Engine swap

[Grey Ghost 81]

Anyone put a 383 stroker in their 81? I'm looking into it...just wondering if there are any major mods required for this swap (transmisson (have TH350), rear end, radiator, etc)

 

[gedmeyer]

I just did this upgrade on my '81 this past winter. It's DEFINITELY worth it. I actually rebuilt my L81 to a stroker, but I get the impression that you are talking about getting another engine. Anyhow, the only other equipment I replaced was my clutch (I'm running a 4speed), a cooler thermostat, and had the carb rebuilt. I will be switching to headers/true duals next summer.

I couldn't tell you a whole lot about what the threshold is for the rear gears or the automatic tranny. I've driven it all summer and have not had any problems. If you want some more details, check out my website in my signature. I have most of the info about the build up.

-gedmeyer

p.s. DO IT! it's well worth the effort.

 

[titan81]

It will fit no problems
You'll want to swap gears/rearend to a 3.55 maybe 3.73
I'd add a transgo shift kit and 2200 stall converter in the th350 tranny
Plenty of power and transfer there

 

[titan81]

Also despite what many think the TH350
can handle a lot of power. I have had a Monte Carlo running
405hp on a stock 350 trans with the above additions.
Very cheap and strong upgrade

 

[Grey Ghost 81]

Great! Thanks, you guys have me excited. I have a plan to get my 81 ready for its 25th anniversary in 2006. I'm going to go with ceramic coated headers, dual exhaust with H-pipe, and performance mufflers this fall. 2005: engine swap (looking at a nice package from the engine factory in NJ), tranny/rearend rebuild, SSBC brakes upgrade. 2006: Paint, interior restoration, maybe some BC smoothie wheels.

Your Charcoal Metallic looks great in those photos gedmeyer. Have you had a repaint or is that the original coat? I'm wondering if my paint has faded a bit over the last 23 years and a new coat will look darker. My car sat for 12 years before I bought it so it's in pretty good shape.

 

[mr mctavish]

i did, with a mild, cam xe262, I ran a 13.99 with 2.78 rear. Im going to a 3.54 soon.
I had it built at a local shop.

 

[Grey Ghost 81]

It will fit no problems
You'll want to swap gears/rearend to a 3.55 maybe 3.73

Thanks titan,

What would be the average cost to swap gears? I'd probably go with 3.55 since I do some highway driving.

 

[titan81]

If you look around you could find 3.55 gears for a dana 44 rear end
for about $4-600 depending.