I'm writing this new thread because I believe my previous was going a little astray. My goal is to take my whimpy 75 L-48 Vette engine and develop some respectable horsepower from it. Its current hp is rated as 165 with 8.5:1 compression. I affectionly refer to the engine as the Fred Flintsone foot pedal model. I would be satisfied with 300 plus horsepower. My Vette is a weekend driver and I'm not interested in racing but I do love the feeling of power under the hood.

Here is my question: Edelbrock offers several top end performance kits. I'm trying to see which package will work the best for me without having to do major modifications to the rest of the car. I realize that I can ask a tech at Edelbrock for advice, but I was wondering if any of you have experience or know someone that has used any of the packages and if you/they were pleased with the performance with their L-48. Thanks for your input on this issue.

The main problem with this engine is the low compression (by comparison) and dish styled pistons.
Here is Edelbrock's link for the power packages: http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...ek_chevy.shtml

 

I didn't do all edel Brock, but used there heads they work all right. There rpm etec package has the smaller runners getting more power than the regular rpm meaning port velocity would be up for better low rpm torque, but afr has some dynoed combs that use there heads & a mild comp cam with the performer rpm intake making 400 or so horse. The reason why I mention this is that the edelbrock combos use a larger camshaft due to decreased flow in order to gain about the same power, which would affect low rpm power. But the afr heads cost a little more money. Sorry about your last post. Good luck with your project & keep us posted.

 

If you go with 64 cc chambers on your heads. it will pull your compression ratio up to about 9.5 to 1

 

In doing a top, there are a lot more options with low compression than high compression. On a GEN I SBC, a decrease of 10cc of chamber volume = about 1 point compression - so moving from a 76cc chamber to a 64cc chamber will increase compression about 1.2 points. Further, the pistons are usually about .020 or so down in the hole, and typically this leads to about .068 or worse quench...so by using a thinner gasket we can get the CR up into the 9.5 range or so easily - and gain better quench, which means more power and less detonation sensitivity. You will need to decide if you're willing to buy premium fuel

Good luck with this thread

 

The Edelbroack kits come with a std head gasket. The thin gasket you're talking about is a thought. My concern is the safety of seal of a thin gasket. The thicker appears to provide a better seal. can you recommend a brand? Thanks

 

The Rpm package is a good package its not the best set up but works well

 

The thickness of a head gasket has nothing to do with how well it seals. You'll probably want something in the .015-028 range from Fel-Pro or Cometic...but you'll need to check the deck height once the heads are off.

The rubber-coated Multi-layer Steel (MLS) gaskets are the best ones out there...but they're not cheap

 

Billla, could you go a little more into detail about the thickness of the head gasket not having anything to do with it's sealing properties? I have been a little leary about using a .015 shim gasket in a future engine build because I was under the impression that a thicker gasket would seal better, and it seems the OP does, too. (That's why I don't feel like I am highjacking this thread) Any more info would be great.


Scott

 

Scott, the reason for the reputation is around steel-shim gaskets which are typically .015 thick compressed. These gaskets require a very clean, smooth and level block and head deck, but often people would install them with a dirty, rough(er) and wavy surface and have sealing issues. This can still be the case with plain steel shim gaskets, but the new rubber-coated MLS gaskets have no issues with this at all.

@OP, if this is OT I'll delete given the trouble you had with your other thread

 

My other problem with my car is that I'm not as technically educated like many of you. I have a lot of respect for you guys. I’m simply a weekend mechanic warrior. My garage is outfitted with plenty of tools but no specialized machine shop equipments.

So, you know my engine, what kit from Edelbrock do you think is my best bet. Let me interject here a comment. I took off my cat and added dual exhaust a long time ago. In my state there are no emissions for a 75. Okay, now you have all the facts: 75 L-48, 8.5:1 compression . . . which kit will work best to reach my goal of reaching 300 to 350 horsepower.

My options, as I see it is either the Edelbrock 2022 or 2098 kit? I've been told there is a clearance issue with the intake manifold with the 2098 kit, but I was also told that something can be done with this by way of a lower profile air cleaner. Here is the link again for Edelbrock top end performance kits:


http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...ek_chevy.shtml

Please take a look at the 2022 & 2098 kits and remember my horsepower goal. Thank you all so much, Ken

 

Ken, I completely hear that you don't want to "experiment" and have something that requires a lot of custom work. You want something that will pretty much just bolt on and be reliable and deliver more power. I realize the Edelbrock kits are attractive, but there are other choices as well.

In the Edelbrock kits, I would pick the #2022 overall. The E-Street heads are excellent entry level heads, and the Performer (vs. Performer RPM) will fit better under your hood. You will end up having to find a drop-base air cleaner that will fit. This is going to put you right in the ballpark with headers. With a Performer RPM you'll end up with a foamie or really short air cleaner...and that cuts power too.

My recommendation however would be the Scoggins-Dickey Vortec top-end kit - about the same power level but for about $400 less. I would pair this with a fairly mild cam in the .450 lift range - more information on trans/gear required to make a specific recommendation. These parts are all well-matched.

http://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-d...nter/sd8060kit

Now...neither of these kits are 1000% bolt-on. You'll end up needing to source sealants, studs, bolts, linkages, etc. Nothing a smart guy can't do working carefully and methodically - but you shouldn't think that this will be just a weekend project. There are checks you need to make for valvetrain geometry, etc. that aren't hard...but they need to be done. I guess I'm just trying to set the expectation that YOU CAN DO THIS but you need to be prepared to do a little work outside of your comfort zone

 

Bill thank you for taking the time to help me on this. Anything else you can share with me would be appreciated.

 

Here is what I did, I spoke with Art, a technical advisor at Edelbrock. Art is very knowledgeable and was able to quickly determine my needs and list for me the part number's I needed. The cost wasn't much more than a kit. I feel pretty good about my decision.

 

Listen to Billa. Not only does he know his engines, he can make anyone believe in their ability to do the work, he will also be there to help. He is an absolute asset to the forum.

 

Hey, thanks for the kind words

 

If you get the #2098 package be prepared to have headaches with and air cleaner fitting.

I have just finished installing a ZZ4 crate engine and have the Edelbrock Performer intake part # 7501. A 14 inch air cleaner touches the HEI distributor if you are using one. Also it gives you about 3 inches from the carb flange to the bottom of the hood so you need a really low profile cleaner. The drop bases ones are all 14 inch as I am finding out.

I am currently fabbing up an air cleaner from Spectre Performance using their low profile plenum. Spectreperformance dot com

 

So what was the recommendation?

 

Sorry to bump an old thread but I feel Im in the same boat and I'd really like to know what you chose.

 

What are your goals & do you have a budget?

 

I've got the same engine with about the same horsepower. I'm definately not looking to hit the track, this is more of a take out on the weekends kind of car. I'm looking for the 300-350hp range Unfortunately I'm more of a grease monkey and not very knowledgeable so I like the idea of a package set. My budget is about $1k. I'd really appreciate any help you can give.