Hello All...Rookie Here seeking direction :)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 211
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From: Vancouver BC CANADA
Hello All...Rookie Here seeking direction :)
I'm glad I found this site - great info and research tools. I'm in the market for a C3 and have plans for it to eventually peak out at over 400RWHP. I was just wondering the potential for the L82 motor - if I swap out the carb for a TPI setup from a 3rd Gen Camaro, and throw on some heads and cam as well as a stall convertor, how will my gains compare to swapping out the entire L82 for lets say an LT1? I want the best bang for the buck :D - any and all advice is much appreciated :) .
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,514
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Re: Hello All...Rookie Here seeking direction :) (RaC3R)
Hi and welcome. For excessive HP and Torque think big block, they fit in any vette as far as I know. For 400 RWHP, there are guys here who can give you the combinations block/heads etc to do it. The best bang for the buck sounds like a ZZ4 or a 383 buildup small block wise. I don't know if that'll quite get the RWHP your looking for.
Scott
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Hello All...Rookie Here seeking direction :) (RaC3R)
I think it is easier to get hp with a carb, but TPI will give you excellent performance and greater drivability. Think about it, the GENIII small block in the Z06 is only producing 406 HP, I know it can be greatly increased with aftermarket parts and NOS, but it is at the pinnacle of factory performance, with the most modern of technology.
If your L-82 is in good shape you can have that baby generating 400 hp with a fairly mild build up. Good heads, the right cam, headers and fuel system will wake that thing up! Heck, Chevy Hi-Performance magazine got 409 hp (flywheel) with a $1300.00 Crate motor. Of course they put a cam, heads, intake and headers on it. I think the thing would even run on 87 octane.
Either way you go, you'll end up with a great car with a strong motor. There are several guys her who have done the conversion to the newer motors and love their cars. I think several guys either have or are working on LT1 transplants. If you decide to go that direction you'll have plenty of people to help you figure stuff out.
Good Luck!
[Modified by Smokehouse69, 10:57 PM 1/22/2002]
If your L-82 is in good shape you can have that baby generating 400 hp with a fairly mild build up. Good heads, the right cam, headers and fuel system will wake that thing up! Heck, Chevy Hi-Performance magazine got 409 hp (flywheel) with a $1300.00 Crate motor. Of course they put a cam, heads, intake and headers on it. I think the thing would even run on 87 octane.
Either way you go, you'll end up with a great car with a strong motor. There are several guys her who have done the conversion to the newer motors and love their cars. I think several guys either have or are working on LT1 transplants. If you decide to go that direction you'll have plenty of people to help you figure stuff out.
Good Luck!
[Modified by Smokehouse69, 10:57 PM 1/22/2002]
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 211
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From: Vancouver BC CANADA
Re: Hello All...Rookie Here seeking direction :) (Smokehouse69)
Thanks all for your help - I've actually contacted Vette Dan and David M. regarding their LT1 conversions and they have been most helpful. But I've been told that a complete L82 Rebuild with a TPI can be even more productive performance wise - can anyone confirm this??? :confused: :confused: :confused:
I'm just a beginner when it comes to mechanics and a newbie to the C3, so what are some of the other upgrades I should look into besides power? Interior? Fuel system? Air conditioning? Stereo? What are the immediate issues that should be addressed?
Sorry to be so unfocussed - I'm just anxious to drive a C3 :D :D :D
I'm just a beginner when it comes to mechanics and a newbie to the C3, so what are some of the other upgrades I should look into besides power? Interior? Fuel system? Air conditioning? Stereo? What are the immediate issues that should be addressed?
Sorry to be so unfocussed - I'm just anxious to drive a C3 :D :D :D
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Hello All...Rookie Here seeking direction :) (RaC3R)
I said in your other post there the TPI is the biggest single thing you can do to the engine, but 400 hp at rear wheels aint a gonna happen with any 350 ci engine and TPI, hard put to get 400 hp at the crank with any combination and any sort of hot rod TPI, lotsa money there....
I would still do the TPI conversion though, on the stock engine, assuming it's in good condition...prepare for car to be down for a while though if you do your own wiring,..
GENE
I would still do the TPI conversion though, on the stock engine, assuming it's in good condition...prepare for car to be down for a while though if you do your own wiring,..
GENE
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,043
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From: Elkhorn WI
Re: Hello All...Rookie Here seeking direction :) (mrvette)
they are right....the TPI will limit your RPMs and HP...TPI is great for TQ and drivability though...great gas mileage too.
but if you trully want the SBC350 to see 400RWHP then keep it carbed. Stroke it to 383 or more and then nice heads,intake,cam,carb, exhaust it. Then you will probably need to nitrous it a little...unless you stroke it over 400
to get the RWHP you want...
I have over 400 at the flywheel currently...in an unbored, unstroked 350.
When I rebuild the lower, I will stroke this puppy and bore her.
If you want EASY TQ and HP.....(I must admit)...the BBC502, 454, 427, etc is the way to go there....right from the base you have over 400 to 500 flywheel, that with some heads,cam, intake can get you to 550-650 easily at the flywheel.......which then give you your wanted RWHP
[Modified by ylose, 8:02 AM 1/23/2002]
but if you trully want the SBC350 to see 400RWHP then keep it carbed. Stroke it to 383 or more and then nice heads,intake,cam,carb, exhaust it. Then you will probably need to nitrous it a little...unless you stroke it over 400
to get the RWHP you want...
I have over 400 at the flywheel currently...in an unbored, unstroked 350.
When I rebuild the lower, I will stroke this puppy and bore her.
If you want EASY TQ and HP.....(I must admit)...the BBC502, 454, 427, etc is the way to go there....right from the base you have over 400 to 500 flywheel, that with some heads,cam, intake can get you to 550-650 easily at the flywheel.......which then give you your wanted RWHP
[Modified by ylose, 8:02 AM 1/23/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 6
From: NC USA
Re: Hello All...Rookie Here seeking direction :) (ylose)
Lots of options here. If you are leaning toward a newer C3, an LT4 swap or ZZ3 crate may get you close to 400RWHP but you'll have to spend more for a cam and heads to get you there and the smog police in your area may eliminate the big block option. Otherwise, if you stay 74 or older, you can drop in any engine you want. A word of caution on the BB crates; most of them will come with very mild hydraulic roller cams which will give you 400+ftlbs of low end RW torque but your RWHP will peak in the low 300's and drop off past 4000RPM. So be prepared to add a better cam into the ZZ502/454HO $$$$ scenarioes to reach your goal. Ask me how I know!
As for the options on the C3, it depends on your needs. If it's a daily driver, look for the car with the best condition and make sure the AC/heat and everthing else is replaced or is in good working condition. If it's a hobby/toy project, you can buy something that needs a little TLC and fix it yourself. Check out http://www.corvettefaq.com for tips on inspecting and knowing what to look for when buying a C3. Good luck!
As for the options on the C3, it depends on your needs. If it's a daily driver, look for the car with the best condition and make sure the AC/heat and everthing else is replaced or is in good working condition. If it's a hobby/toy project, you can buy something that needs a little TLC and fix it yourself. Check out http://www.corvettefaq.com for tips on inspecting and knowing what to look for when buying a C3. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 211
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From: Vancouver BC CANADA
Re: Hello All...Rookie Here seeking direction :) (Marks69BB)
Thanks Gene, Mark and Ylose :). My car will be a daily driver but will also see the strip many times a year, as well as the occasional autocross. I want a good all-around vehicle, and realize that the finished product to my liking is probably years away :crazy:. I think I will go fuel injection with N20 to get as close to my goal as possible.
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