engine replacement
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: San Jose California
engine replacement
Hi everyone, awhile ago i posted about problems that i was having with my 89 vette. i had pulled the intake manifold off since it was leaking and found the head was leaking too. since i have it already pulled apart i decided to replace or rebuild the engine since it has 157,000 on it. I asked one of my friends at my work to help me with the removal. My next question is what are my options? I would much rather have somthing with a little more power than the stock l98. should i pull my engine and have it rebuilt or should i order a crate engine rebuild? is it possible to put an lt1 in? Mainly i just want to know my options i was thinking i would rather not spend more than 3 grand. Last question, since the car has 157,000 on it should i have the transmission rebuilt?its a 6 speed and somtimes has some trouble going into third. I love this car and its in great condition, my main goal is to make it last.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
wow... so many options.
the LT1 is a good choice, that's what I am doing with the wifes 87. Her tranny (700R4) was junk, so it came complete - engine and transmission.
www.vette2vette.com has some nice engine/6spd combos, with low miles, for about $3500.00 or so.
if you are having a 3rd gear problem, this might be a fiscally good way to go.
the LT1 is a good choice, that's what I am doing with the wifes 87. Her tranny (700R4) was junk, so it came complete - engine and transmission.
www.vette2vette.com has some nice engine/6spd combos, with low miles, for about $3500.00 or so.
if you are having a 3rd gear problem, this might be a fiscally good way to go.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
A GM ZZ4 crate is basically the same engine, it wont make the advertised 350hp with your stock TPI intake put on it, but it will make a little more power than stock. If you then mod the intake and add headers, you could see 50-75 or so HP over stock.
It will need a chip tune even as it is though, to run perfectly in your car, as the cam is bigger.
It will need a chip tune even as it is though, to run perfectly in your car, as the cam is bigger.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
If money is tight, you could consider getting an L31 short block
which has 4 bolt mains, a nodular crank and hypereutectic
pistons for about 1200. Then either have your '89 heads
freshened or spring for new heads, along with a suitable cam.
From GMPARTSDIRECT.COM as of 12:45 AM tonight
#12556121 350 / L31 4-Bolt Main GMPP Short Block Engine Assembly - $1,142.96
Here is a link to more info about the short block than is
provided at GMPARTSDIRECT
Here is a thread with some more background about the L31 engine
package and its components: L31: Flat or Roller Tappets from GM?
If money isn't so tight, have a look at this recent thread
.
which has 4 bolt mains, a nodular crank and hypereutectic
pistons for about 1200. Then either have your '89 heads
freshened or spring for new heads, along with a suitable cam.
From GMPARTSDIRECT.COM as of 12:45 AM tonight
#12556121 350 / L31 4-Bolt Main GMPP Short Block Engine Assembly - $1,142.96
Here is a link to more info about the short block than is
provided at GMPARTSDIRECT
Here is a thread with some more background about the L31 engine
package and its components: L31: Flat or Roller Tappets from GM?
If money isn't so tight, have a look at this recent thread
.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: San Jose California
i talked to a mechanic at my work today and he told me i would need to change out the wiring harness for an lt1 so scratch that idea. threw my work i can get my engine remanufactured through jasper for 1650 with a 3 year 75,000 mile warrenty. What upgrades can i do that will still allow it to pass smog? cam? maybe?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Depends on the whole combination whether you can pass a sniffer test and a visual.
Mostly the cam if its just sniffer though, and that choice depends on the whole combination which depends on your final goals for the motor.
Read my website (click my name)
Mostly the cam if its just sniffer though, and that choice depends on the whole combination which depends on your final goals for the motor.
Read my website (click my name)