drew2799

Hello , Would someone answer a few questions for me ? I can't seem to find a crate engine that will fit the fuel injection from my 1986 L98 .JEGS claims their crates wont fit with the fuel injection system . Can someone help me out with this please.
Problem #2 is my Vette has a Doug Nash 4 Plus 3 trans. Will it handle the 100 more HP from a crate ? I know it wasn't the best trans built ,but has no problems the way it sits now .

Thanks

rrc1962

Interested to see the responses. I'm headed down this road myself. I've pretty much decided to find a Gen 1 core and take my time building up a nice motor, then swap it out on a rainy day.

hcbph

This is my personal thoughts, I have an 86 and have considered the "What If's".
Mine already had a Tremec transmission swap-out before I bought it so it will never be numbers matching.
If I was looking for an engine, I'd price out what a rebuild would cost. I'd also look into what a comparable short block would run along with suitable heads that would be compatible with the TPI system. If you went a comparable route, it would allow you to retain the original block in case you ever wanted to get it back to numbers-matching for some reason.
I suspect that you'd have to get a reprogrammed ecm chip if you added much power over the original. On the question of the transmission, I suspect either the clutch or tranny would be a limiting factor here. They never overbuilt stuff, so it's probably marginal if you added over 100 HP over factory levels and were abusive of it. It's probably capable of handling the power but would likely take some enhancements to make it capable of added power. That's speculation though on my part.

mcguirjf

I took the rebuild path with new forged Pistons, and balancing the assembly. I would also check with dealer to see what a reman long block goings for. Good luck with the build!

ghoastrider1

86 came with two different set of heads. One used the outside of the valve covers for the hold down bolts, the other used thru the middle of the cover, bolts. perhaps that way. Anyway, some good buys on crate engines out there but your FI will need to be retuned. (chip_)

pologreen1

These days crates motors are cheap and have warranty. Crate 383,

You have an SBC your fuel injection fits on anything sbc up to 1991. 86 has early and late model. Cast iron heads ( perimeter bolts on valve covers) are early and aluminum late.

Everything n your motor like starter, FI, cooling etc, etc will fit. The block is all the same no matter what.

mt01

I just went through this with my 86.

Bought an L31 Vortec motor from Jegs; put my aluminum Corvette heads on it and sold the cast iron Vortec heads that came with the crate motor.

Details are scattered through this thread - https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ns-wanted.html

MavsAK

Dart Shortblock. Why even mess around with less than 400 cubic inches.

Kevova

The T10 part of the trans will easily take 100 or more. The OD unit will depend on how well it has been taken care of. Lack maintenance the extra 100+ might just speed up the process of failure.

ghoastrider1

That engine is rated at 210 HP. Lose the vortec heads and you will have less HP and torque. Add the acc. loss and you might get outrun by the late 70 and early 80 vettes. However, as a everyday driver for style,ride and knowing the engine isn't going to break, its right on.