C3 engine questions

[Stallion]

How many cylinders do the C3s have? Does the number range? Or is it kind of like a constant. How about horsepower? How much would you get out of a C3 engine?

Are there different type of C3 engines? If so, what are they and their specs (a link to a spec site on them would be fine, then I could be back with questions as to the specs and parts)?

Thanks!

Stallion

 

[jmp]

Check out the Model Center section of this web site, and go to the 1968-1982 section. Go through each year and you'll get specs for that car -- including different engine options.

However, the short answers are:
They're all V8s and either 327, 350, 427, or 454 cid.
They (almost) all have different HP ratings from something like 195 (net) to 435 (gross).
How much money do you have? That's the answer to what you can get out of a C3 engine!

 

[page62]

Eight. No more. No less.

Click on the "Model Center" tab (above) to get specifics on different model year specifications/

 

[Stallion]

I will go check out that model center (and most likely be back with questions on the specs because I don't really know what all of that means).

And as far as spending, I was thinking hopefully at most $9000. Is that reasonable for a good buy but something I can work on?

 

[Stallion]

What's the difference between the Base engine (for a '75) and an L82 engine? Is it just size and performance? The L82, I guess, is the best choice to go with? Can you choose an engine when you're looking for one?

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

Stallion-The base engine in 1975 had a net horsepower rating of only 165.That`s the lowest of the C3`s.It was during the era when pollution control was killing the hp. race.
The L82 had different Hp. ratings during different years.In 75 it was 205 hp.The L82 was the only engine option from 75 thru 80.The HP. increased slowly from 75 thru.80 for the L82 engine.The compression is a little higher than the L48(base)
L82
1976-210 hp.
1977-210 hp.
1978-220 hp.
1979-225 hp.
1980-230 hp.

 

[Stallion]

Hey, thanks for that information, BigBrakeFuelie! Just a question, if you are going to buy, say a '76 or one of those, you would probably want to get one with an L82 instead of an L48, right?

Are the L82s pretty popular? Is it more common to get an L82 than an L48? Or no? Should I be picky about that? Thanks again!

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

The L48`s are good engine`s the L82 are kinda rare during some years.If you want performance the L82`s are the way to go.You can modify either to improve the H.p.
Look at the overall car,if a Corvette with an L48 was totally original and in great conditon I`d take it.Don`t buy a L82 if the rest of the package is not in tip top.
just my 2 cents.

 

[page62]

I'm with BigBrakeFuelie. Buy the best overall car you can within your budget. Either engine can be modified to produce more HP after you've bought the car. In fact, producing more power can be a lot cheaper than many other repairs these cars might need!

You should be more focused on things like rust, especially in the frame, rear trailing arms, and radiator brackets. If you find anything questionable about a particular car, come back here and ask us. We're always happy to help!

 

[Stallion]

>> rear trailing arms <<

I just looked this up in this site's glossary, and they didn't seem to have a definition for this part. Could you explain it's functionality and where it is usually found in a Vette? Thanks.

And, I understand what you mean. What kind of mods could you do to an engine to raise the hp? What have you guys done to raise your hp? Thanks!

 

[MaineShark]

Basically, an engine is an air pump. Anything you can do to aid it in moving air more efficiently, will give you more power.

On the intake side, imagine sucking air through a small straw, and then a big straw. If you make it easier for the engine to get air, it doesn't have to waste as much power sucking on that small straw. The absolute simplest thing is to make sure your air filter is clean - get a few leaves stuck on it, and it becomes much harder for the engine to suck that air in.

On the exhaust side, things become trickier. Things which help the engine breath better will aid the top end power, but may hurt the low-end. The engine needs a certain amount of restriction here. Also, gas velocity comes into play - a smaller pipe may create more resistance, but it increases velocity.

And, matching parts is important. If your intake system allows a lot of air in, but the exhaust doesn't flow that much, you won't see much benefit. Modifying engines is an art as much as it is a science. My suggestion is to set a goal, and a budget, and then ask if it is possible to attain that goal on that budget.

Joe

 

[Evolution1980]

Stallion,

There are three things I'd recommend for you.

1) Go out and buy The Corvette Blackbook. It will have all you want to know about engines, HP ratings, specs, options, number of whatever produced, etc. It's probably the most easily attainable, complete book of Corvette facts that you'll find.

2) Call Eckler's and Corvette Central and have them send you out their catalogs. They can actually be a very good source for learning about parts, as well as ballpark figures on what replacement parts are going to cost you.

Ecklers: 800-327-4686
Corvette Central: 800-345-4122

3) Browse more than just the first page of posts in the C3 forums. You'll find many beginner questions asked and plenty of answers. Many of which center around engine swaps, engine tricks, etc. And use the search function on the site. Put in a few key words and you'll be surprised at the amount of info it will return.
There are even plenty of posts I've seen about "What to look for when buying a new vette" and such. All good posts with even better answers.

There's tons of excellent info to be learned by using the CAC as a resource for yourself. Consider it homework or research. Spend time reading through various posts. It'll be worth your time and likely help you decide what you really really want AND likely help you save a few bucks in the process!

While you're at it, you can peruse this thread which talked about aftermarket "crate" engines. ("Crate" engines are just that. Brand spankin' new engines that arrive at your doorstep in a big wooden crate, just waiting to be dropped in and fired up!)
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=14943&highlight=ZZ4+AND+ZZ430

 

[Stallion]

I'm going to purchase that Corvette Black Book 1953-2002 - by Michael Antonick this weekend. That definitely looks like a great buy, and I'm sure it'll extensively help me. For $14.95, who can go wrong!

I'm going to read that book cover to cover and study it. Hopefully by then, I'll be able to make some educated discussions with you guys!

 

[Stallion]

Description:
This book is a must have for any Corvette enthusiast. This handy pocket guide supplies production codes, numbers and trivia on every Corvette model year.

Evolution1980, you recommended this book that is found with a link onto this site, and the description is above. This makes it sound like just a guide on numbers and codes for purchasing. Will this purchase teach me parts and specs on the vettes for me to choose which I want to look for? If so, I'm definitely going to go for it...

 

[6 Shooter]

How many cylinders do the C3s have? Does the number range? Or is it kind of like a constant. How about horsepower? How much would you get out of a C3 engine?

Are there different type of C3 engines? If so, what are they and their specs (a link to a spec site on them would be fine, then I could be back with questions as to the specs and parts)?

Thanks!

Stallion

Stallion,

Here's a few pretty nice links to look @ per C3 Specs & Pics.

1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[Evolution1980]

Will this purchase teach me parts and specs on the vettes for me to choose which I want to look for? If so, I'm definitely going to go for it...

Parts? No.
Available options at the time of purchase? Yes.
Specs? Yes (for the most part...the stuff you'll be most interested in.)

Besides the blackbook, the parts catalogs I mentioned above are good references, as it the 1980 GM Shop Manual, which you can likely find in your library. Chilton's also make an OK quick-fix book for the Corvette.
You may also want to browse the book "How to Restore and Modify you Corvette - 1968 - 1982", although that book may be a bit overwhelming for you.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Never heard of that book, what kind of mods does it cover? Appearance or engine/tranny/suspension too?

Marck

 

[Stallion]

Thanks for the previous links, that's a nice site. And, Evolution1980, that sounds like a good book for me to familiarize myself with the years and their options.

And as you suggested, I'll look into getting that other GM 1980 magazine (I guess it's free?) and I'll just call them soon.

Thanks again, guys!

 

[Evolution1980]

Never heads of that book, what kind of mods does it cover? Appearance or engine/tranny/suspension too?

Check this link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...102-0452523-8964940?vi=glance#product-details

It has a sample of 13 pages from the book, as well as an overall description.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Hmm, okay it covers suspension & stuff but is it all from a stock point of view or modified? If it's stock I'm not interested in this book

Marck