1981 Corvette....Computer Chips
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Mineola NY
1981 Corvette....Computer Chips
Hello again. I was thinking of installing a chip in my 1981 Corvette. There are a few options. Some just bolt on and your done, others require a lower temperature thermostat, like 180 deg. My plan was to try to stay away from those and just go with the standard bolt on. Does anyone here have any experience with this and maybe can make a chip suggestion. I am curious to know if it is even worth it.
For those who need more information, I just did a complete tune up and carb overhaul, including the carb sensors. The tune up included AC Delco Rapidfire plugs, MSD 8.5 mm wires, MSD cap/rotor, Mallory 55000 v coil, Accel Ignition module, and K&N Air filter. The car runs quite well with those changes.
For those who need more information, I just did a complete tune up and carb overhaul, including the carb sensors. The tune up included AC Delco Rapidfire plugs, MSD 8.5 mm wires, MSD cap/rotor, Mallory 55000 v coil, Accel Ignition module, and K&N Air filter. The car runs quite well with those changes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Last time I read anything on the chips for an 81 all it did was modify the fuel table for WOT and it would allow a 180 T-Stat. IMHO not even worth the price. Save your pennies and update the exhaust, that will give you more of a boost than the chip will and you will need it to support any other HP mods.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
Thats exactly why I installed the chip, for wide open throttle performance and cooler running, so it did what I expected. I don't know if it's just my imagination, but I feel it runs better even at idle. My wife agrees with me.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Stanley NC
I ran the power chip in my '81 for a while and did not notice that much of a change. But at the time my card wasn't adjusted correctly but that chip does nothing at low idle only make changes at higher RPM and WOT. I replaced and put back in my original chip, need that one to set everything correctly such as carb and sensors.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 9
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From: Mineola NY
Thanks for the responses. I do have an upgraded 2.5 inch free flow exhaust minus headers. What other mods would you guys recomend? I was thinking about headers, but that gets hairy with correctly removing the emissions control items.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,705
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
After exhaust, the two things that I did to my 81 that made the biggest difference were heads and installing a 200 4R transmission. I don't think you need to go crazy with the heads. I had both a set of Summit heads and Edelbrock RPMs. 67 cc combustion chamber did nicely.
I wouldn't even bother changing the carb, distributor or computer unless they don't work. They'll support way more power than you'll likely produce without major mods. About the only usefull thing you loose is the ability to recurve your distributor. You can mimic a recurve by simply advancing your timing too.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
The 81 already has headers with Smog Tubes.. I have a set for sale... The Calif 80 and the 50 State 81 came with Factory Shorty headers and I have a set for sale CHEAP,, One has a broken stud but should be an easy fix.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
I know they look like a set of headers, but in comparison to a set of long tube headers these are no better than a set of cast iron exhaust manifolds when it comes to performance improvement. Even shorty headers are not very free flowing. A set of good long tubes go right on and give a good gain with a good set of pipes.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Mineola NY
My car is an automatic.
I think after all I have been through with this car, such as cam/lifters/timing chain/various pumps/ignition, i am going to leave it alone. I have come to the conclusion that 81 was not the best choice of vette to buy. None the less, I am proud of my work and thank everyone on this forum for their advice along the way. From here I will enjoy the car and search for something older that will be easier to modify and has little or no emission controls.
I think after all I have been through with this car, such as cam/lifters/timing chain/various pumps/ignition, i am going to leave it alone. I have come to the conclusion that 81 was not the best choice of vette to buy. None the less, I am proud of my work and thank everyone on this forum for their advice along the way. From here I will enjoy the car and search for something older that will be easier to modify and has little or no emission controls.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
My car is an automatic.
I think after all I have been through with this car, such as cam/lifters/timing chain/various pumps/ignition, i am going to leave it alone. I have come to the conclusion that 81 was not the best choice of vette to buy. None the less, I am proud of my work and thank everyone on this forum for their advice along the way. From here I will enjoy the car and search for something older that will be easier to modify and has little or no emission controls.
I think after all I have been through with this car, such as cam/lifters/timing chain/various pumps/ignition, i am going to leave it alone. I have come to the conclusion that 81 was not the best choice of vette to buy. None the less, I am proud of my work and thank everyone on this forum for their advice along the way. From here I will enjoy the car and search for something older that will be easier to modify and has little or no emission controls.
I love my 79.. Its as basic as you can get.. The only electronic anything is the HEI!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
My car is an automatic.
I think after all I have been through with this car, such as cam/lifters/timing chain/various pumps/ignition, i am going to leave it alone. I have come to the conclusion that 81 was not the best choice of vette to buy. None the less, I am proud of my work and thank everyone on this forum for their advice along the way. From here I will enjoy the car and search for something older that will be easier to modify and has little or no emission controls.
I think after all I have been through with this car, such as cam/lifters/timing chain/various pumps/ignition, i am going to leave it alone. I have come to the conclusion that 81 was not the best choice of vette to buy. None the less, I am proud of my work and thank everyone on this forum for their advice along the way. From here I will enjoy the car and search for something older that will be easier to modify and has little or no emission controls.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Mineola NY
@81pilot........what do you suggest. I know about changing the headers, the dist, the carb and intake, but what about the computer. how do I manage the lock up for the torque converter? what else do I need to look at?
Pro
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 664
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, Florida
My '81 has ceramic Hooker headers with Flowmaster dual exhaust.
The computer and smog stuff has also been removed and I'm very happy with the performance...and I'm also very happy with the power improvement.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
81
I ditched my computer and my whole motor and put in a 383 stroker, the converter does not lock up anymore but I don't really care I may put in a 200-4r this winter but I have no problems working onthe car and it performs wayyy better. The first mod I did was exhaust and that made a difference and now the bigger cubes makes it really fun to drive.
Jarred.
Jarred.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Hesperia ca
i have an 81 and it still has the ccc system on it, it made 320hp at the rear wheels and still needed alittle tuning done. the ccc system doesn't hurt performance at all if you know how to tune the carb. I love it becuase it runs perfect at wot and gets 22mpg on the freeway (2004r trans)
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Finally!! Some "real world" data to support that the CCC system is not a "dog" due to its design. Should I assume that you kept the original electro/mechanical carb, but rejetted to meet the needs of the improved engine?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
i have an 81 and it still has the ccc system on it, it made 320hp at the rear wheels and still needed alittle tuning done. the ccc system doesn't hurt performance at all if you know how to tune the carb. I love it becuase it runs perfect at wot and gets 22mpg on the freeway (2004r trans)