As most of you know our loved corvettes went through a terrible process beginning with the mid 70's and continuing for several years of EPA butchering. This was no more apparent than from 1980-1982 in which we had low compression and motor choking going on. However these years have provided us with some of the most affordable and attractive cars throughout the corvette history to which high horsepower modifications can easily be done. On that note I have pulled the engine on my 1981 Corvette in the hopes that I may not only have an attractive car but a bit of a sleeper as well. Any input would be greatly appreciated as I move through the build and pictures will be posted.

 

Just for a new guy how does one go about posting pictures on here?

 

There is a sticky in the parts for sale section that will take you through posting pictures step by step. By the way, welcome to the forum. There is more information here than you could ever fully process.

 

Great minds think alike. I'm a big fan of the 80-82 body style. Here's a pic of the 355 500+hp i'm putting into my 80, with no exterior mods other than a slight hi-rise hood. Good Luck!....Vince

 

I pulled out the engine and trans and sold them on Craigs list.

Got a Super T 10 four speed tranny and built a 383 stroker with Cast Vortec heads.

Cast vortec heads are good for an instant 50 hp. Aluminum even more.

With the rpm manifold, Hooker side exhaust, no emissions, and a Holley I should be at about the 375-380 hp mark.

I also really like the 80-82 body style.


Shot at 2012-03-28

 

Butchering? Nothing happened to the Corvette which didn't happen to every other American made car from that time period.

We're all breathing cleaner air as a result.

 

 

 

Nice project.

What oil pan are you using?

 

Not sure on the exact model but just by eyeballing it the only difference seems to be a deeper drop once it clears the steering rod. The manufacturer of the engine approved the specs and as good as their service has been I'd be hard pressed to doubt their word. If mods do need to be made however it will most likely come in the form of removing material from the top of the rod then welding in an extra support piece on the bottom to insure no loss of rigidity and reliability.

 

NICE ONE C3Sleeper!!!!

Looks good.

 

Cool thread, sweet engine - any more detailed specs?

Thanks for the pics!

 

• 4 BOLT MAIN 1 PIECE REAR SEAL BLOCK
• NEW STROKER CRANKSHAFT
• PERFORMANCE CONNECTING RODS
• HYPEREUTECTIC PISTONS 10 TO 1 COMPRESSION
• RUNS ON PUMP GAS
• SPEED PRO MOLY RINGS
• CUSTOM GROUND ROLLER CAMSHAFT
• DURATION @ 050- 234/238
• INTAKE LIFT .539 -- EXHAUST LIFT .548
• DOUBLE ROLLER TIMING SET
• HEAVY DUTY TRIMETAL ENGINE BEARINGS
• MELLING HIGH PRESSURE OIL PUMP #M55HP
• FEL-PRO GASKETS
• NEW EDELBROCK PERFORMER RPM ALUMINUM HEADS WITH 64CC CHAMBERS #60899
• NEW 2.02" STAINLESS INTAKE VALVES
• NEW 1.60" STAINLESS EXHAUST VALVES
• HARD SEATS AND GUIDES FOR UNLEADED FUEL
• SCREW IN ROCKER STUDS
• 1.46 VALVE SPRINGS HANDLE VALVE LIFTS TO .575
• NEW HARDENED PUSHRODS, GUIDE PLATES, AND ROLLER LIFTERS
• ROLLER ROCKER ARMS
• NEW CHROME OIL PAN AND CHROME TIMING COVER
• NEW CHROME VALVE COVERS
• NEW PERFORMANCE HARMONIC BALANCER DAMPER
• NEW FLEXPLATE FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
• STANDARD TRANSMISSION FLYWHEEL EXTRA $250.00
• BALANCED, BLUEPRINTED, ASSEMBLED AND PAINTED
• NEW AIR GAP INTAKE MANIFOLD
• NEW 4 BARREL CARBURETOR 800 CFM # 1813
• NEW BLUE PRINTED HEI DISTRIBUTOR WITH 53,000 VOLT COIL
• NEW CHAMPION SPARK PLUGS & HEAVY DUTY IGNITION WIRES, ELECTRIC CHOKE
These are the detailed specs as provided by my engine builder. This engine was built by the engine factory in Lebanon, NJ. I cannot say enough about how helpful they were in ordering and their willingness to apply my choices for parts. Regardless of price I wouldn't hesitate to order from Matt again and recommend them to anyone desiring to put a true work of art with a full warranty in their engine bay.

 

Since taking those pictures I have cleaned out the entire engine bay, painted the bay, completed an overhaul of the front suspension, removed and replaced all hoses, and installed the engine accessories on the new motor to test fit and make adjustments.

 

 

Looking good

 

very nice!!!

 

Beautiful, the way these should have looked to begin with.

 

You obviously don't have clue how the AIR system actually works or much about the C3/C4 transition, but I hope ranting makes you feel better.

 

Yet despite all this it is completely unrelated to this thread as it was merely mentioned in passing. I appreciate the underhanded sarcasm but if you could I would appreciate it if you would simply pull them out and measure elsewhere as this is a thread about an engine build not the merits or lack thereof of the AIR system. I would welcome any suggestions relating to the build and comments regarding your experience with an engine replacement that would help me prepare the rest of the drivetrain. I understand that there are arguments to be made on other topics but this is not the place to make them. Many thanks.