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I have read many threads here on engine swaps, marveled at the technical acumen displayed by you guys. Acumen I don't have, or at least don't have time/space/tools to accomplish. So... I have a few questions, would appreciate advice.
My car is an '81 with a tired L81 stock engine, car is slow and engine is fairly craptacular but it's still fun to drive. I've freshened up the interior, replaced some switches, steering wheel, basic stuff. My plan (which is always subject to change)k is to pay a mechanic to install a crate 383 engine and remove all the smog/computer crap. For now going to leave the 350 turbo and rear stock. Thinking of around 400hp for the 383, and if I break driveline stuff later so be it.
Any advice on what to look for in a shop doing an engine swap? Meeting with a couple of shops this week, my only worry is I don't want this to end up like some Automotive Vietnam where the car is tied up forever and expenses keep spiraling. If anyone is in the Tulsa OK area and have had this done or can recommend a garage, that would be awesome too.
I'm pretty clueless when it comes to engines. done minor stuff so far to the corvette like change the cap and rotor, took the console apart and replaced the window switches, replaced the steering wheel, etc. Talked to a garage a friend recommended to me - seems pretty knowledgeable. He prefers using Jasper for crate engines, can also have my engine rebuilt and stroked to 383. His engine builder is 45 days out so likely if I pulled the trigger today I'd be looking at least 2 months until I saw my car again if I go that route. So thinking crate more than ever now. Heck, maybe I should just wait until winter and have the motor built.
Don't lose driving season! Go drive that car while the sun is shining.
There are certainly things you can do to make your car perform a bit better now, but they are somewhat involved if you hit the limitations of the 81 (only) system. If 400 hp is your goal, a crate engine is likely the way to go, if you don't want to build the engine yourself from parts. Just keep in mind that the carbed ZZ6 crate engine, for example, will not fit. So certain mods, like a specific intake manifold, may be required no matter what you do.
But if you have a garage you can trust to specify, order, modify, and install an engine, and understands the requirements of the C3 platform, then you are miles ahead of most DIYers on this Forum.
get an older q-jet and a new distributor. the 81's worst feature is the computer controlled carb and ignition. it was a desperation attempt to clean up emissions when no efi was yet available. if your carb has an electric connector on it, the CCC is still there. it is the main reason your car is a dog. get the carb and ignition right and you will be much happier with it and the 5-7k 383 install will be less of an immediate desire-need... okstrat. isn't tulsa more telecaster country?
Last edited by derekderek; May 4, 2021 at 08:05 AM.
I took off the AIR and EGR system on my 81, rebuilt/ adjusted the carb, and replaced the computer with a rebuild ($84 from Auto Zone). So now the computer just controls the AF ratio on the carb, the distributor advance, and the transmission torque convertor lockup. Far less expensive than swapping the engine out, and runs fine. Not a race car by any measure, but a nice cruiser. Had it up to 120 and probably more than that.
If you car read the Shop Manual it's not hard to do.
By removing all the crap the engine looks good too:
need advice on engine swap - '81
