1980 corvette motor and general restore

[celeryman22]

Hello everyone, my father has a 1980 Corvette that I am slowly trying to steal from him and restore it. The corvette is in not to bad of shape for an 80. I have noticed that the motor is not original, it is currently a 305. And the owners before us must have removed the a/c from it. So, as part of my restoration process I would like to get a 350 motor to put in a try to get the a/c working again. The outside needs some cracks fixed, rear bumper replaced (its warped) and a paint job. The interior needs the obvious ie. new carpet, seats and painting of the trim.

The tranny is a 350 turbo automatic.

I am not concerned with orignial equipment, since the (dipstick) before us to the orignal motor out and ruined that for me.

When I am complete this is what I would like... A solid car, with nice interior, a reliable motor with A/C, and a nice shine.

Can you let me know your motor prefrence, and any good car restoration sites.

Thanks
Cel

 

[silver 80]

are you sure it's not a CA car? 305 in 1980 only in CA.
Me I have the matching # engine but needed more power so I went with the ZZ4. so far it's all I need but I'm sure I'll need mre power later on.
What do you mean by restoration site?
You should get the assembly manual and shop manual for 80. Check ebay I saw some there today.
good luck and welcome to the CAC
tom
(edit) for some reason the O won't show up on more?

 

[celeryman22]

Im sure its not a 305 from Cali. I can't remember where its from but I checked the numbers and looked it up on the internet. by restoration site I mean just like the site C5D posted.

Also, I purchased the shop manual, motor overhaul and tranny overhaul books.

As of right now I am fighting a short cirtuit somewhere. I believe I found it and it was the cigartte lighter. This is what has started the restoration process.

I will soon take pictures and create a site with everything I do.

Where did you get your ZZ4 motor from? Anyone on the internet that makes good ones?

 

[celeryman22]

C5D, that is exactly what I want to do.

Thanks for the cool site.

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

My 80 was a 305 and I loved it. according to the chevy book there was only 5 hp difference between the 305 and the 350 for that year vette. My 305 gave much better mileage than any of my 350 vettes. If it was mine I leave the 305 in there and just rebuild if needed. I base this after my ownership of 2- 78's and an 80. 1- 78 had a 350 and the other was powered by a 400 sb. I really liked driving the 80 as a daily drive over the other. The only reason I still do not have the 80 is a big SUV took the front end off it. I hope to get another 80 with the 305 again some day.

That's just my .02 worth.

Gary

 

[celeryman22]

Gary, after reading your post and seeing the site C5D posted and how the motor looked new I think I am going to keep the 305 and restore it for now. I am still going to try to find an a/c unit, its killer hot in that car in the summer.

If the 305 stays it will be getting some performance parts added.

Thanks
Cel

 

[bossvette]

Welcome to CAC, you may want to think about a TPI for that 305 there are lots of them around (TPI units) and it will be different.
If you kept it close to stock you could use all GM parts and have a good performing Vette:cool

 

[gooney0]

celeryman22

The ZZ4 is a Chevy crate motor. You can buy them at most GM dealers. 355hp / 406 lbs

about $4,000 +/-

-Gööney0