75 engine rebuild... L46?
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
75 engine rebuild... L46?
I bought the car in 75, and I'm not much of a gear head, so forgive and humor me if I sound ignorant.
I'm thinking of rebuilding the engine and would like to get additional power (above the base 165hp) and was thinking about building it out to the L46 specs. (350 hp, 11:1 compression) What issues will I face if I do this?
I'm a lttle confused about the change in HP ratings, will this change make a substancial difference in power?
Will unleaded gas cause a problem?
Will the ignition system need to be replaced?
I don't want to race the car, rather have a nice cruiser for retirement.
Thoughts and opinions will be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff
I'm thinking of rebuilding the engine and would like to get additional power (above the base 165hp) and was thinking about building it out to the L46 specs. (350 hp, 11:1 compression) What issues will I face if I do this?
I'm a lttle confused about the change in HP ratings, will this change make a substancial difference in power?
Will unleaded gas cause a problem?
Will the ignition system need to be replaced?
I don't want to race the car, rather have a nice cruiser for retirement.
Thoughts and opinions will be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
Which engine do you have? If you have the L82 engine you already have the camshaft and forged crank. If not you need those, 64cc heads, 11:1 replacement domed pistons (the original TRW domed piston with the SAME shape dome are not available) Your L46 clone will be fun to drive but keep in mind the 350hp rating is gross hp as for the general started rating with net hp the following model year.
Last edited by Oldguard 7; Jan 26, 2013 at 08:14 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
From: coon rapids mn
you engine power was rated at the tranny ,not at the fly wheel.don't do 11-1 compression ,it would need a big cam or high-octane gas.do a compression check ,maybe the rings and cylinder bore are still good.if you rebuild the short block shoot for 9-1 compression.you can plug in something like a new MSD HEI distributor .unleaded gas will work fine,try to get the stuff with no ethanol .consider a valve job on your heads,get valve springs to match the cam you install.look at comp cams ex268h ,good hot cam.have your current carb rebuilt bar Lars on here.consider a newer elderbrock intake .
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thanks for the reply's....
I have the base engine rated at 165 HP.
Do you know how the difference in gross HP at the fly wheel compares to the HP measured at the tranny? 350HP at the fly wheel equals approximately what at the tranny?
Also, will the 9-1 compression give me the desired boost in performance?
All thoughts and reccomendations are appreciated
I have the base engine rated at 165 HP.
Do you know how the difference in gross HP at the fly wheel compares to the HP measured at the tranny? 350HP at the fly wheel equals approximately what at the tranny?
Also, will the 9-1 compression give me the desired boost in performance?
All thoughts and reccomendations are appreciated
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Thanks for the reply's....
I have the base engine rated at 165 HP.
Do you know how the difference in gross HP at the fly wheel compares to the HP measured at the tranny? 350HP at the fly wheel equals approximately what at the tranny?
Also, will the 9-1 compression give me the desired boost in performance?
All thoughts and reccomendations are appreciated
I have the base engine rated at 165 HP.
Do you know how the difference in gross HP at the fly wheel compares to the HP measured at the tranny? 350HP at the fly wheel equals approximately what at the tranny?
Also, will the 9-1 compression give me the desired boost in performance?
All thoughts and reccomendations are appreciated
If you have a good running engine I would look into the edelbrock top end kit will put you close to 300hp without having to take the motor out
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Ya know, years ago we slapped a B&M 142 supercharger on a 1975 smog camaro. We beat the friggen snot out of that car with no problems until the trans blew out the bottom! I think you can fit them under your hood with a side draft air clean but you'll have to ask for others to confirm?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 350
From: No Where USA
I bought the car in 75, and I'm not much of a gear head, so forgive and humor me if I sound ignorant.
I'm thinking of rebuilding the engine and would like to get additional power (above the base 165hp) and was thinking about building it out to the L46 specs. (350 hp, 11:1 compression) What issues will I face if I do this?
I'm a lttle confused about the change in HP ratings, will this change make a substancial difference in power?
Will unleaded gas cause a problem?
Will the ignition system need to be replaced?
I don't want to race the car, rather have a nice cruiser for retirement.
Thoughts and opinions will be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff
I'm thinking of rebuilding the engine and would like to get additional power (above the base 165hp) and was thinking about building it out to the L46 specs. (350 hp, 11:1 compression) What issues will I face if I do this?
I'm a lttle confused about the change in HP ratings, will this change make a substancial difference in power?
Will unleaded gas cause a problem?
Will the ignition system need to be replaced?
I don't want to race the car, rather have a nice cruiser for retirement.
Thoughts and opinions will be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff
If you are going to change pistons why not just get a crate motor. In the end with all the parts and machine work you will be even.