Well as the weather cools off, the plans are in high gear to give the 'Vette a little more power over the winter. I've collected some of the key ingrediants and would welcome some advice and some examples relating to it.
I've got a very stock '79 Vette with the L48 with an automatic trans and a set of 3:55 rear gears. From the factory I believe it had 195 horsepower and about 280 ft/lbs of torque. It is a serial number correct engine for this car!
My 1st question is should I use this engine?

I've also picked up an engine from a 1985 Suburban ,its a 350 with a 2 bolt main! Cylinder Heads carry casting number 468642

I've also purchased an Edelbrock Performer Intake, a Performer Plus camshaft with Lifters, a mint Quadrajet Carb., a true rolling Timing Chain Set, intake gaskets, etc.

Now I've priced a set of heads up here in Canada and it'll be almost $2000 in Canadian money to land a set of Edelbrock Performer Heads in my yard.

My 2nd question is can I use the 468642 heads, or the heads that came on the original L48, or do I break the bank and by the $2000 Performer Heads.

I really don't plan anything big for this car other than about 5-6000 kms. per summer and maybe a few trips down the 1/4. I'd be happy with about 300 horsepower but would really smile with about 330 horse.

I also have to buy a nice set of headers and some other goodies to complete this package but need some good advice to steer me along in the right direction. Hope I didn't leave any info out here!

Thanks all.



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:chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :seeya :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy

 

Dynomax ceramic coated headers are nice. Just over $200. If down time isnt a factor, I would rebuild the '79. If you reuse the 79 heads you can select pistons that match them for good compression. The alluminum heads are lighter. The cast iron heads will last longer on a cast iron block. Somethin about mixin up different metals togeather. The expand and contract at different rates. All alluminum moter...now thats trick!!!

 

Take a look at this web site. It may give you some ideas.

http://ryanscarpage.50megs.com/combos.html

 

All I did to my Stock '76 L-48 (180 HP) was: Comp 260H cam & lifters, Weiand Dual Plane Intake, and true dual exhausts. The thing now desk dynos at 275 HP. Truly believe the main thing is (If you can legally), get rid of the two "Y" pipe exhaust system.....add a set of headers, a distributor rework, and a reworked carb, and you'll be just about where you want to be.....with $2,000 in your pocket because you didnt buy the heads... :yesnod:

 

I agree with tnt76vette and leave the heads for some other time. If you are going to rebuild make sure your exhaust is opend up with a good set of headers and dual exhaust.

Then take your motor in to a good engine rebuilder ( this is important that the builder really knows what he is doing with many years of experience or you minght as well do it yourself ).

For $2000 to $2500 CND you get flat top pistons cam etc. and you should be pushing over 300 HP.

Good luck :D

 

Since you already have another block, I'd pull the original engine and use the one from the Suburban. As far as the heads go, I'd buy a set of Vortec heads. They can be had here in the States for about $400 a pair. Of course, this would force you to sell the Performer intake and buy the Vortec specific Performer intake, but you will still be way ahead. Also, I believe I read somewhere that the Edel heads were good when they were designed, but are a real old design.

 

Edelbrock 2102 cam is not enough cam (Duration at .050 Lift: Intake 204° Exhaust 214° Lobe Separation: 112°) for a Corvette !

Bump it up to a Comp Cams 260H or XE256 for example. Better heads are needed. Better heads w/ the larger valves & Dynomax coated headers rec. ! This would put you over 300HP.