Hello I'm new to this forum as you all can see. But I have a 78 that's completely stock and I was wondering what would be the cheapest way to get more HP out of it. I would really like to pull the whole engine and keep it in storage but I don't have that kinda cash. So I'm stuck trying to do it this way. Thanks in advance for any help.

Ben

 

Well, there are the easy ways. Nothing cheap will net you huge gains. If you have to take it in little bites then that may be the best. Also, some of these upgrades only work when paired with another upgrade.

Aftermarket Intake / Tuned Carb
Headers / True Duals
Cam / Lifter Combo
General Tune Up (Plugs, Wires, Belts, Filters, Fluids.)

It'd be a good idea to flush the crank case to get the sludge out, when you do your next oil change.

Maybe also flush and fill the cooling system, making sure you have optimum cooling.

 

Do you have the L-48 or L-82 Engine? Number should be stamped on a boss on the right front of the engine block. Example= V0101CLR
CLM=L-48 185 HP
CMR= L-82 220 HP.

If you have the L-82, a manifold and cam swap would help. Not sure what will give the most bang for the buck on a L-48.

 

His profile says L-48, so I assume that's the car in question.

 

Keep it stock and keep it tuned. If a rebuild is needed, DIY and rebuild your engine.

 

Durango's right the only one I can afford.

 

I'm not looking to ruin the engine by boring it out. I like the fact that all my numbers match and that it is stock but I'm looking for some bolt on parts to make it perform better. The problem is I don't know much about how to increase car performance yet.

 

An engine is a big air pump. Simply put, performance is getting more air in and more air our.

That mean intake and exhaust, and that means cam and valvetrain to optimize it all.

 

Exhaust
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ganeyexhaust.htm
Cam & Intake at the same time. L-48 badly needs more cam- trans. needs to be stated for cam.

 

It's an auto.

 

I was thinking of doing the exhaust first but I didn't know how much it would help. I like the look of the exhuast running down the body. I don't know what's called right now. But would that increase it as much as the cyclone sonics.

 

First, what's a Cyclone Sonic?

Second, the exhaust on the sides is called sidepipes. They require special side mount headers, and the long pipes and inserts. Expect to pay $1500+ for a full set, and that's if you install yourself.

I would suggest long tube headers whcih are much cheaper, and a true dual, 2.5" diameter system.

It will help your car's performance, but not as much as if you changed the intake, and had your carb either rebuilt and tuned or replaced with something better.

 

Buy any of the various small block Chevrolet performance/rebuild books and start reading. You'll find it a heckuva lot easier knowing what you want to do.

 

nitrous

 

That's the best tip I've had yet. I don't know why I didn't think of books. Now I feel really dumb. Thank you.

 

It was one a website I got linked to that said it would help increase hp by about 45%.

I knew the name just couldn't think of it when I needed. I didn't know they where that expensive though. Thanks for the rest of the tips too.

 

That's a big fat lie. Unless it's a turbo or a charger...no add on will do that.


Pipes are amazing looking, and if you have the cash, it's one of the BEST mods you can do to the car for 'bling' and attention getting looks.

 

That's why I want them I love the look. But I guess that will have to wait a couple of years till I get more settled. Something to look forward to though.

 

In the meantime, what sounds great is what I suggested earlier. Long tube headers, 2.5" pipes, and a pair of Magnaflow mufflers.

 

godless78vette, since you're interested in reading something useful to help improve your knowledge about your '78, and ultimately improve its performance (I have one too, so I share your interest), I strongly recommend getting "John Lingenfelter On Modifying Small-Block Chevy Engines".

I have most, if not all, of the mainstream books on this subject; as well as subscriptions to all the Vette magazines--and I can say that, hands down, this book is the single best source of information that I've found. They're all helpful, to be sure--but the late, great Lingenfelter not only knows his material cold, but the book is a pretty easy read as well. No small accomplishment when you're talking tech stuff like engines!

Just reading his reassuring comment (and I'm paraphrasing) that two-bolt main blocks are perfectly fine for serious performance upgrading made the $18.95 price just that much more worth paying! He was one of the all-time great Corvette engine builders, so his opinion is one I believe without reservation. Lots of other great info in the book as well--so as I say, if you're gonna read some, this is one I'd put at the top of the list...