PhysicsTeacher

My son recently purchased a 1979 L82/4-speed with 110,000 miles. This week, he found himself on the side of the freeway, and now his local Corvette repair shop says he needs a new engine. He's getting a 2nd opinion, but if this is correct, what do you suggest?

The car is in very good condition otherwise. He is using the car as his daily driver for a short commute on the southern California freeways. A little extra horsepower would be nice, but is not terribly important. Gas mileage is not really a consideration.

I know that crate engines are widely available, and I like that idea versus a junkyard motor with a sketchy pedigree. He'll be paying someone to do the work, as he is not particularly handy with cars.

I assume that it would be a very big deal ($$$) to switch to a fuel injected engine. Is this correct?

Thanks for your advice.

LenWoodruff

I just had my 78 L82 Rebuilt. It cost around $5500. Just about the same as a create engine. I would look at both ways. Maybe the total cost of a create engine is less that that.

Easy Mike

What is the actual condition of the L-82? Why does the shop think it cannot be repaired?

TedH

If you are wanting a seasoned block from that era, I would recommend purchasing a remanufactured performance long block applicable to the 1970-1979 Chevrolet. Left-hand dipstick, 4-bolt main, forged crank.

With the popularity of the SBC and restoration shops in Southern Cal, you should not have ANY trouble finding a local outfit to take your engine in exchange for an identical remanufactured engine.

You will still have the labor to remove and reinstall and likely may have some 'while you are at it' repairs unless the other parts are in good condition.

Be prepared to repair/replace items other than just the engine. At 110,000 miles, the cooling, fuel, exhaust and emissions systems may also require attention. Not to mention the balance of the drivetrain (transmission, driveshaft, differential, halfshafts, t-arms, etc.).

derekderek

Where SoCal? You need a forum member to give your sons car a once-over to have a truly neutral 2nd opinion. I think this is best buy for complete engine. New from Chebby dealer free shipping. Talk to him. He may have better. Flat pistons, better cam, stuff like that. https://www.ebay.com/p/General-Motor...43660544&rt=nc

carriljc

You need to be careful here before getting carried away with modifications. That thing still has to pass smog since it's a 1979. If neither you nor your son know about engines - then you need to research that.

There is nothing special about a 1979 Corvette Small Block Chevy.

Where are you located?

calwldlife

yup, oe smog.
there was supposed to be a change that 80 and older will be exempt.
not sure if it is going to happen.

anyway,
money. it is all about the money.
quickest, cheapest is to buy a short block and swap everything over.

carriljc

The answer to this question depends on either your abilities, or your pocketbook....

I believe MSD makes a CARB approved Throttlebody EFI. I would not be concerned about this until you determine what the status of the engine is. You can always install it once the engine runs well.

I'll go look up that MSD EFI for you here shortly (if I'm right?).

carriljc

Here you go: MSD Atomic EFI PN 2900 or 2910.... but I would deal with the engine first.


http://www.enginelabs.com/news/msds-...mption-status/

http://www.jegs.com/i/MSD+Ignition/1...rand=&channel=

http://www.jegs.com/i/MSD-Ignition/121/2910/10002/-1

calwldlife

by the way,
the original engine will add value
at time of sale.
doesn't mean you should use it now.
but don't turn it in as a core.

resdoggie

Replace with a crate engine and box up the old engine and store it.

drwet

If you're going to buy a crate engine, I would suggest you find an aftermarket rebuilder with a good reputation. There seems to be some quality control problems with the factory GM engines at the moment. I know of about four local guys who have bought GM crate engines in the last couple of years and all have had major issues with them. And its everything from economy small block short blocks to high end complete big blocks.

carriljc

Sounds good, but he needs to be concerned with all the smog crap because they check for all that.... carb, intake manifold, and all the related fuel, ignition, and exhaust stuff.

PhysicsTeacher

He's in San Diego.

PhysicsTeacher

This is very helpful. Living in Florida, I had forgotten about CARB.

PhysicsTeacher

This is all very helpful. I hope to learn more details about the status of the engine on Monday or Tuesday. Thanks to all.

cv67

send me a pm maybe I can help
click on username go from there. He can make it run very strong and be smog legal btdt

CheezMoe

If it's the original L-82 I would pull it down and try and rebuild it and put it back. Depending on what actually "blew up" and how quickly he got off the road and shut it down. If there is no carnage in the block just fix it! My .02

revitup

If the original engine is going add so much value in the future, which I doubt, why would you do anything except repair/rebuild it?
Or a non-collector is going to wrap and pickle an unknown entity broken engine and move it around from one corner of the garage to another, hoping that's going to pay off at some point when they decide to dispose of the car?
We're not talking about a rare example here. Just fix it or replace it, which ever makes the most sense economically.

carriljc

Can you tell us what happened to the engine? Did I miss it somewhere?

I agree concerning the spare engine..... I have my old 68 L-79 and I've been moving it around the garage for years. It does look like the original from casting numbers, so it might matter to whomever gets it after I die..... but I'm thinking it may not have been worth storing it for the last 15 years.

Something to consider anyway.