1980 Corvette needs an engine
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 881
Likes: 113
The venerable L31 Vortec crates are back with a big price increase but some big improvements as well; steel crank, finished mech FP mount and Made In Springfield MO, USA !
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c-vortecs.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c-vortecs.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,027
His options are:
Rebuild it.
Get a crate motor CARB approved for THAT year. I can get him NAL number
Install ANY engine newer than 80, but he must TRANSPLANT ALL and any smog equipment from the "newer" donor car.(Evap system and all. this must be inspected by a CARB referee).
Install a CARB approved E Rod engine. This is what Foose does.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19370414
Rebuild it.
Get a crate motor CARB approved for THAT year. I can get him NAL number
Install ANY engine newer than 80, but he must TRANSPLANT ALL and any smog equipment from the "newer" donor car.(Evap system and all. this must be inspected by a CARB referee).
Install a CARB approved E Rod engine. This is what Foose does.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19370414
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 881
Likes: 113
His options are:
Rebuild it.
Get a crate motor CARB approved for THAT year. I can get him NAL number
Install ANY engine newer than 80, but he must TRANSPLANT ALL and any smog equipment from the "newer" donor car.(Evap system and all. this must be inspected by a CARB referee).
Install a CARB approved E Rod engine. This is what Foose does.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19370414
Rebuild it.
Get a crate motor CARB approved for THAT year. I can get him NAL number
Install ANY engine newer than 80, but he must TRANSPLANT ALL and any smog equipment from the "newer" donor car.(Evap system and all. this must be inspected by a CARB referee).
Install a CARB approved E Rod engine. This is what Foose does.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19370414
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
True....some of GMs crate LS are pretty impressive for what you get..plus everything is brand new, not reconditioned by someone who is just trying to get through his 8. 10k can buy some high powered small blocks or a stout 500ci big block.
Where was all this stuff when my wimpy sbc was being planned!
Where was all this stuff when my wimpy sbc was being planned!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Winchester CA
Thank you all for the advice and tips. I have all the original parts still that came with the 305. I want to stay with the carburetor set up and transfer everything over to a 350 long block. I just don't know what 350 to go with because I don't want to have issues passing the visual and sniffer tests...
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,027
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/12681429.html
This one is direct replacement, smog legal, warranty, etc.
This one is direct replacement, smog legal, warranty, etc.
Last edited by Big2Bird; Sep 9, 2020 at 08:40 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 881
Likes: 113
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/12681429.html
This one is direct replacement, smog legal, warranty, etc.
This one is direct replacement, smog legal, warranty, etc.
For most intents & purposes, 12681429 is a clone of smog era, low compression RPO L48.
Displacement, compression, cam, valves are or nearly so identical.
? Bird do either of these three current GM crates fit the CARB profile for a 1980 C3 ?
12691671
12691672
12691673
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Winchester CA
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/12681429.html
This one is direct replacement, smog legal, warranty, etc.
This one is direct replacement, smog legal, warranty, etc.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,278
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
It's a 195 hp engine, and not that complete. Look in the General Motors Performance Parts catalog. There's a SB engine there that is stated to be a legal replacement for a CARB engine made before 1992. I don't remember the HP rating, but it's a lot more than 195 HP....I think in the 400 HP range.
Last edited by 68/70Vette; Sep 10, 2020 at 03:51 AM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,091
Likes: 4,016
From: New Braunfels Texas
OP does not need a "complete" engine......he has to use all of the original ancillary components.
The engine is "rated" at 195 horsepower but they actually make 230-240 or so......it will run better than the 305.......you basically at that point have an 81' 49 state setup.....yes, I said 81'.
Anything else you try to use will require different parts........and there is no drop in engine for this car that makes 400 horsepower with stock emission controls......not to mention that the 305 for Cali in 80' had that miserable 4ME carb.......no way to support a lot of power anyway. This car will never be a rocket, but I don't believe the OP is looking for that.
Jebby
