C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

A little help with performance mods

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 14, 2012 | 11:56 PM
  #1  
TRN4L's Avatar
TRN4L
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Detroit Michigan
Default A little help with performance mods

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

I have a '79 C3 with what I believe is an L05.
Motor and trans are not original to the car. Through my research of the casting numbers and engine code I'm pretty sure its an L05. Also I cannot find where the partial vin is stamped on this block. I wonder if its too damaged to read of if I am simply looking in the wrong place.

Block Casting #14093638
Head Casting #14102193
Engine Code - V0713HSA
Edelbrock Performer Intake
Edelbrock 600cfm Carb (not sure of the # I dont have it with me)

I am not 100% certain of the engine code. i know the first 5 characters are correct, but i'm uncertain of the "HSA" suffix. It *might* be TPA

I know the heads are 'Swirl Port' and are limited in their performance uses (high torque @ low RPM if i'm not mistaken) and the valve covers are center bolt.

The first thing I'm looking for is a nice pair of vortec heads.
  1. Do I need to replace the springs in the vortec heads?
  2. If so do I need NEW springs or can I use the ones out of the 193 heads?
  3. Am I correct that the "biggest" lift cam I can use is .46 without modifying the heads?
  4. Can I use an aftermarket flat tappet cam or do I NEED to upgrade to a roller setup?
  5. Is there anything I havent mentioned that is involved in swapping over to the vortec's?

I know I have a lot of questions, so I really appreciate any help you guys can offer!

Also if anyone has any other "low-budget" suggestion feel free!

Thanks
-Anthony
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2012 | 11:44 AM
  #2  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,689
Likes: 2,571
Default

this is from the GM Performance Parts Catalogue and may answer some of your questions. You can download the catalog from a number of sites.
A. 12558060
Cast-iron Vortec Cylinder Head Assembly
• Completely assembled with 1.940"/1.500" valves
• Uses bare head 12529093
• 64cc combustion chamber
• Straight spark plugs
• No heat risers
• Requires Vortec-specific intake manifold
• Camshafts with more than 0.475" lift require machining valve guide
bosses and checking valve seal to valve spring retainer clearance
• Can be machined for 2.020"/1.600" valves
• Rocker arm studs can be pinned or drilled and tapped to 3/8"
• Valve spring seat diameter is 1.280"
• Casting number 10239906 or 12558062
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2012 | 05:32 PM
  #3  
TRN4L's Avatar
TRN4L
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Detroit Michigan
Default

Thanks for the response and the info. I can see it answers my lift question but I am still not clear on the others.
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2012 | 02:01 PM
  #4  
TRN4L's Avatar
TRN4L
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Detroit Michigan
Default

Been doing some more reading and I WILL be replacing the springs. If I got a 272H10 from comp cams would that work well with the vortec heads after the swap? I'm trying to keep up drivability and gas milage while getting a nice performance boost
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2012 | 08:42 PM
  #5  
TRN4L's Avatar
TRN4L
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Detroit Michigan
Default

Anyone?
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To A little help with performance mods





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:16 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE