When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I'm looking to get more horsepower out of my 81' Vette. I want to consider every option, but I want the best option, and in what order should I approach this first, so that I am not waisting time or money. Carburetor may in question, but the engine is original, strong and runs great, and I want to get the most for my money even if it means a engine rebuild. or minor purchases to get me started???
Your BEST bang for the buck is a 700-R transmission. 1st gear is 30% steeper than your tranny. So if you have 3:55s in your rear end now - your car will react like it had 4:61s. How much money do you have to throw into your motor to get 30% more torque off the line? AND you get the gas mileage bonus - AND it is so much more enjoyable on the highway!
Bowtie Overdrives can fix you up with everything OR just the do-dads that you don't want to fart around with yourself
Your BEST bang for the buck is a 700-R transmission. 1st gear is 30% steeper than your tranny. So if you have 3:55s in your rear end now - your car will react like it had 4:61s. How much money do you have to throw into your motor to get 30% more torque off the line? AND you get the gas mileage bonus - AND it is so much more enjoyable on the highway!
Bowtie Overdrives can fix you up with everything OR just the do-dads that you don't want to fart around with yourself
imo i would start with the gears and replace your cat .
I would start with:
1. replacing the 2:87 gear for a 3:54,
2. true dual 2.5" exhaust cat removal (if emission laws where you live permit). this should waken it up a lot.
3. heads,
4. cam
5. transmission with over drive. (not required but makes for better highway driving)
So far i have done 1 and 2 on my '81 and it helped a lot. mods 3, 4 and 5 are coming soon. If your car has the CCC keep it the mods like a cam and heads will not affect anything. just my 2 cents.
Thanks fellas...
I was waiting to get some feedback from a few experts. So... let me get this right, it looks like I have more of a census on the tranny first. a 200r4 or a 700r4. secondly dual exhaust. (just purchased stainless steel performance exhaust w/front & rear Y-pipes, w/cat 2.5) - hey "larryg3" when you said replace the gears... are suggesting have someone upgrade the tranny instead of purchasing a new one?????
He's recommending the gears in the rearend, go from a 3.08 to 3.55 or 3.73
Thank you sir... so, you went with the dual exhaust first, and then the vortex heads???? do you still have your original engine? how did that work for you?