I recently picked up my first Vette, and now its time to start spending money... It is an '81 that is mostly stock (for now). I've already went to true duals and now its time to some engine mods. This group seems to be very helpful, so I am looking for some advice. I have about $1000 to work with so I am open to suggestions!

1. The intake needs replaced, so specifically, what brand and model number should I get that will still fit under the stock hood?
2. While I am at it should I replace the quadrajet? And if so, what makes and model number would match up with the intake?
3. Any other suggestions would be great!
Thanks!

 

Greetings and welcome to the insanity.

Edelbrock Performer Intake Manifold (#2101) will fit and still allow the hood to close. The Q-Jet is an awesome carb IF it is working correctly and setup properly. Lars just adjusted mine this weekend and it's never worked better. You can spend more money on another, but on your engine I doubt you will see any change, except for a thinning of your wallet.

Other mods would include a set of free flowing headers (check Dynomax) and depending upon what you do w/the carb and if you have any $$$ left over, perhaps you can think about a cam change and perhaps a better set of heads.

I'm sure many others will chime in with their suggestions too.

Hope this helps. And good luck w/the new money pit!

 

I am running the Performer 2101 and the Q-Jet on my 78 and it works well. The next step for me is installing my Flow-Tech headers and a true dual exhaust with an x pipe.

Doesn't the 81 Q-Jet and Distributor have some sort of hookup to the computer?... I think so.

In that case a Distributor and Carb replacement would probably be in order. The Cam isn't a bad idea either.

 

Why does the intake need to be replaced?

An Edelbrock 2101 Performer is a zero gain proposition. It works no better than the factory intake. There is also no weight savings since both manifolds are aluminum.

An untouched factory Q-jet 4bbl intake works very well for most engines -particularly those using stock heads and mild cams.

If the factory intake system is working properly, you are wasting your money putting it on the intake side. The real improvements will come on the exhaust side with a nice set of headers and free-flowing exhaust pipes.

You can also realize significant gains by just paying attention to your tuneup. Make sure your carb is calibrated to your application and address your timing curve to bring it in line to emphasize performance, rather than emissions compliance.

 

The reason I am saying it needs replaced is because while changing out the thermostat, one of the bolts for the housing broke off. I drilled the bolt out, and in the process the tip of the easyout broke off in the hole. I tried to chip it out, but no such luck. I was just assuming it would be an excuse for me to start the upgrades.
Ideas? Comments? THANKS!

 

This is a fairly common question and will get various answers. I think you made the biggest improvment in going with duals, hopefully without restrictive cats.. That should be done if you going to up the power of the engine as well as release its current power.
The big decesion now is where you want to be at the end. You have to be realistic in what you want. You could spend $1000 and then have to respend it plus some later. The later C3s had more electronics than the earlier ones. How that fits in should be addressed by the members in your group. Taking a smogged 350 (200hp or so) to 330/350hp is not that difficult. Replacing the restrictive exhaust is step one. Next step is heads, intake, and cam. You don't have to go overboard here. Just buy parts that are similiar to the earlier perfomance engines. Or better yet, buy a complete package. Scoggins sells a Vortec head package for $729. Ask them to recommend a cam kit. Everyone dreams of braking loose the tires at 60 mph with a 700hp engine. If this is a street driven car, I would think 350hp should work fine. If your heart is set on more than that, then save your $1000 and wait. The first 50hp gain is reasonable, the next 50hp cost more to get, the next 50 cost even more. There comes a point where $1000 buys only a little gain. Sometimes setting a dollar limit is not the optimal way to do things. It only works when it gets you where you want to be. If $1000 is what you can afford (a nice chunk of change), then be happy with what the results are.

 

I've got the Edelbrock Performer RPM on mine.
It fits with a drop base air cleaner. (It's close, but it fits)
I have a holley 650 double pumper.

I haven't replaced the exhaust yet because I'm debating on side pipes or under car. . .

Welcome and enjoy!!

 

I went with the Edelbrock Torker II (single plane) intake & a Barry Grant Speed Demon Carb (slightly lower than stock so clears hood just fine). I was after 400 RW HP without a big loping cam. Obviously I made other mods, but thats another story...