81 Engine Mods
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Midland Texas
81 Engine Mods
I am in the beginning stages of restoring my new 81 bone stock Vette. This is my first encounter with a Corvette (A/T) and I'm excited. I will be pulling the motor in October and I have been hearing that I am about to run into huge problems trying to obtain my goal of 275-300 hp and remain within Texas Emissions standards. I guess its conflicts with CCC and such. To make a long story short.....Is it going to be possible to hit 275-300hp and still be able to pass emission tests?
Any input greatly appreciated.
Any input greatly appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 3
From: VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
You shouldn't need to worry about emissions. At least here in Virginia if the car is 25 years old or older it is emissions exempt. You should check your local laws to make sure.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Midland Texas
Thank you for the input, wasnt wanting to register as an "antique" due to driving restrictions, but I now see it can be registered as a classic which doesnt have the driving restrictions. Computers gettin yanked in October. Thanks again for pointing this out!
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Friendswood Texas
Originally Posted by Visine
Thank you for the input, wasnt wanting to register as an "antique" due to driving restrictions, but I now see it can be registered as a classic which doesnt have the driving restrictions. Computers gettin yanked in October. Thanks again for pointing this out!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Maintain the egr, with edebrock eps performer, drill holes in headers for air system new computer controlled carb from holly,or edelbrock a good cam, decent set of heads and you are there or you can buy a long block from summit with 290hp for $1,700 and put your headers a good intake and carb and you are there part # NAL-12499529 and you have a newblock and maintain your computer crap and egr stuff you will be good with a good solid motor also for shi# and giggles look up crate motors on summit or sdc2000 Scogins dickie and you can choose from there the hp you are going for is not that bad priced
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Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 1
From: Baytown Texas
I pondered over the same problem. I bought an LS1 out of a 2000 Vette for mine to get the HP I want and still be able to pass emissions test. $3000 with all accessories, harness and PCM. It will cost you at least that much to build a motor with 350 HP.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,295
Likes: 30
From: one night in Bangkok you are never lonely
Originally Posted by Crazy81
I pondered over the same problem. I bought an LS1 out of a 2000 Vette for mine to get the HP I want and still be able to pass emissions test. $3000 with all accessories, harness and PCM. It will cost you at least that much to build a motor with 350 HP.
what trans will you use 
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Friendswood Texas
Originally Posted by diamondtcb
I am in Houston also, I have a 1980 Vette. You do have to have a safety inspection but not an emissions inspection. The sticker is a different color and it only costs $12.50
Vehicles registered as "Antiques" are exempted from the annual inspection. To see the restrictions on the use of antiques or to obtain more information on how to register your vehicle as an "Antique" see the TXDOT website.
Vehicles registered as "Classic" are required to have the annual safety inspection. These types of vehicles are inspected like any passenger vehicle. Certain items of inspection, however, may or may not be required to be inspected depending on the age of the car. (For example, seatbelt and anchorages are only required if the vehicle was originally manufactured with them)
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/Misc/faq/veh_type.htm
Antique Vehicle License Plate
Antique license plates are issued for cars, trucks or motorcycles that are at least 25 years old and are a collector’s item. The vehicle must be used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades or other functions of public interest. Vehicles displaying Antique plates may not be used for regular transportation or carry advertising; however, the vehicle may be driven to and from a location for routine maintenance.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/...nbr=70&type=AC
Notice the words "club activities"
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Midland Texas
Im fine with having an annual safety inspection, Im just wanting to avoid the headaches involved with emissions inspections and non-stock engines. The guidlines seem to be vague, but if you piece it all together it seems that all you need to avoid emissions is a 25 year old car or older (dont think classic auto registration is needed). Inspection is already done for this year anyway, it wont be a real concern until next August. Thanks for all the input.
