86 Corvette Engine Swap Options
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
86 Corvette Engine Swap Options
Hello everyone, I have a 1986 corvette with the z51 handling package and the 5.7L l98 tpi. I have been having a lot of problems with my engine (unsteady idle, knocking, low oil pressure 10psi at idle) despite having replaced the bearings this past winter.
I am wondering what options I have available and what swaps would be worth the effort as far as cost for horsepower. Lets say my budget is somewhere around $3000.
Any and all advice appreciated, thanks!
I am wondering what options I have available and what swaps would be worth the effort as far as cost for horsepower. Lets say my budget is somewhere around $3000.
Any and all advice appreciated, thanks!
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
Dragon, the first thing I'd do is spend a few bucks and get the current engine running--- or at least competently diagnosed--- before you plan anything for more power. You need to get your current set up running and tuned for a good baseline
Once your car is running, the biggest SOTP (seat of the pants) bang for the buck will be putting a different gear ratio in the back. A 3.45 will give you approximately 20% more "umphf" at take off.
The thing to do is work on your exhaust. Remove the pre cats and weld in a straight pipe. Swap out the center catalytic converter for a hi-perf unit and keep your mufflers Freeing up your exhaust will make a big difference. Headers will make a difference as well.
Once your car is running, the biggest SOTP (seat of the pants) bang for the buck will be putting a different gear ratio in the back. A 3.45 will give you approximately 20% more "umphf" at take off.
The thing to do is work on your exhaust. Remove the pre cats and weld in a straight pipe. Swap out the center catalytic converter for a hi-perf unit and keep your mufflers Freeing up your exhaust will make a big difference. Headers will make a difference as well.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
Dragon, the first thing I'd do is spend a few bucks and get the current engine running--- or at least competently diagnosed--- before you plan anything for more power. You need to get your current set up running and tuned for a good baseline
Once your car is running, the biggest SOTP (seat of the pants) bang for the buck will be putting a different gear ratio in the back. A 3.45 will give you approximately 20% more "umphf" at take off.
The thing to do is work on your exhaust. Remove the pre cats and weld in a straight pipe. Swap out the center catalytic converter for a hi-perf unit and keep your mufflers Freeing up your exhaust will make a big difference. Headers will make a difference as well.
Once your car is running, the biggest SOTP (seat of the pants) bang for the buck will be putting a different gear ratio in the back. A 3.45 will give you approximately 20% more "umphf" at take off.
The thing to do is work on your exhaust. Remove the pre cats and weld in a straight pipe. Swap out the center catalytic converter for a hi-perf unit and keep your mufflers Freeing up your exhaust will make a big difference. Headers will make a difference as well.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
When you say knocking I am assuming you mean rod knock or something similar, if thats the case you can try and find a good replacement engine used, or refresh
what you have, $3000 these days will limit you, If you are able to rebuild your self you should be able to refresh the engine for less than $3000.00.
what you have, $3000 these days will limit you, If you are able to rebuild your self you should be able to refresh the engine for less than $3000.00.
