1978 L82 engine replacement / rebuild stockish
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 397
Likes: 127
From: Flowood MS
I think i read and someone above eluded to this, isn't your stock engine an L-82? I'm not sure you weren't going backwards with the 290HP crate engine anyway. The L-82 has the 4 bolt mains you mentioned the crate engine has, plus forged crank and pistons. I've heard many people say it's a good bottom end to use to slap on some higher performing top end parts, whether they're stockish as you're wanting or more high performance.
I want a 350-358 that I can beat on and not worry about one bit. I can buy all the tires and clutches that entails since I only drive this car about 3000 miles a year for fun. I have another fun car too and will be adding a 3rd in a few years as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
The 268H Magnum cam breaks in very easy......the X-treme grinds not so much.
I avoid the latter like the plauge
FT cams got their place, to risk a barfed cam for 10 ft lbs isnt worth it
Sure some of the older cams are a little lazy but they seem to last and can still meet the OPs goal
If anything get some bowl and short turn work done to those Darts that will help wake it up. Shouldnt run more than a few hundred or so
Couple that with a modest cam, headers etc youll have a fun street car
Wont be setting records but will sound good be durable and allow a little Sun morning fun listening to those sounds.
Like the 268/270 type grinds
Wish GM still made their flat tappet lifters surprised GMPP doesnt they would sell like hotcakes. For a mild drive Id use one in a hot second.
Anyone remember P.A.W.s SSI regrinds? Used many of those..cheap stuff but worked good and lasted. For 100 or so for cam and lifters you could afford to change cams frequently just out of boredom.
Thier old 230/280 480/109 cam worked real well on a 327
Shame PAW closed down used to love going down there and hanging out with the guys looking for those closeouts.
