81 vette engine swap
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 7
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81 vette engine swap
New to the forum so I may be posting this in the wrong place. I have an 81 vette that I'm finally getting around to dropping a new engine into. My question is should i rob parts (power steering pump, alternator, compressor) off the factory engine. Or are there specific parts I should replace. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,188
Likes: 1,670
From: Long Island
I would replace the water pump, but keep the rest as long as they are working and in good condition.
You can change the compressor to a new style from places like old air, but it is not cheap. You should convert the system to the new A134 Freon. Read up on it. If the system was working I would just transfer it over.
You can change the compressor to a new style from places like old air, but it is not cheap. You should convert the system to the new A134 Freon. Read up on it. If the system was working I would just transfer it over.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,188
Likes: 1,670
From: Long Island
My 71
Transfer the Alt and check the mounting for the PS before you put the engine in .
If going to Electric Fans you need to up grade the Alt.
Last edited by BLUE1972; Mar 29, 2020 at 12:14 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
^^^^this^^^^
-add-
and most of the pulleys, brackets, washers/spacers are specific to a vette setup ... Do NOT lose them ... transfer ALL that over to new motor. Buy a NEW water pump specific to Your year vette. Many folk are ignorant of this and chase belt problems.
-add-
and most of the pulleys, brackets, washers/spacers are specific to a vette setup ... Do NOT lose them ... transfer ALL that over to new motor. Buy a NEW water pump specific to Your year vette. Many folk are ignorant of this and chase belt problems.
Last edited by jackson; Mar 29, 2020 at 09:44 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,650
Likes: 2,466
From: Indiana
but now would be the time to consider ac parts if needed...while engine out..like the accumulator, some hoses, filters , etc..while waiting for parts from advice above..
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