redstreak98

After I fix the suspension. I want to start adding hp to the emissions depleted L48. It makes about 190hp at the crank and I want to know what is the most inexpensive way to add some more power to her. I would love to go out and buy a 454 crate motor, but maybe in a year or two. Lemme her what you guys got

randommj

headers and more free flowing mufflers

Miles

Fuelie74

After that put on some used vortec heads, with new intake and carb.

Tom73

Could always sell it and buy a C6

The engine is just a big air pump. Do things that make the air move easier. Start at the back and work forward. Good exhaust and headers. Then maybe big valve heads. The cam controls everything so get a good one. Then last look at the intake/carb.

Good luck.

randommj

he said cheap!

Miles

milo30

But there is also a post on several threads about a yearone 350. it's like 400 hp and 400 tq. under $3000. Save up for that, hard to beat the price.

Ganey

Ex. is first.
See what many refer to as my Exhaust topic.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ganeyexhaust.htm

L-48 badly needs more cam, an aluminum intake can be added at the same time. Tuning including recurving the dist. has been a standard part since at least the 60s. Better heads would be next.

7T1vette

Nitrous is probably the quickest and cheapest way to boost horsepower significantly....but only for short bursts. The compression ratio on the L-48 is low enough that adding nitrous isn't such a big deal. AND...you can occasionally "hit the thrusters" without affecting your overall fuel mileage negatively. You can also easily remove it when you make the engine swap. [P.S. I'm not the nitrous-type, but am trying to answer your question honestly.]

wiseman79

If you're serious about going to a big block in the future, I'd stick with upgrades that will migrate over to it, instead of shelving them. Exhaust, (after headers) Ignition, K&N air filter, replace engine driven fan with electric. This would make a noticable but not dramatic difference and could be reused after the motor swap.

Glensgages

If you are 'ONLY' a year or two away from a BBC crate-motor, I'd just save your cash and wait, as very-little (read-as 'nothing' ) you'd do to the L-48 would carry-over

I agree..... you could transplant the nitrous-kit to the big-block, or sell it for cash


think-about upgrading your transmission and rear-end, especially the rear-gears, so they'll be happy with, and survive-behind, the Rat-motor.

rays71

Spray It !! 100-150 HP Sniper System for less than $ 400.00

redstreak98

i like all the ideas. ill probably go for the $3,000 350, didnt know it was that cheap or heads cam and exhaust route. I wont be doing much to it for atleast 3 months so ill consider everything.