78-81 more complex than mid 70's???
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 20
From: Boston North MA
78-81 more complex than mid 70's???
Still looking for the perfect Vette to purchase. Can't afford a chrome bumper car and I like the shape of the 79-81's more than the mid 70's models. I just like the curves and glass fastback style, plus the interior is nicer IMO.
In the earlier years you pretty much just need fuel and air in the correct mix to make the car move. In later years car makers always add "stuff" like extra valves, breathers, tubes and wires for all kinds of things.
My question is can I expect to be able to work on the motor in a 79-81 as easily as earlier models or do I need a degree in electronic gizmos? :confused:
In the earlier years you pretty much just need fuel and air in the correct mix to make the car move. In later years car makers always add "stuff" like extra valves, breathers, tubes and wires for all kinds of things.
My question is can I expect to be able to work on the motor in a 79-81 as easily as earlier models or do I need a degree in electronic gizmos? :confused:
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 72
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From: Alger oh
Re: 78-81 more complex than mid 70's??? (wugak)
No electical engineering degree needed for the 79. It's ALL vacuum operated. Although the distributor is HEI, it is actually much simpler to maintain than the older points style. In addition, if you think you'd ever be at a point in replacing the engine then almost any carburated replacement should be a snap to install. :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
Re: 78-81 more complex than mid 70's??? (wugak)
1980 was the last year of the straight up Rochester Q-jet carb. 1981 saw a computer controlled Q-jet, while 1982 went to the Crossfire fuel injection system. Other than that I think they all had about the same amount of "crap" in the way of emissions and what not. I have an '80 that is stock and it is a pretty straight forward motor to work on, if that helps.
[Modified by CVT4ME, 1:05 PM 1/21/2004]
[Modified by CVT4ME, 1:05 PM 1/21/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
Re: 78-81 more complex than mid 70's??? (wugak)
I would say go with the 80, No fuel injection, and no computer. After you get past the snake pit of vacum hoses, its pretty much like the older models.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,119
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From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Re: 78-81 more complex than mid 70's??? (wugak)
The 80 was the last years without an ECM, However it did have a MCEC electronic carburator. Not really a computer so to speak. And there wasn't the cross-fire to deal with. My 79 doesn't have any electronic monitors at all.
[Modified by killain, 9:12 PM 1/21/2004]
[Modified by killain, 9:12 PM 1/21/2004]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 792
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From: Louisiana, It's Always Party Time!
Re: 78-81 more complex than mid 70's??? (killain)
The 80 was the last years witout an ECM, However it did have a MCEC electronic carburator. Not really a computer so to speak. And there wasn't the cross-fire to deal with. My 79 doesn't have any electronic monitors at all.
[Modified by LABulldog, 5:44 PM 1/21/2004]
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Re: 78-81 more complex than mid 70's??? (LABulldog)
I know, That was the year that California had the ECM controled 305, but the rest like your and mine didn't have the electronic carbs. Mine is an East Coast car and didn't have any air pump or emissions equipment either. Hay bulldog, do you have an L-48 or the L-82? I have the wimpy L-48. The California 305 made near as much horsepower as my 350.
[Modified by killain, 9:15 PM 1/21/2004] :(
[Modified by killain, 9:17 PM 1/21/2004]
[Modified by killain, 9:15 PM 1/21/2004] :(
[Modified by killain, 9:17 PM 1/21/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Re: 78-81 more complex than mid 70's??? (78Vette-SA)
How about a 78! :jester
:leaving:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 792
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana, It's Always Party Time!
Re: 78-81 more complex than mid 70's??? (killain)
[QUOTE] Hay bulldog, do you have an L-48 or the L-82? I have the wimpy L-48. The California 305 made near as much horsepower as my 350. [QUOTE]
Good question Killian. My car originally had the L-48 but the 2nd owner burned it up. He replaced it with a Mr. Goodwrench 350 crate engine. I've been told it is more powerful than the original L-48 but I can't confirm this. My engine is pretty much stock (at least for now :D). I plan on rebuilding my carb soon (when I can get the guts to do it :eek: )
Keep it between the ditches!!
Good question Killian. My car originally had the L-48 but the 2nd owner burned it up. He replaced it with a Mr. Goodwrench 350 crate engine. I've been told it is more powerful than the original L-48 but I can't confirm this. My engine is pretty much stock (at least for now :D). I plan on rebuilding my carb soon (when I can get the guts to do it :eek: )
Keep it between the ditches!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,700
Likes: 3
From: Lebanon KY
Re: 78-81 more complex than mid 70's??? (wugak)
i got rid of all the smog/emissions stuff, electronic carb, and the computer on my 81. it's now all motor without all that crap :D very easy to work on, then again i do all the work on my 86 too and it's not hard either. if i was you tho, to save you some trouble, i'd go with an 80 :yesnod:
here's a pic. i need to clean it :eek:
[Modified by corvettemaster, 5:59 PM 1/22/2004]
here's a pic. i need to clean it :eek:
[Modified by corvettemaster, 5:59 PM 1/22/2004]
