Thinking of some ideas for my 81 vette engine.
Hello all, as it has been awhile..Anyway, spring is around the corner, and I have some time in the future, so I wanted to make some mods to my vette this year..But I need some educated opinions...
Last time I did work to this car was about 2-3 years ago..To update what I did, I will post a list..
Car was stock, and a dog...SO I STARTED HERE...
Engine:
Removed elect-q-jet and replaced with standard q-jet which Lars built
Removed all computer controls and installed HEI Dist.w/curve kit
Removed stock manifolds, and installed headers
Installed true dual exhaust
Installed a comp cam part #x4250h which is a 4x4 cam for low end
Installed a 3.73 rear gear set
Well, it is a noticable difference, but I would say still about a 15-16 second car..closer to 16 in my opinion.
Anyway, I am not gonna put a ton of money into it, because it is an 81, but the labor is free, as I do it, and I will put some money into certain parts. I would like to maybe have a 13 sec car if possible.
I had a few ideas..
Need opinions on these heads, as they would really bump up the compression ratio a fair amount, as stock compression os about 8.2-1
Heads are 58 cc procomps w/1.60 2.02 valves 210 cfm
which are done for $535..
Or, my friend has a set of older fuelie heads that are done, but 64cc
for $200.. I wwas looking to boost the compression the most.
Now, with the higher compression, I would be able to run a larger cam, and maybe wake the thing up a bit.
Was thinking of something like a 280h comp cam..
I was also think of putting a converter in it, say 2200-2600, but that might not be needed.
I have a shift kit, which I will install as well.
I might get rid of the q-jet, and get a holley too, not sure yet, but theer you have it. Any ideas would be wonderful.
In reguards to the head idea, if I run a steel shim head gasket, that too will bring up the compression if I go with the 64 cc heads.
Remember, my labor is free, and I have been a tech at a dealer for 18 years, but I really only work on newer cars, and need some old school ideas for this thing. I would be willing to pull the engine and swap the dish pistons for flat tops as well.. Bottom line is I can spend about $1000 in parts to make this thing run better, and I want to spend it correctly. I plan to sell the car once it is fast enough to impress someone, as I really want a 68 Big block camaro w/4speed, then we will spend some money, but we are talking a 81 vette here.