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1979 Performance Upgrade Help

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Old Jan 3, 2019 | 03:01 PM
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Default 1979 Performance Upgrade Help

I've got a friend in New Zealand with a 1979 Corvette with the cone shaped pistons. Not sure if this is the L48 or L82 engine... His goal is to get more power out of his 350 and is looking at aluminum heads, etc. My goal in starting this thread is to figure out the best combination of parts to achieve his power goal. He said he was looking for new heads, rockers, cams, and whatever else necessary. So those of you that have done this to your 350, tell me what works!

Thanks!!
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Old Jan 3, 2019 | 03:34 PM
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First:
1) What is his budget?
2) What is his power goal?
3) What are "cone shaped pistons" and how do you know what they look like? Is the engine apart?
Look at the VIN number and determine if this is a L-82........Google up the VIN decoder for Vettes and it will tell you. Reason being, if it is an L-82 and it is in perfect condition......your buddy will have a better start point to work off of.....

Jebby
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Old Jan 3, 2019 | 08:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Jebbysan
First:
1) What is his budget?
2) What is his power goal?
3) What are "cone shaped pistons" and how do you know what they look like? Is the engine apart?
Look at the VIN number and determine if this is a L-82........Google up the VIN decoder for Vettes and it will tell you. Reason being, if it is an L-82 and it is in perfect condition......your buddy will have a better start point to work off of.....

Jebby
Thanks so much. I forwarded the questions to my friend in NZ and I'll reply as soon as I get a response.
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Old Jan 4, 2019 | 06:55 AM
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Ask for pics of the pistons if the heads are off. Nice thing about cone shaped pistons. They come from France...
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Old Jan 4, 2019 | 11:09 AM
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He may mean domed pistons. Cam, heads then intake are your biggest improvements then exhaust. it's all about getting your motor to breathe easier
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Old Jan 5, 2019 | 10:19 PM
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Hi, I've just done my 77,depending where he is in NZ my engine man might be able to help out

60% increase in HP
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