C4 Engine and Transmission in C3

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Dec 20, 2014 | 01:14 AM

RedTxVette

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C4 Engine and Transmission in C3

I've done some searching around and can't find an exact answer to my question. I have a 80 corvette and I bought it as a roller. I put a 350 in it but I bought an 84 C4 corvette for a parts car for mainly the serpentine system off of it. My question is, will the engine and transmission swap over to my 80 without any problems? I know that since the 84 is the crossfire injection, I'll have to change the intake and distributor and that little stuff, but will I run into any other problems?

Thank you.

Dec 20, 2014 | 02:36 AM

Gale Banks 80'

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From: Seattle Washington

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedTxVette

When the all new C4 came out the only carry over was the Engine and Trans out of the 1982 Vette. Well Almost. The 82 didn't have the Serp Belt so I have no idea how that's going to work, how ever others have done it using all GM Parts. And the Trans, well that's not the same either, as the Rear Mount design is completely different, a corvette only design, where the C3 Trans pretty much fit anything 2 wheel drive.

Dec 20, 2014 | 12:10 PM

69427

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From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedTxVette

Any powertrain transplant is possible. The difficulty factor just depends on what it is and how technically capable you are. Which transmission is in the 84? Custom trans brackets would need to be made, but that's an easy welding project. The overdrive system or TCC setup can be dealt with too. Just post a few more details and I'm sure there will be some solutions offered up here.

(Side note: I'm looking for a few '84 parts. PM me if you're willing to sell a few odds and ends from the '84.)

Dec 20, 2014 | 12:26 PM

hugie82

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From: Bridgewater nj

You can keep the crossfire and just use the ECU out of the 84 but you would need patiences with a little skill of basic fuel injection. The problem I've heard guys having is the power steering pulley wanting to occupy the same area as the frame with the serpentine system. If you can cut and weld, it shouldn't be a big job. The trans mount might be just a tail shaft housing. The 82 corvette would be your guide since they use this set up. I will tell you the shifter works but you lose low1 unless you notch the shifter gate. Using the CFI will control the trans but B&M makes a lock up kit for carbs.

Dec 20, 2014 | 10:22 PM

Gale Banks 80'

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From: Seattle Washington

Assuming this is an automatic car and a 700r4. The easiest way to install it in a C3 would be to just pull the tail shaft section off the Trans and switch it with a normal non C4 one. But since an early 700r4 is not near as good as a later one Your probably better off starting out with a later one in the first place.

Dec 21, 2014 | 12:05 AM

tektrans

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From: Central NJ

Honestly if you are going to go through all the trouble of a major swap IMO you should do an LS1 swap.

Dec 22, 2014 | 09:19 AM

Paul L

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From: Ontario

Electric fuel pump in gas tank?

Dec 22, 2014 | 09:27 AM

jb78L-82

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From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN

I would think that your biggest issues are going to be the ECU for the crossfire "fuel injection" and the fuel pump. Frankly you would be better off just using the engine less the cross fire setup with a cam, intake and carb.