Need Help: '85 Replacement Engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: San Bernardino & Orange County CA
Need Help: '85 Replacement Engine
Looking for options to replace the engine in my '85. New crate engines preferred. Stock and moderate step up engine under consideration. This is my daily driver and I'm dead in the water. Thanks.
Note: Posted same thread in the Tech/Perf Forum just in case a member camps out there only. I hope this is OK.
Note: Posted same thread in the Tech/Perf Forum just in case a member camps out there only. I hope this is OK.
Last edited by willi.anton; Feb 8, 2006 at 11:12 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: San Bernardino & Orange County CA
Search engine research and email responses from several vendors suggests that no crate engine is available for the '85, particulalry that would pass CA emissions. One email said take it to your rebuilder. I hope this is not so.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: San Bernardino & Orange County CA
It's my daily driver so I'm assuming I have or face trouble down the road. Do you know of any work around?
I have read some postings on the zz4 engine, but I'm not certain if these are CA smog compliant. Also, several crate packages look like they are carborated - is it possible to put the stock TPI on?
I have read some postings on the zz4 engine, but I'm not certain if these are CA smog compliant. Also, several crate packages look like they are carborated - is it possible to put the stock TPI on?
Last edited by willi.anton; Feb 8, 2006 at 12:58 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 783
Likes: 2
From: Wake Forest, NC
St. Jude Donor '05
I seriously doubt a ZZ4 would pass emissions in California... My guess is you'll be safest going with the 260hp 350 Crate engine from GM...
GM 260hp Crate
I was worried about emissions and was likely going to opt for the 290hp version... GM doesn't recommend it for emmisions restricted vehicles...
Of course, I'm not in a hurry, and now that I've talked to a few people, I've decided to go with a 383. But I'm waiting another year before I do it, then i won't have to pass emissions and it just won't matter
GM 260hp Crate
I was worried about emissions and was likely going to opt for the 290hp version... GM doesn't recommend it for emmisions restricted vehicles...
Of course, I'm not in a hurry, and now that I've talked to a few people, I've decided to go with a 383. But I'm waiting another year before I do it, then i won't have to pass emissions and it just won't matter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 5
From: Bay Shore, NY
Originally Posted by Saisling
I seriously doubt a ZZ4 would pass emissions in California... My guess is you'll be safest going with the 260hp 350 Crate engine from GM...
GM 260hp Crate
I was worried about emissions and was likely going to opt for the 290hp version... GM doesn't recommend it for emmisions restricted vehicles...
Of course, I'm not in a hurry, and now that I've talked to a few people, I've decided to go with a 383. But I'm waiting another year before I do it, then i won't have to pass emissions and it just won't matter
GM 260hp Crate
I was worried about emissions and was likely going to opt for the 290hp version... GM doesn't recommend it for emmisions restricted vehicles...
Of course, I'm not in a hurry, and now that I've talked to a few people, I've decided to go with a 383. But I'm waiting another year before I do it, then i won't have to pass emissions and it just won't matter
A buddy of mine directed me to Jasper and they sell rebuilt engines. A rebuilt L98 will cost approx $2500, plus the core and shipping charges. If you can find a reputable builder, it might work out cheaper and you can tailor the engine to fit your needs better.
Just my 2 cents
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: San Bernardino & Orange County CA
Back from the mechanic. He replaces the L98 engine with a "GM Target Engine" which is a L48 long block. All systems including the TPI from the old engine bolt direct to the new block. Why I asked is this solution not more widely reported. It's not a mystery he states, the L98 is essentially a L48 with the TPI. The new engine setup performs identical to the old engine. The Target Engine is about $ 1200. Sounds good to me. Original number engine doesn't seem to be of concern as the '85 may never be a classic, although it's my classic.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
The previous owner of my 85 coupe did the target longblock on mine with a comp cam and roller tip rockers. Mild upgrade very driveable.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 0
From: GA
Originally Posted by ejscarfo
The engine mentioned above is not designed for TPI, you'd have to use a carb or TBI setup to get it to work properly.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: San Bernardino & Orange County CA
Thank you to all who have responded. Off to our annual Valentines weekend, but obviously with no Vette. I'll check back in next week for additional postings. The mechanic is too busy to work on the new engine stuff, probably 2-3 weeks before we start.
I will need to dig up the cam specs, etc. on the stock engine and also the target engine. I do wonder about performance differences. The mechanic seems to feel that the primary reason the 85 is what it is is because of the TPI and engine computer. I get the point made here - the cam has to be key also.
I will need to dig up the cam specs, etc. on the stock engine and also the target engine. I do wonder about performance differences. The mechanic seems to feel that the primary reason the 85 is what it is is because of the TPI and engine computer. I get the point made here - the cam has to be key also.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
I must be missing a point here? I see chevy sbc short blocks advertised all the time for $500-600. Yes there rebuilts-but, while your pulling the engine have your heads redone-$250, get the 85 cam specs, pull the rebuild cam and install $200., new starter less than $100.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
GM will be a little conservative as far as claiming what would be emissions legal. THe target motor would work, but compression (8.5-1 I believe) is a little low for my tastes.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: San Bernardino & Orange County CA
On the downside, does the lower compression translate to lower horsepower and/or torque?
On the upside, does it mean using lower grade gas and thus saving a few pennies on gas?
Anybody have the engine specs and performance specs for the original 250 engine?
On the upside, does it mean using lower grade gas and thus saving a few pennies on gas?
Anybody have the engine specs and performance specs for the original 250 engine?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Yes on your first two questions. On the third, actually the 85 350 was rated at 230 BHP @ 4000 RPMs, 4 inch bore-like all the rest 3.48 in stroke-like the rest, 9.0:1 compression, 86 was the same, 87 on up had higher compression ratios mostly 9.5:1 on l98s, although 91 had a
10.0:1
10.0:1
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Originally Posted by willi.anton
On the downside, does the lower compression translate to lower horsepower and/or torque?
On the upside, does it mean using lower grade gas and thus saving a few pennies on gas?
Anybody have the engine specs and performance specs for the original 250 engine?
On the upside, does it mean using lower grade gas and thus saving a few pennies on gas?
Anybody have the engine specs and performance specs for the original 250 engine?
