C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

1985 to 1986 engine replacement

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Old Aug 23, 2013 | 07:40 PM
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Default 1985 to 1986 engine replacement

I purchased a 1986 Corvette with no engine or tranny. I can get hold of a Good Motor and tranny together from a 1985 will that work. Meaning the 1985 engine and tranny put into the 1986. do i need to get the computer and wire harness too?
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Old Aug 23, 2013 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by CarltonW
I purchased a 1986 Corvette with no engine or tranny. I can get hold of a Good Motor and tranny together from a 1985 will that work. Meaning the 1985 engine and tranny put into the 1986. do i need to get the computer and wire harness too?
All Gen 1 small blocks will bolt in. You want to use the 86 computer, and if it had aluminum heads it may require programing if you use cast iron. The 85 computer was one year, and almost as odd as 84.
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Old Aug 23, 2013 | 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by CarltonW
I purchased a 1986 Corvette with no engine or tranny. I can get hold of a Good Motor and tranny together from a 1985 will that work. Meaning the 1985 engine and tranny put into the 1986. do i need to get the computer and wire harness too?
If it's a 4+3 manual, there is a difference in the overdrive.
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Old Aug 23, 2013 | 09:38 PM
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The computer in the 85 is different from the 86. There have been many that have upgraded to the 86 computer on the 85 engine. BUT this requires that you relocate wires on the 86 computer.
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Old Aug 23, 2013 | 10:00 PM
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The 85 motor will work fine in the 86. Early 86 ecm will be fine for the 85 motor. If the car had aluminum heads, it will still work but will need an early 86 memcal, for best results. Either way, the motor swap should be no big deal.
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Old Aug 25, 2013 | 11:19 PM
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Thanks
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Old Sep 1, 2013 | 06:57 PM
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Will the Service manual tell me how to take panels of the C4 Corvettes 1984-1986. Quarter Panel, Nose Clip ect. I have some vids on youtube. but not for the Quarter Panel removal. I need these parts with out cutting them. I now have two vette and need to transfer panels one to the other. And would like to seel the others
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Old Sep 1, 2013 | 09:03 PM
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85 to 86 was the year GM went to a 1pc rear main. This should not be a problem if you are using the flywheel and trans bolted to the engine. you will want to keep that in mind if you ever need to replace the flywheel.
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