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C3 boost options

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Old Jul 20, 2023 | 11:35 PM
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Hello. My friend has a c3 corvette and has been asking me about turbocharging so I’m here now. He has all of the manifold, turbo mounting and oil feed lines done but I don’t know if you can use the stock carb. I’ve read online that you can but have to upgrade the float and jets or is getting a blow though specific carb better. (PS) He’s on a really small budget. Thanks.
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Old Jul 21, 2023 | 01:53 PM
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Sorry I forgot to clarify. It’s the same year as mine, 1981 L81 with a quadrajet carb and spread bore.
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Old Jul 21, 2023 | 02:48 PM
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Definitely can't use any of it including distributor as 81's were CCC (Computer Command Control) and will never be able to tune itself for boost.......
A blow through turbo carb is a must....and they are $1000......and I would never have a turbo on anything without some kind of digital timing control.....
So much that needs to be done to support a turbo on anything....especially one of these cars......if he is on a tight budget, skip the turbo.......

Jebby
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Old Jul 21, 2023 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Landon H.
Sorry I forgot to clarify. It’s the same year as mine, 1981 L81 with a quadrajet carb and spread bore.
what has been done to crank, rods, and pistons?
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Old Jul 21, 2023 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by MelWff
what has been done to crank, rods, and pistons?
Yes....about 5-6 psi is all the pistons will take if it sees any detonation at all.....
GM actually built two different turbo concepts in the early 80's.......5 psi was all they pushed to either and the second one had a modified Cadillac MPFI system on it and timing control......
I don't ever promote LS swaps......but this is one instance where he would be far ahead by using one to turbo.......

Now if this were an L-82 and he had the money for an Atomic EFI and timing control....I would say let er rip.....the L-82 will take a good 10+ psi before you need to worry......

Jebby
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Old Jul 21, 2023 | 08:56 PM
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Alright I will let him know. Thanks all
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Old Jul 21, 2023 | 11:05 PM
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You could maybe do one of the Paxton style carb enclosure box with low boost.


JIM
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Old Jul 22, 2023 | 01:10 AM
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Have him slap a Holley sniper or similar on it something that can do low boost that will take care of the fuel and timing if you get a sniper controlled distributor. At that point you just need to put a 340lph in the tank and a regulator then let it eat.
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