New engine
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 325
Likes: 36
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
New engine
From what I have been reading here, it seems like the GM 195 hp engine is a good replacement one for the L83 on the 84 Vette, it seems to have a camshaft with a similar duration and you can use the stock ecm. I am planning on buying that engine and using a Renegade manifold with bored throttle bodies and bigger injectors( I am already using a 1985 pump ) I am planning on putting the engine on a stand and use a new harness if I can find where to get one, I am not concerned with having a lot of hp, just good drive ability.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,427
Likes: 603
From: Minneapolis Mn
They don't list an 84 on that page, but bet there's a chance they have something available.
Last edited by hcbph; Jul 16, 2016 at 07:11 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 325
Likes: 36
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Actually my original harness is still in good condition, I wanted one to attach it the new engine while on the stand but it is not a must have, I have a mechanic that I think he can make one. The main objective is the new engine, do you think is a good choice along with the Renegade manifold?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Well I looked over the spec sheet for the L83 and the GEN 0 crate motor #10067353 is as close as you can get. It has no alterations as far as I can see to work correctly. But u will need your Corvette water pump (short) and flywheel/flex plate. Install a new dampener to as now is the time to do it.
Any of the higher HP GM crate motors will take more conversion parts and more likely a tune also.
As for any inexpensive mods it would require removing those heads. But cheap tricks are pocket porting the heads which should cost no more than $250 and a 3 angle vlv job. Have the p-rod slots opened up for 1.6 rocker arms for added lift/torque. And use a thin sheet metal heat gasket like FelPro which is only 0.015" thick to give u some quench and a little bit more compression.
BTW I still have GEN 0 crate block in my '74 but different heads and cam - can't beat that price.
Any of the higher HP GM crate motors will take more conversion parts and more likely a tune also.
As for any inexpensive mods it would require removing those heads. But cheap tricks are pocket porting the heads which should cost no more than $250 and a 3 angle vlv job. Have the p-rod slots opened up for 1.6 rocker arms for added lift/torque. And use a thin sheet metal heat gasket like FelPro which is only 0.015" thick to give u some quench and a little bit more compression.
BTW I still have GEN 0 crate block in my '74 but different heads and cam - can't beat that price.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 325
Likes: 36
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
OP: good luck with your result, let us know how it turns out. Pictures are always good 
Yes the late 1970s and early 1980s were the dark days of performance.
The Corvette was gravely affected, along with many other good cars. Fortunately the torque of the pushrod V8 (torque the Miata is sorely missing) helps the 195HP feel like more than it is. And nowadays we have more freedom to modify those poor engines to produce significantly more than stock power.
The Corvette was gravely affected, along with many other good cars. Fortunately the torque of the pushrod V8 (torque the Miata is sorely missing) helps the 195HP feel like more than it is. And nowadays we have more freedom to modify those poor engines to produce significantly more than stock power.
Last edited by DGXR; Jul 16, 2016 at 02:06 PM.
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Melting Slicks
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From: folsom california
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
all good points but for the money hard to beat. Id chance $ on a GM piece before any mail order or ebay deal.
Sure it costs more but imo worth it
In their warranty paperwork may/may not say something about an authorized installer have your mechanic look into it. Being as you arent turning any rpm you can probbaly beat on it all day and not worry about it.
I dont care how cheap most mail orders are they are only as good as the machining and the hourly ?? slapping them together. Not saying GM is perfect but less risky perhaps
Anyone notice they still sell flat tappet cam motors?
sure wish the aftermarkets could get the same quality metals spending 1000 to go HR for a stock or mild motor not worth it to me
Sure it costs more but imo worth it
In their warranty paperwork may/may not say something about an authorized installer have your mechanic look into it. Being as you arent turning any rpm you can probbaly beat on it all day and not worry about it.
I dont care how cheap most mail orders are they are only as good as the machining and the hourly ?? slapping them together. Not saying GM is perfect but less risky perhaps
Anyone notice they still sell flat tappet cam motors?
sure wish the aftermarkets could get the same quality metals spending 1000 to go HR for a stock or mild motor not worth it to me
Last edited by cv67; Jul 16, 2016 at 09:57 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Have you considered a "Vortec" long block? That would get you a roller cam, 1 piece seal, and good heads. Don't waste your time/$$ on Bore'd throttle bodies. They won't make a diff at your power level.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 325
Likes: 36
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
According to the engine seller, 36 months on vehicles 1985 and prior, anything else 12 months parts only, they list the Corvette up to the year 1982, don't know why the 1984 is not covered for the 36 months parts and labor.