UPPER ENGINE MODS - '81
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UPPER ENGINE MODS - '81
My carb needs rebuilding or replacement (posting two weeks ago) and I'd like to liven things up a bit while I'm going at it. I'd like to have my shop spend a day or less on assorted mods, but am concerned about the low compression pistons (the engine is in good shape and my budget doesnt include a complete breakdown).
I've had some great feedback from CF on carbs and manifolds. My question is, would Vortec heads be a waste with my standard pistons? My car has a replacement block (350 Chevy truck 4-bolt main) and an L-82 cam. Can a competent mechanic replace the cam with the engine in place? Is there any way to strengthen the lower end with the engine in the car (e.g. drain oil, remove crankcase, install ARP studs in the mains one bolt at a time)?
Any feedback is appreciate. Thanks for the carb info to Lars.
I've had some great feedback from CF on carbs and manifolds. My question is, would Vortec heads be a waste with my standard pistons? My car has a replacement block (350 Chevy truck 4-bolt main) and an L-82 cam. Can a competent mechanic replace the cam with the engine in place? Is there any way to strengthen the lower end with the engine in the car (e.g. drain oil, remove crankcase, install ARP studs in the mains one bolt at a time)?
Any feedback is appreciate. Thanks for the carb info to Lars.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Re: UPPER ENGINE MODS - '81 (Runner81)
vortec heads will automatically increase compression because of smaller combustion chambers. use a head gasket with a smaller compressed thickness and you will increase your compression further. if your on a budget, i don't see the cost-to-worth ratio in changing an L-82 cam once you go with the vortec heads (i'm assuming your getting a good deal on some rebuilt heads or something). a performer or performer RPM intake would provide a slight improvement over the factory intake but hood clearance will be an issue with either of these.
i see no reason why you cannot replace the bottom end bolts with ARPs bolts or studs with the engine still in the car but why? a four bolt block should be able to easily handle ~350hp and i don't see the combination your considering putting out substantially more than that.
take that money and the money you were going to spend on a cam and put it somewhere else that will make a more substantial power gain.
i see no reason why you cannot replace the bottom end bolts with ARPs bolts or studs with the engine still in the car but why? a four bolt block should be able to easily handle ~350hp and i don't see the combination your considering putting out substantially more than that.
take that money and the money you were going to spend on a cam and put it somewhere else that will make a more substantial power gain.
