pace car needs more power
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul MN
pace car needs more power
I just purchased a 78 pace car with only 24K miles. It is an automatic with with the L82 engine. Does anyone have any suggestions on making more horsepower (i.e., HEI ignition coil, K&N filter, exhausts, etc). I prefer not spending a fortune. Thanks!! :smash: :smash: :smash: :smash:
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: pace car needs more power (74stinger)
Headers, dual exhaust, and a good intake manifold would bump it up to high-200 hp range.
The ZZ4 with 1 3/4" headers and low restriction exhaust makes 355 hp. You could do headers and exhaust on your car now for a quick pick me up, and install the ZZ4 later when money's more convenient.
-Steve
The ZZ4 with 1 3/4" headers and low restriction exhaust makes 355 hp. You could do headers and exhaust on your car now for a quick pick me up, and install the ZZ4 later when money's more convenient.
-Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: pace car needs more power (Pacin'California)
Headers, dual exhaust, and a good intake manifold would bump it up to high-200 hp range.
The ZZ4 with 1 3/4" headers and low restriction exhaust makes 355 hp. You could do headers and exhaust on your car now for a quick pick me up, and install the ZZ4 later when money's more convenient.
-Steve
The ZZ4 with 1 3/4" headers and low restriction exhaust makes 355 hp. You could do headers and exhaust on your car now for a quick pick me up, and install the ZZ4 later when money's more convenient.
-Steve
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,425
Likes: 1
From: Traveling the US
Re: pace car needs more power (74stinger)
You'll need more than exhaust and an intake to get to the "high 200" range.
A new cam is really the best bet in addition to those parts you mentioned.
A new cam is really the best bet in addition to those parts you mentioned.
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 12,975
Likes: 22
Re: pace car needs more power (Chris@VetteFinders)
You'll need more than exhaust and an intake to get to the "high 200" range.
A new cam is really the best bet in addition to those parts you mentioned.
A new cam is really the best bet in addition to those parts you mentioned.
[Modified by sd pacecar, 6:01 PM 6/25/2002]
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: pace car needs more power (glen242)
The L-82 cam is by no means tame, Rhys. .45/.46 lift? That's about a step below your XE268.
I think the L-82 is good for 260-280 hp with headers, a performer intake, and exhaust. SD Pace Car claims 220 hp, if that's rear wheel, then that would come out about 260 net engine hp, the bottom end of my guess.
The LM-1 makes 265 engine hp through 1 5/8" headers, 2 1/4" true duals and mufflers, w/ 1.94 x 1.50 heads, and performer intake. I'm almost certain the L-82 could make more than 265.
LM-1 cam: .39/.41 (Same as L-48)
L-82 cam: .45/.46 . Hmmmm. Is there a difference here?
Well, yes, the LM-1 has different heads than the L-48/L-82, and I don't know which heads flow better, but the L-82 *is* fitted w/ 2.02/160 valves. *shrug*
Hence, this is why I believe the L-82 could make high 200's as far as ENGINE horsepower goes. Flywheel.
Glen242- The ZZ4 was rated with 1 3/4" headers feeding into 2 1/4" pipes with "low restriction" mufflers. I believe I stated that in my post.
-Steve
[Modified by Pacin'California, 6:47 PM 6/25/2002]
I think the L-82 is good for 260-280 hp with headers, a performer intake, and exhaust. SD Pace Car claims 220 hp, if that's rear wheel, then that would come out about 260 net engine hp, the bottom end of my guess.
The LM-1 makes 265 engine hp through 1 5/8" headers, 2 1/4" true duals and mufflers, w/ 1.94 x 1.50 heads, and performer intake. I'm almost certain the L-82 could make more than 265.
LM-1 cam: .39/.41 (Same as L-48)
L-82 cam: .45/.46 . Hmmmm. Is there a difference here?
Well, yes, the LM-1 has different heads than the L-48/L-82, and I don't know which heads flow better, but the L-82 *is* fitted w/ 2.02/160 valves. *shrug*
Hence, this is why I believe the L-82 could make high 200's as far as ENGINE horsepower goes. Flywheel.
