C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 06:26 PM
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Default 81 performance kit

I know i just asked about modding an 82, but it seems that it would be too difficult to do that. So what about an 81 with this kit? http://www.autozone.com/R,APP1281197...ductDetail.htm
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 11:23 PM
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I'm going to go out on a limb with this guess, but I'd imagine Summit would have something just as good for a better price. Maybe not, I haven't done a lot of research.

It's still just a regular Chevy 350 (except CA cars in either 1980 or 1981, I forget which). Don't be too hung up on the fact that it's a Corvette, or you'll end up paying the "Corvette tax" for something generic and easy to obtain.
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:16 AM
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Shop Summit and Jeggs for the same sort of kit. An 80 is no problem at all, 81 very little problem do to these mods on. On either one you will need exhaust mods like True Duals and headers to take advantage of the new breathing capabilities that those kits will provide. Also, a rebuild/Tune on the carb by a Competent carb guy will get the thing to do what you want. Its hard to fing anyone to work on the 81 cqrb because its a computer controlled carb, but don't let that put you off, its not that hard. If you need help with it I can halp as can a couple other guys.
When I did mine, I used a syrenge to fill the bowl, hit the key once and it fired up and idled.
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:31 AM
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435 HP for $1750, using an L-81 short-block, is pretty optimistic (at-best ), I'd think:
this head/intake kit, with a decent hydraulic (flat-tappet ) cam and headers/exhaust, should deliver an HONEST 350+ HP on readily-available pump-gas


http://www.sdparts.com/product/SD806...RPMAirGap.aspx
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:38 AM
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Thats a pretty good deal, you could easily swap the rest of your periferals over and like Glen says, do the exhaust.
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:50 AM
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Does it matter whether I do side exhaust or regular? I would think it didnt matter, but I want to ask to make sure(I love the look of the side exhaust)
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Glensgages
435 HP for $1750, using an L-81 short-block, is pretty optimistic (at-best ), I'd think:
this head/intake kit, with a decent hydraulic (flat-tappet ) cam and headers/exhaust, should deliver an HONEST 350+ HP on readily-available pump-gas


http://www.sdparts.com/product/SD806...RPMAirGap.aspx
Make the exhaust conversion and you are good!! If you like the look of a side exhaust, I say go for that. Either a side exhaust or an under car exhaust will be better than stock as long as you use headers.
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 12:42 PM
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Suggest:
Before trying to choose a C3 you plan to modify
Before trying to choose a power kit

go to autozone, spend $100 buying several books & study ... to include:
basic how to engine overhaul-rebuild chevy
how to hot rod chevy
how compression works
how valvetrain works
how carburetor works
how fuel injection works
how ignition works
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 12:44 PM
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Also be aware that it may be hard to make the stock carb work with that manifold. Just removing the EGR is going to upset the computer. If the computer gets upset, you lose the computer control on the carb (will run rich) and the distributor advance as well as the torque converter lock up. None of these things are insurmountable, but it all add cost.
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 06:36 PM
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Ive been looking at cam kits from summit... But there are soooooo many! I have no idead which one to get. Can you guys help me out? I want top notch performance but its going to be a street car and driven a lot. Thanks.
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:21 PM
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What is the difference between a hydrolic roller cam and a flat tappet cam? whats better?
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