1980 350
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,336
Likes: 14
From: Bellville OH
St. Jude Donor '06
1980 350
it is my understanding that in the late 70 early 80's the 350 CI engines in the Corvettes produced only 200HP 190 FPT, what can be done to up the HP of the engine, new Carb/Cam/heads??? I'm wondering if they just really restricted the carb to reduce the HP?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
They had low compression too. Any number of even the things you mentioned would help a lot but your wouldn't get the best results without doing all of it.
Maybe consider a top end kit like Edelbrock offers.
Maybe consider a top end kit like Edelbrock offers.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 1
The heads are the key item to open up. We call 'em smog heads. I think the best you can do for these 350s is a set of 64 cc heads, a performance intake to match, carb of choice, long tube headers to true duals, and tweak and tune. Most of the blocks are two bolt mains and will hold up to these modest improvements.
The carb was definately not the reason they were low output.
Another great move is a crate engine. A GM Perf. parts 350 that makes 330 hp. can drop right in for @ 2700 bucks.
The carb was definately not the reason they were low output.
Another great move is a crate engine. A GM Perf. parts 350 that makes 330 hp. can drop right in for @ 2700 bucks.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,336
Likes: 14
From: Bellville OH
St. Jude Donor '06
Thanks for the info guys! I love the look of a C3 and buying one from the years before th smog laws is not an option due to price. I have thought about dropping down a l32 but for the money the crate 350 is just as good and a lot less time throw a big cam at it and I'm in business. I am 21 so obviously my realm is m0ore the LSX, I am going to UTI to become a mechanic and I want a C3 to work on on a Friday night and take to the strip on Saturday morning.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
I see you're from California. I suggest you do some serious research before simply dropping in a crate motor. Most "performance engines" are not smog legal here for 1976 and later cars, without some significant changes for emissions compliance. I just went thru that for my 80, and decided on rebuilding my 350 instead. You can avoid the smog police and still get good power with with a top end rebuild, like Edelbrock 64 or 70 cc alum heads, performer manifold, a better than stock cam with a lttle more duration and lift, your stock Q Jet carb and an improved exhaust system. Look in the Summit Racing catalog for the 50 state legal parts, and retain your emissions equipment. You'll build the engine that the General should have put in late C3 vettes and still be able to drive it in California.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,336
Likes: 14
From: Bellville OH
St. Jude Donor '06
I see you're from California. I suggest you do some serious research before simply dropping in a crate motor. Most "performance engines" are not smog legal here for 1976 and later cars, without some significant changes for emissions compliance. I just went thru that for my 80, and decided on rebuilding my 350 instead. You can avoid the smog police and still get good power with with a top end rebuild, like Edelbrock 64 or 70 cc alum heads, performer manifold, a better than stock cam with a lttle more duration and lift, your stock Q Jet carb and an improved exhaust system. Look in the Summit Racing catalog for the 50 state legal parts, and retain your emissions equipment. You'll build the engine that the General should have put in late C3 vettes and still be able to drive it in California.