Glen242- The ZZ4 was rated with 1 3/4" headers feeding into 2 1/4" pipes with "low restriction" mufflers. I believe I stated that in my post.
-Steve
[Modified by Pacin'California, 6:47 PM 6/25/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: pace car needs more power (Pacin'California)
Ex. is first. See Why Exhaust is problem for HP on 75-81
what many refer to as my Exhaust topic. http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ganeyexhaust.htm
what many refer to as my Exhaust topic. http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ganeyexhaust.htm
Platinum Supporting Dealership
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,425
Likes: 1
From: Traveling the US
Re: pace car needs more power (Pacin'California)
I disagree. Lets see someone prove me wrong (with actual results) 220 is not rear wheel, btw
[Modified by Chris@VetteFinders, 1:32 PM 6/26/2002]
[Modified by Chris@VetteFinders, 11:16 AM 6/27/2002]
The L-82 cam is by no means tame, Rhys. .45/.46 lift? That's about a step below your XE268.
I think the L-82 is good for 260-280 hp with headers, a performer intake, and exhaust. SD Pace Car claims 220 hp, if that's rear wheel, then that would come out about 260 net engine hp, the bottom end of my guess.
The LM-1 makes 265 engine hp through 1 5/8" headers, 2 1/4" true duals and mufflers, w/ 1.94 x 1.50 heads, and performer intake. I'm almost certain the L-82 could make more than 265.
LM-1 cam: .39/.41 (Same as L-48)
L-82 cam: .45/.46 . Hmmmm. Is there a difference here?
Well, yes, the LM-1 has different heads than the L-48/L-82, and I don't know which heads flow better, but the L-82 *is* fitted w/ 2.02/160 valves. *shrug*
Hence, this is why I believe the L-82 could make high 200's as far as ENGINE horsepower goes. Flywheel.
Glen242- The ZZ4 was rated with 1 3/4" headers feeding into 2 1/4" pipes with "low restriction" mufflers. I believe I stated that in my post.
-Steve
[Modified by Pacin'California, 6:47 PM 6/25/2002]
I think the L-82 is good for 260-280 hp with headers, a performer intake, and exhaust. SD Pace Car claims 220 hp, if that's rear wheel, then that would come out about 260 net engine hp, the bottom end of my guess.
The LM-1 makes 265 engine hp through 1 5/8" headers, 2 1/4" true duals and mufflers, w/ 1.94 x 1.50 heads, and performer intake. I'm almost certain the L-82 could make more than 265.
LM-1 cam: .39/.41 (Same as L-48)
L-82 cam: .45/.46 . Hmmmm. Is there a difference here?
Well, yes, the LM-1 has different heads than the L-48/L-82, and I don't know which heads flow better, but the L-82 *is* fitted w/ 2.02/160 valves. *shrug*
Hence, this is why I believe the L-82 could make high 200's as far as ENGINE horsepower goes. Flywheel.
Glen242- The ZZ4 was rated with 1 3/4" headers feeding into 2 1/4" pipes with "low restriction" mufflers. I believe I stated that in my post.
-Steve
[Modified by Pacin'California, 6:47 PM 6/25/2002]
[Modified by Chris@VetteFinders, 1:32 PM 6/26/2002]
[Modified by Chris@VetteFinders, 11:16 AM 6/27/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: pace car needs more power (Chris@VetteFinders)
I'll stand by my post.
I believe with a good intake manifold, 1 5/8" headers, true dual exhaust and good mufflers, the L-82 would be capable of 250+ HP.
Headers and exhaust are a good install on the motor, as you can recycle them if you decide to go w/ a crate motor or make any other changes to your motor in the future.
-Steve
I believe with a good intake manifold, 1 5/8" headers, true dual exhaust and good mufflers, the L-82 would be capable of 250+ HP.
Headers and exhaust are a good install on the motor, as you can recycle them if you decide to go w/ a crate motor or make any other changes to your motor in the future.
-Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: pace car needs more power (74stinger)
Ummm...nobody has mentioned removing the smog controls (for test purposes only, of course -- wouldn't want to break no laws or nothin like that)...
