1981 How far can I go?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: Woodland California
1981 How far can I go?
Well I'm setup to buy a 1981 Corvette tomorrow,
she is a Garage Queen for certain.
Less than 80,000 and very nice all around.
My question is how far can I go with the engine?
190 hp is pretty wimpy.
I do life in California so everything needs to be right to pass smog.
The computerized Q-jet, is this going to be a problem?
And then I'll need a good cam that will allow it to pass smog.
So what have others done and what were their results.
I've had good luck in the past with Edelbrock stuff making more power, better mileage and doing very well passing smog.
I'm looking foreward to hearing from everyone.
My last Vette was a 1998 340 horse. It was fun.
Thanks in advance
Ralph
she is a Garage Queen for certain.
Less than 80,000 and very nice all around.
My question is how far can I go with the engine?
190 hp is pretty wimpy.
I do life in California so everything needs to be right to pass smog.
The computerized Q-jet, is this going to be a problem?
And then I'll need a good cam that will allow it to pass smog.
So what have others done and what were their results.
I've had good luck in the past with Edelbrock stuff making more power, better mileage and doing very well passing smog.
I'm looking foreward to hearing from everyone.
My last Vette was a 1998 340 horse. It was fun.
Thanks in advance
Ralph
Last edited by Ralphbf; Mar 21, 2011 at 02:43 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
With an 81, you'll have to stick with the computerized q-jet. You can make decent power, but it'll be hard!
I'd go for an earlier year, or plan on doing a modern engine swap.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 233
Likes: 18
From: Monrovia Md
The limitation of the 1981 is not the carburetor -- it will flow a lot of air. The limitation is the exhaust into a single cat and the heads. I don't think that you can change either of those in California -- so if you want 300HP a 1981 is not the place to start.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I have an 81 that I just picked up this weekend. its all stock as well and I plan to keep it mostly stock and run all the emissions junk.
after I replace the stock bead converter with a new style converter, I am planning on replacing the stock 2.87 rear gears with 3.70s. That will be the best bang for the buck performance mod without even touching the engine.
after that I plan on swapping in a 5 speed transmission. then when I finally get to the engine it will be a roller cam that I can still run with the stock computer, and probably a set of Edelbrock performer heads. I believe they are CARB approved. I heard there are headers you can buy with the AIR ports in them so you can still run the smog pump, but I havnt looked that far into it yet.
my car runs perfect right now and I think the computer carb gets a bad rap from a lot of people that don't understand how the system works. I think you can easily get 300 hp out of the engine if you do your research and get the right parts working together.
after I replace the stock bead converter with a new style converter, I am planning on replacing the stock 2.87 rear gears with 3.70s. That will be the best bang for the buck performance mod without even touching the engine.
after that I plan on swapping in a 5 speed transmission. then when I finally get to the engine it will be a roller cam that I can still run with the stock computer, and probably a set of Edelbrock performer heads. I believe they are CARB approved. I heard there are headers you can buy with the AIR ports in them so you can still run the smog pump, but I havnt looked that far into it yet.
my car runs perfect right now and I think the computer carb gets a bad rap from a lot of people that don't understand how the system works. I think you can easily get 300 hp out of the engine if you do your research and get the right parts working together.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
Likes: 1
From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I have an 81 that I just picked up this weekend. its all stock as well and I plan to keep it mostly stock and run all the emissions junk.
after I replace the stock bead converter with a new style converter, I am planning on replacing the stock 2.87 rear gears with 3.70s. That will be the best bang for the buck performance mod without even touching the engine.
after that I plan on swapping in a 5 speed transmission. then when I finally get to the engine it will be a roller cam that I can still run with the stock computer, and probably a set of Edelbrock performer heads. I believe they are CARB approved. I heard there are headers you can buy with the AIR ports in them so you can still run the smog pump, but I havnt looked that far into it yet.
my car runs perfect right now and I think the computer carb gets a bad rap from a lot of people that don't understand how the system works. I think you can easily get 300 hp out of the engine if you do your research and get the right parts working together.
after I replace the stock bead converter with a new style converter, I am planning on replacing the stock 2.87 rear gears with 3.70s. That will be the best bang for the buck performance mod without even touching the engine.
after that I plan on swapping in a 5 speed transmission. then when I finally get to the engine it will be a roller cam that I can still run with the stock computer, and probably a set of Edelbrock performer heads. I believe they are CARB approved. I heard there are headers you can buy with the AIR ports in them so you can still run the smog pump, but I havnt looked that far into it yet.
my car runs perfect right now and I think the computer carb gets a bad rap from a lot of people that don't understand how the system works. I think you can easily get 300 hp out of the engine if you do your research and get the right parts working together.
Oh yea? when you get that, post the dyno sheet and the pictures of the car burning the tires. Many would like to see this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
You can change the heads in CA. You can upgrade the exhaust, there are legal headers and anything behind the cats is legal. The midpipe is a sketchy scenario, but you can pretty easily get away with 2.5"->single 3" -> 2.5" outlets and that should be more than enough to support a fair amount of power.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: Woodland California
Well the Guy must of sold it to the sandman.
