1981 L81 engine question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Port Dover Ontario
1981 L81 engine question
Hi: I am looking at buying a 1981 with the L81 190hp. I once had a 1978 with L82. Is there much difference between the two. I believe the 81 has less HP. 190 does not seem like much HP for a V8, I was just wondering if anyone with this engine can advise if this seems to be enough or if it is slugish and if you are happy with it. I am not interested in racing the thing, however it would be nice if you step on it then it would go!!
Thanks in advance for any input
Jay
Thanks in advance for any input
Jay
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Avon Connecticut
i cant answer your question exactly,
but i have a 78 L48
185 hp
yes, it does have a very nice kick, not the kick i would need to blow people away,
but a nice kick for those much needed exhilarating times.
but i have a 78 L48
185 hp
yes, it does have a very nice kick, not the kick i would need to blow people away,
but a nice kick for those much needed exhilarating times.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I had an 81. It was sluggish compared to previous Vettes that I have owned. Luckily for me the engine spun a bearing at about 55,000 miles and I rebuilt it as a 355. I used Edelbrock products and afterwards the thing was a torque monster.
The computer controls the carb and the distributor. I talked with a local carb shop about rebuilding it but the guy said they are very difficult to tune. He recommeded that I go aftermarket for less money and more performance.
The machine shop I took the engine to said the stock heads were cracked and the cam lobes were worn too.
Watch for frame rust and bird cage rust too. If you do not know what to look for then ask here with help finding a good Corvette shop to have it inspected.
Good luck!
The computer controls the carb and the distributor. I talked with a local carb shop about rebuilding it but the guy said they are very difficult to tune. He recommeded that I go aftermarket for less money and more performance.
The machine shop I took the engine to said the stock heads were cracked and the cam lobes were worn too.
Watch for frame rust and bird cage rust too. If you do not know what to look for then ask here with help finding a good Corvette shop to have it inspected.
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
It's a decent motor. Nothing to brag about. I ran a 15.254 @89mph with it. A had stock exhaust manifolds and chambered exhaust, which may have helped that number slightly.
Luckily, the motor lost oil pressure at triple digit speeds at above 5000 rpm. Now I have a crate motor
Luckily, the motor lost oil pressure at triple digit speeds at above 5000 rpm. Now I have a crate motor
