1981 Corvette - what to do first?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Parker Colorado
Thanks everyone for the tips and congrats. I contacted the Colorado Emissions Tech Center and was told that if I put an EFI system on the car with a catalytic converter and oxygen sensor and it passed the sniff test then I'm good to go. I ordered the Edelbrock 3220 Pro Flo-3 kit along with their high pressure fuel system with the return line. I'll also pick up a catalytic converter and exhaust with the oxygen sensor port. If all goes well I'll be able to dial the mixture to the right settings to pass the sniff test. Hopefully I'll have all this done by the end of August.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Parker Colorado
I put her up on jack stands Saturday and found the control arm bushings are shot, balljoints need replaced and more than likely the tire rod ends need replaced. Looks like I'll be rebuilding the complete suspension system. Both front tires look great from the outside but the inside has the cord showing.
I have to throw some cheap tires on the front so I can take it to a custom exhaust shop to get some work done. It currently has Hooker hearers and a true dual exhaust (it's in great shape). I have to see if I can get a 2-in and 2-out catalytic converter, if not I have to put 2 catalytic converters on her. I also have to have an O2 bung installed after the collector pipe. This all needs to be done before I install the Edelbrock Flo-3 EFI kit to get it to pass emissions.
Once I have it pass emissions I can then start working on the suspension. The brakes are in great condition. It has new calipers, pads, stainless steel brake lines, and the rotors look good.
This is going to be a fun project. I just have to get her to pass emissions and I'll be in good shape.
I have to throw some cheap tires on the front so I can take it to a custom exhaust shop to get some work done. It currently has Hooker hearers and a true dual exhaust (it's in great shape). I have to see if I can get a 2-in and 2-out catalytic converter, if not I have to put 2 catalytic converters on her. I also have to have an O2 bung installed after the collector pipe. This all needs to be done before I install the Edelbrock Flo-3 EFI kit to get it to pass emissions.
Once I have it pass emissions I can then start working on the suspension. The brakes are in great condition. It has new calipers, pads, stainless steel brake lines, and the rotors look good.
This is going to be a fun project. I just have to get her to pass emissions and I'll be in good shape.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
Thanks, I would like to eventually replace the engine with a 383 and put a 4 speed manual in it but I want to first get it to the point where I feel the suspension, brakes, and other important things are checked out throughly.
My one concern is getting it to pass Colorado emissions. 1981 is not considered a collector vehicle unless you were grandfathered in before they changed the law in 1991. I will have to see if the EGR valve, smog pump, and cat convertor are in place once I get it home.
Thanks for your input
Roscoe
My one concern is getting it to pass Colorado emissions. 1981 is not considered a collector vehicle unless you were grandfathered in before they changed the law in 1991. I will have to see if the EGR valve, smog pump, and cat convertor are in place once I get it home.
Thanks for your input
Roscoe
