L-48 upgrade vs crate engine
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Kansas
L-48 upgrade vs crate engine
I have a 76 corvette with the the L-48 engine and a 8:1 compression. With this I was trying to find upgrade parts but not to sure where I should start. I was thinking new heads to get the bigger valves and a new exhaust from the headers back, but I don't know how much HP this is gonna upgrade for me it will sound a lot nicer but I am looking for power to match the sound what else would be some easy installs new cam shaft maybe? If I get to deep into upgrading everything I almost think it would be easier to get a crate engine like the ZZ4 or another 350 with more HP in it already but in a since of trying to keep it original where should I start on the beast?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 201
From: Waterford Mi
New heads, new cam, new intake, new pistons, new barrings, new exhaust, etc....
In the long run you will be better off buying a crate motor, just make sure it has the power you want. Drive train will be next because the rear gears are probably not perfomance gears and that really will effect your low end performance.
I had about $1200 just in the machine work and parts when I did my rebuild. I did all the reassembly. I added the Edelbrock heads and rockers later which added another $1300.
If I had to do it agian I would buy the crate motor.
Just my 2 cents worth.
In the long run you will be better off buying a crate motor, just make sure it has the power you want. Drive train will be next because the rear gears are probably not perfomance gears and that really will effect your low end performance.
I had about $1200 just in the machine work and parts when I did my rebuild. I did all the reassembly. I added the Edelbrock heads and rockers later which added another $1300.
If I had to do it agian I would buy the crate motor.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 10
From: Palm Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
Good question. I have a 77 with the L-48. And would love to have more umph! I will be putting on a true dual exhaust in the next couple of weeks. I already tweaked the carb. And installed a solid drivers side motor mount. Next is to adjust the timing. And letting the engine breath more freely. After that the olny things to improve HP are the bolt up options. Heads? Intake? Cam? I don't know what or where to begin. My engine is tight does not leak one drop or burn any oil. So i'd like to use it if possible. I would be happy if I could get 250-300HP out of it.(real happy to get 300) Is this possible? Within reason of time and $$?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 970
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Search Results of Available Items
*Prices are Per Unit
Page 1: 1-1 of 1 items
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM PART # 19201330
CATEGORY: Eng Asm (shipped only to local fedex hub 4 pickup)
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $6,153.75
OUR PRICE: $5,098.98
I am no engine expert but if you can do most of the work yourself-Cam, intake, heads-the exhaust would be done on either engine-I would think that you could do those three plus a different carb for about $2,500 versus the ZZ4 engine above with 355 HP and 405 torque for $5,000 plus shipping with you installing it. I would think that those bolt ons on a L-48 with net you about 275-280 HP. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend and how much HP you are looking for. Also, you have to factor in a New ZZ4 versus a used L-48. You can always pull the L-48 and store it for future reinstall or it could go with the car if you sell it with the ZZ4.
*Prices are Per Unit
Page 1: 1-1 of 1 items
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GM PART # 19201330
CATEGORY: Eng Asm (shipped only to local fedex hub 4 pickup)
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $6,153.75
OUR PRICE: $5,098.98
I am no engine expert but if you can do most of the work yourself-Cam, intake, heads-the exhaust would be done on either engine-I would think that you could do those three plus a different carb for about $2,500 versus the ZZ4 engine above with 355 HP and 405 torque for $5,000 plus shipping with you installing it. I would think that those bolt ons on a L-48 with net you about 275-280 HP. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend and how much HP you are looking for. Also, you have to factor in a New ZZ4 versus a used L-48. You can always pull the L-48 and store it for future reinstall or it could go with the car if you sell it with the ZZ4.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Oct 31, 2010 at 08:28 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Year One Crate 350.... 400hp+, roller cam...ready to install for $2999+shipping. You can't build one for that...especially with a roller.
That would easily get any C3 in the mid 13s and drive like a stocker...
That would easily get any C3 in the mid 13s and drive like a stocker...
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
get yourself a early 70`s LT-1 shortblock from GM....you already have the heads, intake and carb...nothing wrong with a Q-jet carb. The right people know how to run them.....or make them run
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: KY
Some ZZ4 heads rpm performer and a mild cam
or
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ine/index.html
or
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ine/index.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
I would go with the crate engine and roller cam setup. The cost works out the best and the roller cam behaves very well at idle. Additionally, not sure if it is a concern, but you tend to get something of a warranty with a crate engine.
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