l48 engine
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 948
Likes: 1
From: pensacola fl
After having my L48 engine rebuilt with normal items like heads, cam, intake manifold, etc. I later dediced to have the exhaust system redone. I had larger pipes (2 3/4" ) as well as performance exhaust mufflers and I could not believe the difference. I did not go with headers but I'm sure it would help even more n
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 1
From: Winston-Salem NC
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Got a perfect cam for this in the parts for sale section. This combined with a set of 64CC vortec head and vortec intake with headers and free flowing exhaust will get you around 300 hp for about $1000.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
I agree with all the above, but don't forget about timing. Read the above sticky on timing. I followed the recommendations and adjusted dist weights/springs and shimmed the dist to give me consistant timing. I was surprised the difference it made.
What are your performance goals and budget? That always plays a very important part. Do you want 20 more HP or 200 more HP? You got $500 or $5000? There are so many options that it will make your head swim.
There is a lot of knowledge here and guys that will help you through the decision and installation process.
I followed the recommendations and adjusted dist weights/springs and shimmed the dist to give me consistant timing. I was surprised the difference it made.What are your performance goals and budget? That always plays a very important part. Do you want 20 more HP or 200 more HP? You got $500 or $5000? There are so many options that it will make your head swim.
There is a lot of knowledge here and guys that will help you through the decision and installation process.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 441
Likes: 22
From: Northeast OH
With exhaust headers is there something that should be done about heat? I think my starter motor gets fried on longer trips by the heat coming off the headers, some times when it's time to drive home it won't turn over. I tried a reflective blanket (like this one) but I still have the problem once in a while.
Either that or it's vapor lock.
Either that or it's vapor lock.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
I would have liked to have done heads and headers too, but budget wise, it did not make sense since other things that need to be done yet on the car take priority. I might revisit that some day. For now, its all the boost I needed for a car that's fun to drive at any speed.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
Headers and intake will get you to 200-225. I have an edlebrok performer. It will except a spread bore carb, if yours is stock.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
Only thing I would add is, if you go that route. Do replace the cam too. You'll be glad you did. As long as you are going that far, its good to do given the fact that the soft cams in the L48 are notorious for wearing down with todays modern crap oils.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
Also be sure to put the push rod back in the same hole it if you remove it(not required when replacing lifter).
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 1
I might be wrong, other members correct me. I say you use the same push rods if your not changing heads. In fact put them back where you got them due to them having mated surfaces from wear. Rockers I think are also optional. Springs are a good Idea because you need stronger springs to snap the valve shut quicker when opening it farther.
