l98 ca smog performance build advice
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
l98 ca smog performance build advice
CA corvette owners with proven results are a wealth of information to me. I am grateful for shared knowledge; although, all others are welcome to chime in. BTW my corvette is 89 c4 700r prob 2.59rear.
Don't chew on me too badly with purpose specifics as build design and components could ultimately change.
Objective: build a solid long block for reliable performance on a budget. I am willing to purchase seperate components, farm out needed machine work and assy this motor myself to save $. I would be pleased with low 13 sec passes.
My idea: I can afford a cast crank 383 kit, but which one? A pair of afr195 heads.....wich ones? (l98 specific?) something 219 lingfelter cam?
I need parts advise.
My motor is finally out of the car.
I will need to pull the trigger on a direction for this build. I am aware of some of the inherent performance restrictions involved with this motor. (smog, fact. intake, exhaust, specialty tune, gearing, etc.
I'm not an engine builder, just wanting to learn more and build a solid running corvette motor.
Please advise. Thnx in advance.
Don't chew on me too badly with purpose specifics as build design and components could ultimately change.
Objective: build a solid long block for reliable performance on a budget. I am willing to purchase seperate components, farm out needed machine work and assy this motor myself to save $. I would be pleased with low 13 sec passes.
My idea: I can afford a cast crank 383 kit, but which one? A pair of afr195 heads.....wich ones? (l98 specific?) something 219 lingfelter cam?
I need parts advise.
My motor is finally out of the car.
I will need to pull the trigger on a direction for this build. I am aware of some of the inherent performance restrictions involved with this motor. (smog, fact. intake, exhaust, specialty tune, gearing, etc.I'm not an engine builder, just wanting to learn more and build a solid running corvette motor.
Please advise. Thnx in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
Sounds like you're on the right track. Going 383 is headed in the right direction. There's no smog check for cubic inches. The AFR 195s are great heads but you won't get much out of them without improvements in intake and exhaust flow. The Super Ram is the only performance intake I am aware of that is CA legal. You can find them occassionaly for sale on eBay or on this forum. Headers are a big improvement but there are no legal ones available. There are ways to run them. PM me if you want to hear how. The Lingenfelter 219 cam is a common choice, but again won't net much power without the flow.
I am just finishing my smog legal build. It's a 396 Super Ram, AFR 195 heads, Crower 221/230 cam, TPiS headers, etc. This will be a 500Hp motor that will get me deep 11's. Probably more than you are shooting for, but it is possible to pass smog and have power.
I am just finishing my smog legal build. It's a 396 Super Ram, AFR 195 heads, Crower 221/230 cam, TPiS headers, etc. This will be a 500Hp motor that will get me deep 11's. Probably more than you are shooting for, but it is possible to pass smog and have power.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
With that gear a mild 383 should get you there and pass the sniffer as ccmber said. Youll definitely need an upgrade in the intake dept though a stock TPI just wont cut it or anywhere close.
Upgrading down the road to a 3.07 or 3.45@most would really wake it up
Upgrading down the road to a 3.07 or 3.45@most would really wake it up
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 2
From: Castro Valley Calif.
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Sounds like you're on the right track. Going 383 is headed in the right direction. There's no smog check for cubic inches. The AFR 195s are great heads but you won't get much out of them without improvements in intake and exhaust flow. The Super Ram is the only performance intake I am aware of that is CA legal. You can find them occassionaly for sale on eBay or on this forum. Headers are a big improvement but there are no legal ones available. There are ways to run them. PM me if you want to hear how. The Lingenfelter 219 cam is a common choice, but again won't net much power without the flow.
I am just finishing my smog legal build. It's a 396 Super Ram, AFR 195 heads, Crower 221/230 cam, TPiS headers, etc. This will be a 500Hp motor that will get me deep 11's. Probably more than you are shooting for, but it is possible to pass smog and have power.
I am just finishing my smog legal build. It's a 396 Super Ram, AFR 195 heads, Crower 221/230 cam, TPiS headers, etc. This will be a 500Hp motor that will get me deep 11's. Probably more than you are shooting for, but it is possible to pass smog and have power.
I'll PM you when I get back from Cabo.....inquiring minds need to know 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 2
From: California City Ca
My 357 Ca smog legal built 365 HP 435 TQ.
They are correct you need a good intake and free up the exhaust.
I found it hard to get good power with the stock Exhaust manfold it much easyer with full lenght headers Hint Hint.
They are correct you need a good intake and free up the exhaust.
I found it hard to get good power with the stock Exhaust manfold it much easyer with full lenght headers Hint Hint.
