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Im fairly new to the C3 vette world, and also i recently moved to spain. I lucked up and met a guy that had an imported 1976 C3 L-48 corvette so i bought it from him. Im using as a weekend/project car to learn more about mechanics but being in madrid i don't have tons of space. So i decided to get some things fixed on it at a shop and wanted to consult with yall if these prices are in range.
1. Labor for Clutch Replacement + Transmission Oil: 520€
2. Labor for Camshaft Replacement: 160€ x 2 = 320€
3. Labor for Water Pump Replacement + Antifreeze: 200€
4. Drive Belt (until we remove it, I cannot give you the exact price)
5. Labor for Power Steering Pump Replacement + Power Steering Oil: 100€
6. Engine Cleaning: 150€
mind it comes out a little more expensive if you convert from euros to dollars and i have bought all the replacement parts already. I was going to tackle the water pump myself but i figured since they would do the cam might as well let them do that too... what do yall think on this? they priced me at 6k euros to do a full engine gasket replacement as well but i was unsure on that price...
I was reading another thread that said this would make the vette sound good but move like a slug...i don't intend to be racing the vette anytime soon. should i skip the cam if its going to really slow the vette down? and if i go ahead with the install am i missing anything besides the kit to make it work?
As a fellow 76’ owner I can understand the desire to increase the performance of the car. The other thread is absolutely correct about that camshaft. The L-48 heads and dished pistons don’t provide nearly enough compression for it, making it a dog below 3,000 RPMs, which is where you’ll be driving the car most of the time especially if you’re not racing. Not to mention it would absolutely destroy any amount of engine vacuum you are making to run the headlights, AC doors, or power brakes…
A much better choice would be a COMP 268H cam or a Lunati Voodoo 60103. They will still provide a good idle sound and be a good bump in horsepower, without destroying the drivability of the car. There’s also good hydraulic roller conversion cams if you’re wanting to spend the extra money to change from a flat tappet. New lifters are a must, but I would check to see if you need new pushrods as well.
I can’t give an opinion on the costs of all these things, I did my cam swap myself in a couple weekends, and I have no idea what labor rates go for in Spain, but I would shop around if you think those prices are high.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
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Those prices seem really high from my perspective since they have to remove all of the things you listed to do the cam. Its like they are charging you the labor rate to remove and replace each item for each job as if it was being done one at a time when they will have it all off at one time....maybe shop around for a better more honest shop or you will have to bite the bullet and drop a significant amount of money to do all that is listed. I wouldnt trusts them. Next they will tell you they discovered your exhaust bearings are shot and you need to rotate the air in your tires
Do they list their hourly rate on the wall like they do here
I seriously can not comment on labour rates in your country other than to say this about that.
You own a vintage car as it is a Hobby! Not a daily driver. A Hobby! Learn to install all these parts yourself! Only you love your car as much as you do! These are all simple jobs. You CAN do them.
And, the cam you showed is absolutely terrible!
Just awful!
Sorry, no need to hold back here and be polite. This cam is sold to knuckle draggers that are trying to impress pre teen boys with a thump, thump, thump idle. Just garbage!
Your car. You asked.
They actually will charge 800 euros for the camshaft. There was a misunderstanding because of language. But i have plenty of play money, so I can eat the bullet this time...
Second, the cam i linked will hurt the vette? Like there won't be enough vaccum for the lights or etc to work? I was thinking i could drag knuckles for the summer while i wait for the right cam and find a better shop. If not a good idea then i guess ill fight with jeggs to return the one i have now.
Also, Im working on renting a garage space to work on the vette. Here it doesnt seem common for guys to work on their personal cars. Its a headache to just find basic tools and materials. Ive been following some guys on youtube and instagram to learn. Any more resources is greatly appreciated.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
The Comp Cams Extreme energy line is very good. You should call them and tell them you engine year and size, the compression, the cylinder head and combustion chamber size, intake style and carburetor style. Then tell them what you need for power and vacuum and they will tell you your choices.
If you stick with a solid or Hydraulic flat tappet you need to use oil with high zinc and phosphorus (ZDDP) I is the specific lubrication you need for metal on metal. If you go roller cam it's going to get very expensive to use high quality parts and it's only worth it if you change your heads . You need new springs for roller tappet motors as well
Im pretty sure i have a stock 76 vette. L-48 350. Beyond that idk, i guess the shop can help identify? What do you think with the cams i have here now? send them back?
The first thing I would do is get rid of the catalytic converter and swap in a true dual exhaust. I'm not sure of Spain's emission laws for older classics but the exhaust will be your best bang for the buck.(or Euro)
I have the historical plates so the vette is exempt from emissions, do you have any links for dual exhaust that fit? i was considering do the side pipes install... https://www.jegs.com/i/Dougs-Headers...7L+%2F+350+%29
Back to your cam question. Yes, return it, throw it in the bin. Whatever, don't waste money putting it into your engine only to take it back out.
If you actually read the cam specs you posted up. It states compression of 9.5-1 as a minimum. It also states on the first line, designed for a lumpy idle.
your L48 has a advertised compression ratio of 8.5-1. In reality your lucky if it's much over 8-1.
I personally wouldn't put any Xtream Energy cams in either. As the compression in your L48 is just to low.
A old fashioned comp cams 268 grind is likely the best bang for your buck. It was designed for these low compression engines.
Or, get serious and build the engine properly.
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