C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 05:34 PM
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I'm a new owner of a 1980 vette with a 4-speed Muncie transmission. I had the 350 rebuilt to push out 350 HP with a mild cam. The problem I have is when you get on it from a dead start, the car will not even leave a black mark...its like someone has the brake on. I don't know what type of 4-speed transmission I have other than a Muncie. At highway speeds of 65 MPH, I'm turning 3K RPMs. At speeds of 55 in 4th gear, you want to look for another gear to shift out of. I am running new BF Goodrich T/A Radials (225-70-15). I just confused why 350HP won't smoke the tires off. Once off the line it is quick and fast. Any suggestions???
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 06:05 PM
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Your really geared down...at least 411's probably more. I had a 69Z with 456's and I did 3000 at 60mph. As far as your starts are concerned, my 1st guess would be timing. Make sure you have enough advance and your dist. is working right.(of course anybody can tell you that) Another thing, with that kind of gearing your going to be hauling a## more than your going to be smoking tires. My car will not set and burn the tires off, but I'm going to be moving on! Vettes get pretty good traction. They squat and go. Larry
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 06:18 PM
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I could lay down a nice patch with my mother's 65 Rambler station wagon that was only running on 5 cylinders so I am guessing you got a problem here.

First off, are you sure it is a Muncie in an '80 ? Second, if you rev it up to about 4 grand and you dump the clutch and it doesn't spin the tires I would start looking at how the motor was tuned, timing and fuel induction is where you want to start.
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 06:28 PM
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What kind of Torque are you pushin'? You can have all the horse power you want and with no torque you can not utilize all the ponies. If you have big diameter headers and exhaust that will scavage torque.
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 06:33 PM
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When we removed the transmission, it was alummum with 7 bolts on the side cover. First gear has a unique wine in it like an old truck. I ran it up to about 3000 and dumped the clutch. Just bogged down and almost cut off. Could smell a little clutch burn. The engine is tuned with the timing with all advance and mechanical in at 38 degrees. Could all this be due to miss-matched gearing combination?
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 06:55 PM
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I am running Hooker comp headers with 2 1/2" pipes to the rear with super turbo mufflers
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 07:02 PM
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It sounds like a carb/ignition advance problem to me....
38 degrees is a lot, but you might not have it advancing quick enough... At what RPM does it get to 38?

I live in Atlanta, but I am frequently in Athens (I see UGA in your name). Let me know if you want me to take a look.
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 07:07 PM
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Thanks, I'm in Jonesboro. May need you help. It is bringing in 38 at around 2500 rpms. I can't find anyone around here to performance tune this engine. It only has 200 miles on it.
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 07:37 PM
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Your timing sounds about right... most likely a carb problem

I would be glad to help any weekend. First things first, if you only have 200 miles on your motor you should not be getting on it hard. You need to take it easy so the rings will seat. If you keep trying to lay wheels your rings will take a **** on you.... and you will burn oil all the live long day.
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 10:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 80vetteuga
I don't know what type of 4-speed transmission I have other than a Muncie. At highway speeds of 65 MPH, I'm turning 3K RPMs. At speeds of 55 in 4th gear, you want to look for another gear to shift out of. I am running new BF Goodrich T/A Radials (225-70-15). I just confused why 350HP won't smoke the tires off. Once off the line it is quick and fast. Any suggestions???
Sounds like a tuning issue to me too. By the way, if you're turning 3K rpm @ 65mph with a muncie (1:1 in fourth) and have 225-70-15 rear tires your gear ratio is a 3:73 (actual calculation with info you stated comes out to 3.76 - but actual tire size may vary due to inflation/wear, speedo or tach may be slightly off). You can use this formula:

Gear Ratio = (RPM x tire diameter)/(MPH x 336)

a 225-70-15 tire should be 27.4" tall

Todd
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Old Feb 1, 2006 | 10:14 PM
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Got dyno it. Sometime adding a cam only make things worse. Check carb and timing. Do you know what cam he installed?
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