Hello all, as it has been awhile..Anyway, spring is around the corner, and I have some time in the future, so I wanted to make some mods to my vette this year..But I need some educated opinions...

Last time I did work to this car was about 2-3 years ago..To update what I did, I will post a list..

Car was stock, and a dog...SO I STARTED HERE...

Engine:

Removed elect-q-jet and replaced with standard q-jet which Lars built
Removed all computer controls and installed HEI Dist.w/curve kit
Removed stock manifolds, and installed headers
Installed true dual exhaust
Installed a comp cam part #x4250h which is a 4x4 cam for low end
Installed a 3.73 rear gear set

Well, it is a noticable difference, but I would say still about a 15-16 second car..closer to 16 in my opinion.

Anyway, I am not gonna put a ton of money into it, because it is an 81, but the labor is free, as I do it, and I will put some money into certain parts. I would like to maybe have a 13 sec car if possible.

I had a few ideas..
Need opinions on these heads, as they would really bump up the compression ratio a fair amount, as stock compression os about 8.2-1

Heads are 58 cc procomps w/1.60 2.02 valves 210 cfm
which are done for $535..

Or, my friend has a set of older fuelie heads that are done, but 64cc
for $200.. I wwas looking to boost the compression the most.

Now, with the higher compression, I would be able to run a larger cam, and maybe wake the thing up a bit.

Was thinking of something like a 280h comp cam..

I was also think of putting a converter in it, say 2200-2600, but that might not be needed.

I have a shift kit, which I will install as well.

I might get rid of the q-jet, and get a holley too, not sure yet, but theer you have it. Any ideas would be wonderful.

In reguards to the head idea, if I run a steel shim head gasket, that too will bring up the compression if I go with the 64 cc heads.

 

wow sounds like you have been very busy. I would say change the heads. they restrict the engine. the 81 had the smog heads.

 

I would definitly say heads and cam would wake it up alot. your q-jet will probably need to be retuned. if your exhaust is at least dual 2.5 inchers then your good to go there. I would also look into changing your intake to a good dual plane. 3.73 gears are great for a 13-12 second vette. what trans do you have? a converter will also give you alot more kick in the launch. 2500 to 3000 rpm stall would work fine and not be too sloppy on the street.

skip on the fuelie heads, they are very obsolete, way better heads out there. procomps are chinese knock offs, buyer beware. I would go for dart iron eagles 180's or 200's instead if it was up to me.

 

i think they way you have gone about things is excellent. i have an 81 also and fed the computer to my dog a long time ago, alot of people on here drill me for loosing the computer but its by far the best thing i ever did to my car. you have done the gears, you have a non ccc carb, obviously must be a non ccc dizzy. i assume you still have the stock Th350c transmission with loc up converter. in my opinion that is a problem as the expense of a loc up converter over a standard is quite a difference and also a weak link when going for more grunt. i also fed my transmission to my dog and bought a Th350 .

converter size is all dependent on your cam size. generally a 2400-2600 is a nice choice on most standard to mid performance orientated cams .

from what your asking i dont think there is anything wrong with double humps.like tumarr said there are much better heads out there but if budget is your priority they are certainly a big jump in breath over your smoggers. keep in mind your low compy pistons are a killer .