It was posted last night, we responded last night and the add was gone this morning.
Now I'm looking at a 1990 6 speed and a 1986 4speed plus electric over drive.
Hopefully I will drive one of them home tomorrow.
Any preferences?
What are your thoughts on the engines?
Ralph
It was posted last night, we responded last night and the add was gone this morning.
Now I'm looking at a 1990 6 speed and a 1986 4speed plus electric over drive.
Hopefully I will drive one of them home tomorrow.
Any preferences?
What are your thoughts on the engines?
Ralph
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
Well the Guy must of sold it to the sandman.
It was posted last night, we responded last night and the add was gone this morning.
Now I'm looking at a 1990 6 speed and a 1986 4speed plus electric over drive.
Hopefully I will drive one of them home tomorrow.
Any preferences?
What are your thoughts on the engines?
Ralph
It was posted last night, we responded last night and the add was gone this morning.
Now I'm looking at a 1990 6 speed and a 1986 4speed plus electric over drive.
Hopefully I will drive one of them home tomorrow.
Any preferences?
What are your thoughts on the engines?
Ralph
The engines on the two cars will not be that different. Lots of torque, not a lot of HP, but as with any small block, your wallet will determine how much power you want to make.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
The 90 will be a better basis for performance, as the ECMs can handle more overall power than the 85-89s.
However, they are more sensitive to changes as well. A cam change will make one of those cars pretty much undriveable, and you'll need to have it tuned as you go.
The 90 is speed-density (MAP) based and the 86 is MAF.
However, they are more sensitive to changes as well. A cam change will make one of those cars pretty much undriveable, and you'll need to have it tuned as you go.
The 90 is speed-density (MAP) based and the 86 is MAF.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
Step one: Remove all smog equipment, heads, and cam; and store in a box somewhere safe.
Step Two: Put awesome parts on your car.
Step Three: Swap smog parts on for smog every two years. Not only will you get your tags, but your smog legal parts won't wear out or ugly up your engine bay.
Oh, I certainly did not say this was easy, it is most certainly a pain in the ***.
Step Two: Put awesome parts on your car.
Step Three: Swap smog parts on for smog every two years. Not only will you get your tags, but your smog legal parts won't wear out or ugly up your engine bay.
Oh, I certainly did not say this was easy, it is most certainly a pain in the ***.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 386
Likes: 13
I have owned a 81 now for four years , and it is completely stock right down to the radio, the ecm is still in operation as all other smog equipment. and I must say it runs like a dream- at just 70,000 miles it feels like new, yes its a cruise night car & maybe a little slow , but if you modify the car you will loose the originality, remember their only original once. my advice is leave it alone! , theses c-3 cars are on the cusp of becoming very desireable and expensive , so if you have one that has not been molested by the kid up the block , don"t do it..
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
I have a 1980, others here have been trying to help me pass smog,, its been a nightmare to say the very least. If the 81 is original and will pass now I wouldn't touch it, I agree, if you want to build a fast car the 81 is not a good place to start, at least not in California,, they have you by the neck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 849
Likes: 0
From: Woodland California
Call me crazy but I bought 2 cars yesterday.
A super clean 1990 with a 6 speed, $4500.00 and a 1976 that had not been started in 10 years, $3000.00.
The 90 will be here in about 3 hours and I have to go get the 76 tomorrow. I wanted a project car but the 90 needs nothing but detailing.
The 90 is quick and fun to drive even with only 245hp.
the guy said the 76 came with leather diamond button tuck from the factory. Is this possible? It has 70,000 miles on it and the guy was not the sharpest tack in the pack to say the least. But with a little time and about $1000,00 it should be near show room condition.
So I'm off on a new adventure.
Any thoughts on the 76?
A super clean 1990 with a 6 speed, $4500.00 and a 1976 that had not been started in 10 years, $3000.00.
The 90 will be here in about 3 hours and I have to go get the 76 tomorrow. I wanted a project car but the 90 needs nothing but detailing.
The 90 is quick and fun to drive even with only 245hp.
the guy said the 76 came with leather diamond button tuck from the factory. Is this possible? It has 70,000 miles on it and the guy was not the sharpest tack in the pack to say the least. But with a little time and about $1000,00 it should be near show room condition.
So I'm off on a new adventure.
Any thoughts on the 76?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 386
Likes: 13
Hi, I read your reply, and may I say that your description of the seller of the 76 is probably acurate , first of all their was no diamond tuck anything from the factory what so ever, the seat covers were definetly replaced . as for not starting it for ten years, the first thing to do is remove all the fuel from the tank , and then remove the line on the carb and use compressed air to clear out the tainted fuel- this should blow it back to the tank , then remove it. Then add fresh fuel with stabilizer, change oil & filter AC #454, air cleaner should also be replaced, then replace the battery. give it a crank, and see if she starts, when it does start do no rev motor let engine warm up naturaly, almost forgot change antifreeze as well befor starting, and good luck.