can easily squese a 350hp out of what you already have, so the big question is how much horse power you will need!

As for the place to shop for engines or engines parts I would strongly suggest Summitracing http://www.summitracing.com/ as they have just opened a new super store in McDonough, Georgia!

Feb 20, 2006 | 11:21 PM

Bee Jay

Safety Car

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 3,961

Likes: 573

From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBad1979

The L-82 came with forged rods and pistons too. Have the rods refinished and definitely do replace the rod bolts. I still have my L82 rods and pistons, with moly rings, I honed the cylinders. I run it up to 6500 rpm all the time. Been to 7K a time or two, but not intentionally. The stock L82 cam was decent for power and passing smog emmission requirements, but a healthier cam will really make a difference. The biggest power increase with my L-82 was from the Airflow Reseach 195 heads. I had thought the 2.02 L-82 heads were plenty for the longest. I was wrong. Headers and exhaust was the next biggest difference. I've had three different intake manifolds, I'm happiest with the LT1/Z-28 intake so far. I'm tempted to try the Performer RPM Airgap. Roller cam is next.
Bee Jay