1978 corvette L48 Engine Replacement.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 598
1978 corvette L48 Engine Replacement.
I am looking at replacing my L48 with a new motor. It will mainly be used for Road Track driving, and also will need to drive on the street to get to the track.
I have been thinking about GM Crate motors, ZZ4 turn key.
I would like EFI systems, but it needs to fit under the stock hood.
A local builder has spec'd this.
We can build suppling a core with hyper cast flat top pistons,hyd 230/230 cam 60899 ed heads roller rockers,and fast injection and 5001 ed intake, at $6875
We have not spoken about specifics on all parts yet.
What would be a good starting point and things to consider for road track driving.
I would really like a LS3, but that is a lot of work to fit in a 1978 plus the cost of the motor is not cheap. Any other ideas ? looking for the 350-400 HP range.
I have been thinking about GM Crate motors, ZZ4 turn key.
I would like EFI systems, but it needs to fit under the stock hood.
A local builder has spec'd this.
We can build suppling a core with hyper cast flat top pistons,hyd 230/230 cam 60899 ed heads roller rockers,and fast injection and 5001 ed intake, at $6875
We have not spoken about specifics on all parts yet.
What would be a good starting point and things to consider for road track driving.
I would really like a LS3, but that is a lot of work to fit in a 1978 plus the cost of the motor is not cheap. Any other ideas ? looking for the 350-400 HP range.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Your specced motor should get you there.
For that price you could also build an LQ4/LQ9 to make power beyond your desired range, although there'll be more work on the install. You could theoretically set it up carbureted and go with a front drive mechanical distributor to ease things up. Not sure how that setup would fit under the hood though.
For that price you could also build an LQ4/LQ9 to make power beyond your desired range, although there'll be more work on the install. You could theoretically set it up carbureted and go with a front drive mechanical distributor to ease things up. Not sure how that setup would fit under the hood though.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 598
The quote I got was from a local speed shop. for a complete motor and not rebuilding my L48. I would like to keep the original motor as is. I called Jegs no free shipping to Canada.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
I used Jeg's. Bought their stoutest blueprinted 355 short block with 10.5:1 compression pistons (with 76cc chambers) and used my other parts to finish it out. Seems like it was around $2100 at the time. Good deal. I'm happy with it. Or they have GM engines with free shipping.
