C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

81 performance kit

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 9, 2008 | 06:26 PM
  #1  
asuj_158's Avatar
asuj_158
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis Indiana
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
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2008 | 11:23 PM
  #2  
I'm Batman's Avatar
I'm Batman
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:16 AM
  #3  
SIXFOOTER's Avatar
SIXFOOTER
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:31 AM
  #4  
Glensgages's Avatar
Glensgages
Race Director
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,172
Likes: 86
From: State of Confusion
Default

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
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:38 AM
  #5  
SIXFOOTER's Avatar
SIXFOOTER
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Default

Thats a pretty good deal, you could easily swap the rest of your periferals over and like Glen says, do the exhaust.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:50 AM
  #6  
asuj_158's Avatar
asuj_158
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Default

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)
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2008 | 12:24 PM
  #7  
my mach 5's Avatar
my mach 5
Racer
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: South Elgin IL
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2008 | 12:42 PM
  #8  
jackson's Avatar
jackson
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Default

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
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jan 10, 2008 | 12:44 PM
  #9  
CA-Legal-Vette's Avatar
CA-Legal-Vette
Race Director
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,672
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2008 | 06:36 PM
  #10  
asuj_158's Avatar
asuj_158
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Default

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.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:21 PM
  #11  
asuj_158's Avatar
asuj_158
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Default

What is the difference between a hydrolic roller cam and a flat tappet cam? whats better?
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 81 performance kit





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:45 AM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE