C3 - Intake, Carb...What to do for Performance?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 207
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From: Keller TX
C3 - Intake, Carb...What to do for Performance?
I'm a new, first time owner of a Corvette (1977).
My question...what modification do you recommend short of pulling the motor? New intake and carb? Will that do much for an L-48?
I'm installing headers and new exhaust to get some sound out of this car and some performance improvements.
Any advise on where to make modifications?
Doug
My question...what modification do you recommend short of pulling the motor? New intake and carb? Will that do much for an L-48?
I'm installing headers and new exhaust to get some sound out of this car and some performance improvements.
Any advise on where to make modifications?
Doug
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Exhaust
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ganeyexhaust.htm
Your L-48 needs more cam. At least trans. needs to be stated for cam.
Add Al. intake at same time. You can use the Q-J.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=233837
Heads can be done later.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ganeyexhaust.htm
Your L-48 needs more cam. At least trans. needs to be stated for cam.
Add Al. intake at same time. You can use the Q-J.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=233837
Heads can be done later.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 207
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From: Keller TX
Thanks....
My vette is an automatic. Is that what you need to advise me on the correct cam? Will the cam hurt my gas mileage much?
Be patient...I'm not too knowledgable on motors but trying to learn.
Doug
My vette is an automatic. Is that what you need to advise me on the correct cam? Will the cam hurt my gas mileage much?
Be patient...I'm not too knowledgable on motors but trying to learn.
Doug
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 207
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From: Keller TX
Thanks man! I check into that cam and keep reading on the forum.
I am in Keller, Tx...just North of Fort Worth. Hope to meet some other vette owners to get one on one advise. Thinking of checking out a vette club too...for the social and technical help.
Appreciate the advise.
Doug
I am in Keller, Tx...just North of Fort Worth. Hope to meet some other vette owners to get one on one advise. Thinking of checking out a vette club too...for the social and technical help.
Appreciate the advise.
Doug
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 336
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From: crystal lake Il.
I have a 75. I wanted more power cheap. So I had headers and new exhaust done. Next was cam intake and carb. Not enough. Then a different cam, heads, 2500 stall tc and shift kit. Now I had power, but it was going thru a qt. of oil every 250 miles. So I bought a 383 crate and had that installed. Now I couldn`t be happier. I`m no mechanic, so I had to pay for all these mods. I`ve got a great "weekend" mechanic who gives me great prices. It still adds up quick. I would have been way ahead just going with the 383. If you`re not doing the work yourself get all your parts together and do everything all at the same time.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 207
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From: Keller TX
Hey thanks. I'd say I'm not a mechanic although I do well with motorcycles. Just built a 1975 Shovelhead - Harley Davidson chopper/bobber. Sold it so I could by my vette.
My thought (before the actual purchase) was just to keep a stock motor etc. Now I can't wait to get some headers and exhaust so I can get sound...thats making me want even more power....so I have been reading about intakes and carbs. All can be done without disturbing the inner workings of the motor.
The cam and stall starts to make me worry about reliability. I also have a great mechanic (works out of his home full time and been doing my work for years).
I'll keep thinking about the cam, stall etc. I really hate to go through the expense of a crate motor.
Thanks for your adivse.
Doug
My thought (before the actual purchase) was just to keep a stock motor etc. Now I can't wait to get some headers and exhaust so I can get sound...thats making me want even more power....so I have been reading about intakes and carbs. All can be done without disturbing the inner workings of the motor.
The cam and stall starts to make me worry about reliability. I also have a great mechanic (works out of his home full time and been doing my work for years).
I'll keep thinking about the cam, stall etc. I really hate to go through the expense of a crate motor.
Thanks for your adivse.
Doug
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
A 260H will not effect reliability & stock cam is probably worn. If original stock coated gear timing set- needs replacing so cam & roller timing set normally done at same time may increase reliability. Higher stall not needed for 260H. Best to overhaul when heads are done.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 207
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From: Keller TX
Col...thanks. I'll keep that in mind and continue to read,research and learn. Finishing my interior now and will do the headers and exhaust right after the first of the year.....then look to mods to the engine.
I appreciate you taking the time to educate me a little more.
Thanks
Doug
I appreciate you taking the time to educate me a little more.
Thanks
Doug