And nobody has said anything about changing the rear gear ratio!
I have a desmogged 79 L-82, true duals, with a 3:70 rear end...and she goes like a scalded cat :yesnod:
Oh, and a K&N air filter never hurt anyone.
And nobody has said anything about changing the rear gear ratio!
I have a desmogged 79 L-82, true duals, with a 3:70 rear end...and she goes like a scalded cat :yesnod:
Oh, and a K&N air filter never hurt anyone.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 12,975
Likes: 22
Re: pace car needs more power (Chris@VetteFinders)
I just now called the Dyno Shop (3:40PM WCT) in Santee, CA. I specifically asked about the print out sheet displaying HP/TQ. I quote, "It is to the ground as far as the numbers generated." I am with Pacin on this one.
I disagree. Lets see someone prove me wrong (with actual results) 220 is not rear wheel, btw
The L-82 cam is by no means tame, Rhys. .45/.46 lift? That's about a step below your XE268.
I think the L-82 is good for 260-280 hp with headers, a performer intake, and exhaust. SD Pace Car claims 220 hp, if that's rear wheel, then that would come out about 260 net engine hp, the bottom end of my guess.
The LM-1 makes 265 engine hp through 1 5/8" headers, 2 1/4" true duals and mufflers, w/ 1.94 x 1.50 heads, and performer intake. I'm almost certain the L-82 could make more than 265.
LM-1 cam: .39/.41 (Same as L-48)
L-82 cam: .45/.46 . Hmmmm. Is there a difference here?
Well, yes, the LM-1 has different heads than the L-48/L-82, and I don't know which heads flow better, but the L-82 *is* fitted w/ 2.02/160 valves. *shrug*
Hence, this is why I believe the L-82 could make high 200's as far as ENGINE horsepower goes. Flywheel.
Glen242- The ZZ4 was rated with 1 3/4" headers feeding into 2 1/4" pipes with "low restriction" mufflers. I believe I stated that in my post.
-Steve
[Modified by Pacin'California, 6:47 PM 6/25/2002]
[Modified by Chris@VetteFinders, 1:32 PM 6/26/2002]
The L-82 cam is by no means tame, Rhys. .45/.46 lift? That's about a step below your XE268.
I think the L-82 is good for 260-280 hp with headers, a performer intake, and exhaust. SD Pace Car claims 220 hp, if that's rear wheel, then that would come out about 260 net engine hp, the bottom end of my guess.
The LM-1 makes 265 engine hp through 1 5/8" headers, 2 1/4" true duals and mufflers, w/ 1.94 x 1.50 heads, and performer intake. I'm almost certain the L-82 could make more than 265.
LM-1 cam: .39/.41 (Same as L-48)
L-82 cam: .45/.46 . Hmmmm. Is there a difference here?
Well, yes, the LM-1 has different heads than the L-48/L-82, and I don't know which heads flow better, but the L-82 *is* fitted w/ 2.02/160 valves. *shrug*
Hence, this is why I believe the L-82 could make high 200's as far as ENGINE horsepower goes. Flywheel.
Glen242- The ZZ4 was rated with 1 3/4" headers feeding into 2 1/4" pipes with "low restriction" mufflers. I believe I stated that in my post.
-Steve
[Modified by Pacin'California, 6:47 PM 6/25/2002]
[Modified by Chris@VetteFinders, 1:32 PM 6/26/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: pace car needs more power (page62)
Ummm...nobody has mentioned removing the smog controls (for test purposes only, of course -- wouldn't want to break no laws or nothin like that)...
Disconnecting the belt could free the engine up. Removing the pump entirely would clean the compartment up and save weight.
The 78 L-82 has 3.55 gears from the factory w/ the automatic transmission(3.70 w/ manual). I wouldn't change unless you're dying to spend a few hundred dollars or the rear gearset is in its dying days.
Also, get Lars's timing kit. Timing is a significant factor in engine performance.
I lowered my 0-60 time by almost a second tweaking with the timing. (Using G-tech!)
-Steve