Before my 81 goes under the knife

[o.j.]

I have been lurking here for a while, reading, reading and more reading. This Thursday night my 81 goes under the knife so I thought I would post some pictures before.

Car is a pretty stock 81. The car needs a little attention so this week the engine is being pulled and replaced with a 383. Because budget is a concern I will be running the stock upper intake, carb, dist (computer) and heads. I know this setup is going to limit the full potential of the engine, but my plan was to build a solid bottom end and add to it (ie; alum heads, intake etc)

I will be adding hooker sidepipes, since the stock exhaust is completely shot and needs replacement.

I have built and tinkered with some cars in the past (picture of my 65 Cobra below) but am always open to suggestions and tips.

Thanks for all the great help,

OJ
Phoenix AZ

 

[spikebot 81]

Darn nice cars you have there. Sorry to hear about the cylinder heads. Thats about the most resticted part of a L81 engine. Good luck with the build.

 

[o.j.]

Thanks spikebot 81

I don't have the 65 any more, I finished it, drove it a bit and sold it.....I seem to always need something to tinker on.

Believe me new vortecs are on the top of my list.....just need the $$$

 

[22229stingray81]

Looks great! I have the same wheels; darn hard to clean, aren't they?

-Tatortot

 

[o.j.]

Looks great! I have the same wheels; darn hard to clean, aren't they?

-Tatortot

Real hard to clean, but they look great when done.

 

[GerryLP]

Welcomed aboard, o.j.

So you're talking about a 383 short block and re-using the induction and timing system from the L81?

That would not be a bad combination, for if you want to feel that seat of the pants sensation, the stroker will do that for you.

The heads may be a bit of a problem, though. You see, the smog heads these Vettes come with were and still are prone to cracking (specially near the two exhaust ports in the middle of the head). There is a whole explanation for the cause and reasons, but it can be generalized as the 1970's need for higher temperatures to help burn the toxic gases coming out in the exhaust combined with the lightening or reduction in weight that these heads evolved into the years.

And because of this, they will be somewhat of a pain to find in good condition. I wanted to keep my engine number's matching, but the heads were cracked, yet I was fortunate to get the help from a couple of stand-up members here. Lanny and Sensei sent me their stock heads. Lanny's heads were all cracked, but the mere fact that he helped me was awesome. And Sensei's heads were cracked but one was repairable (a valve seat insert had to be added), and I am still thankful for his help. In fact, he had sent them to a local shop for inspection, but they botched the inspection, and called them both good. But when they were found cracked in my local shop, Sensei offered to refund me the entire amount, and I said why not just half (since I could use one head at least). I must've spent a good $200 - $250 dollars in shipping for heads during that period of search (to include a set from eBay which were cracked too ;squint, but at least with Lanny's and Sensei's help, I was able to keep the engine matching-numbers (not just the vin, but the casting numbers and date codes). Thanks again guys!


Now, the Vortec head option is a pretty good one. And you should be able to find an intake with Vortec bolt pattern and that will fit a Q-Jet.

I wish you the best of luck.

 

[pbcanney]

love those wheels!

 

[o.j.]

GerryLP....thanks for the tips.....my understanding is that the stock carb, intake and dizzy are actually pretty good....do you agree? I know the heads are the weak point and I plan to replace them when the funds are avail.....so the problems you pointed out with them, I will just have to deal with for now....Thanks again

pbcanney....believe it or not, my wife hates them and wants me to swap them out

 

[GerryLP]

GerryLP....thanks for the tips.....my understanding is that the stock carb, intake and dizzy are actually pretty good....do you agree? I know the heads are the weak point and I plan to replace them when the funds are avail.....so the problems you pointed out with them, I will just have to deal with for now....Thanks again...

Agreed!

But if funds are lacking for aftermarket heads and 624 heads are hard to find, then the one option you may have left could be the Vortec head, and this in turn means using a Vortec intake as well. ave

For reliability, look no further than the L81 distributor, the E4ME carb, and the L81 computer hooked-up. :L

GerryLP:cool

 

[o.j.]

Agreed!

But if funds are lacking for aftermarket heads and 624 heads are hard to find, then the one option you may have left could be the Vortec head, and this in turn means using a Vortec intake as well. ave

For reliability, look no further than the L81 distributor, the E4ME carb, and the L81 computer hooked-up. :L

GerryLP:cool

Thanks GerryLP

 

[Sensei]

Dart Iron Eagle heads are reasonably priced performance heads that are perfect for street use and work with the stock intake.

God bless, Sensei