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Needs Advice on upgrades

Old Aug 11, 2003 | 11:46 AM
  #1  
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Default Needs Advice on upgrades

I have a 1981 Convertible with a 350 motor. I have a new 650 holley carb, MSD ignition. I'm looking to get more horse power. I'm not ready for a Engine rebuild, But was wondering about an exhaust. My corvette friend says I dont need headers because the stock exhaust manifold is good. What do you think ? Also I Have a B&M shifter ( automatic ) in my 1967 camaro and would like to put one in my Corvette ( automatic ), Is this possible without any cutting of the console. last but not least. How do I post pictures of my car with my new interior. Thanks Guys- this Web page is a wonderful resourse.
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 12:05 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

I have a 1981 Convertible with a 350 motor. I have a new 650 holley carb, MSD ignition. I'm looking to get more horse power. I'm not ready for a Engine rebuild, But was wondering about an exhaust. My corvette friend says I dont need headers because the stock exhaust manifold is good. What do you think ? Also I Have a B&M shifter ( automatic ) in my 1967 camaro and would like to put one in my Corvette ( automatic ), Is this possible without any cutting of the console. last but not least. How do I post pictures of my car with my new interior. Thanks Guys- this Web page is a wonderful resourse.
He may be right on the headers - as their true potential can be seen by doing
intake/carb/heads/cam to truly flow good. But - If you are doing the entire
exhaust over - I would opt in for the headers now, rather than trying to fit
them in at a later time. Did someone say "sidepipes" ? Oh - that was me.

Not sure on the shifter - but what does the B+M give you that the stock
shifter doesn't ?

Finally - to post pictures - they need to be accessible on the internet (not your hard drive).
After clicking the Image button - you put the link to your picture (http://whatever) between
the two sets of brackets.

Welcome to the forum - looking forward to seeing the new interior.
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 01:06 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

Thanks for the advice... The B & M shifter is more for looks and feel.
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 01:12 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

i would do the headers, just make sure you are ready to bake your feet every time you take the car for a ride..........it's gonna get hot!

the headers also help with a nice exhaust tone
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 01:46 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

First try of image<img src=" http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/mac...001.jpg&.view= " border=0>

[Modified by machineg, 6:48 PM 8/11/2003] http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/mac...001.jpg&.view=


[Modified by machineg, 6:50 PM 8/11/2003]
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 01:58 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

Please dont mind me... I'm testing



[Modified by machineg, 7:00 PM 8/11/2003]
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 03:27 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

Stock manifolds are better than people think. But you'd be doing yourself a favor by replacing everything back of that...

You could also consider swapping in a better set of heads :yesnod:
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 03:35 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

I have the MAD true dual exhaust and Walker Dynomax Super Turbos on my '81, which give a noticeable increase in (stock) performance, and a nice exhaust note. The stock headers were retained.

Curiously, is your '81's ragtop a rare factory option?? ;)


[Modified by Master Ho, 2:36 PM 8/11/2003]
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 03:42 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

Great looking car! I'd go with headers and then 2.5" true duals if you don't have them already. Letting an engine breath can give it a lot more life. I dunno about the shifter, i'd say it can be done but some modification seems likely. :thumbs:
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 09:36 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (Mystery Machine)

For a stock motor,the stock manifolds are fantastic with duals.The Megashifter takes quite a bit of cutting to make it look right.(Check my website for pics)
As for bang for the buck I'd swap rear gears from the stock 3.08 to 3.70. This will liven up even the stock engine,and better yet prep the chassis for when you get into the motor for some real horsepower. :yesnod:
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 10:27 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

An '81 onmvertible? Is this a custom?

Am I the only one who saw this?
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Old Aug 11, 2003 | 10:35 PM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

Looks really good.
:yesnod:


No linking allowed to his webpage, I tried though.


[Modified by Eddie 70, 10:39 PM 8/11/2003]
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Old Aug 12, 2003 | 03:42 AM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

Vette looks good. For B&M shifter, pretty sure you'll have to cut the console.

:seeya





[Modified by DMONSVETTE, 3:45 AM 8/12/2003]
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Old Aug 12, 2003 | 09:23 AM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

81 convertable? Thats a new one on me!..... :confused: :confused: LT
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Old Aug 12, 2003 | 10:04 AM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

I saw a 1981 vert at a car show about 8 years ago. The guy told me only 37 were made ? He said he paid about 22k then. When I was this for sale, I had to have it. It was in very bad shape. I have done alot of work. I changed from red interior to black, even swapped the dash. Also lots of supension work. Looks awesome. now I have the paint left. Thanks for the advice and complements. If anyone is interested to buy let me know.
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Old Aug 12, 2003 | 11:01 AM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

I saw a 1981 vert at a car show about 8 years ago. The guy told me only 37 were made ? .
I thought they were all chop jobs......I know GM did not make any of them was it a customizer or what :confused: that made the 37 because I have seen others
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Old Aug 12, 2003 | 11:20 AM
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Default Re: Needs Advice on upgrades (machineg)

This is probably a chop job... I dont know how to tell. This is the only info I could find on 1981 verts
http://www.1981corvette.com/carview.php?view=382
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