I have an 80 L82 with stock 9.0:1 compression ratio. Does anyone know what is the head chamber size? If I change to 62cc heads, what will the compression ratio change to?

I am picking out new heads & cam with a goal of having a solid plant you in the seat smoke some tires 350-400 torque. Most driving is from traffic light to light and around town.

I was leaning towards the Eldebrock RPM top end kit but reviews on here seem less than stellar and that it is better suited for higher RPM torque.

The other option I am leaning towards is the Holley Systemax 2 kit. Anyone have either of these setups or experience with other options to meet these goals?

 

I believe they are 76cc, but you should really post the numbers on the heads to make sure. Pull a valve cover and take a look.

I think dropping a 64cc head, would bump CR up to roughly 10 to 1, although there are some things you need to take into account (head gasket thickness, deck height, etc).

trw

 

I can't post the head numbers since she is in the shop but the heads were stock L82 for 1980 model. I will be pulling the trigger on Monday for ordering some top end parts.

 

As far as I know they're most likely 76cc chambers. Going to vortec 64cc chambers would put you in high 9s, maybe 10:1. The L-82's compression in '80 was like 8.9:1, supposedly.

 

You will end up with 10.4 c/r with a very thin steel shim head gasket and 64cc chamber iron heads. This is what I did with my '80 L-82. Kept the rest of the engine fairly stock and opened up the restrictive factory exhaust. I am pleased with the combination (for now )

If you go with a thicker composition head gasket and 64cc aluminum heads you may be closer to 10:1. The Edelbrock heads would be good for what you are trying to do there. The RPM manifold might be a tough fit under the hood. I might suggest you consider keeping the stock aluminum intake but you can struggle with it as you wish.

Cam choice should be matched to the rest of the setup. The Edelbrock RPM cam has a fairly high peaky power curve. If it was already installed I might run it but if I was starting from scratch I would go with something else. The better flowing heads and exhaust will help what ever cam you stick in there. You want to match the cam to the application and the compression ratio.

IMHO if you want a simple tire burning torquey combo that is easy to live with you need to go to the 383 stroker. Edelbrock heads with the L-82 cam and a stroker crank would be a simple and reliable setup. Open up the exhaust but you can keep the iron exhaust manifolds if you want. Recurve the distributor and enjoy your torque monster. This is what I will do if my block ever needs a rebore.

JMO.

-Mark.

 

Thanks for the replies. I can't wait to feel the results.