Next Engine Mod

[Bob Chadwick]

I have been trying to get more power out of my car without going overboard or getting myself in deeper than my ability would allow. This means I have nixed the heads (too expensive) and cam (this is probably beyond my ability). I divided my upgrades into three categories; intake, exhaust and ignition. I have pretty much finished the exhaust (headers and true duals with Flowmasters) and intake (new Q'jet, Performer manifold and K&N air cleaner). This has given me a nice little boost in overall power for not a whole bunch of money and are parts that can probably be transferred over to a crate engine some time in the future.

I now want to concentrate on the ignition but to be honest I don't know anything about it. I have HEI, good wires and have recurved the advance. From reading the information, I see that there are new ignition circuits, distributors and coils. There may be other items but I haven't figured this out yet. Can someone the advantages of the various components, how they work together, power improvement, etc., and if I have overlooked something.

Thanks.

Bob

 

[zackm58941]

I got rid of the stock igniton coil, dist rotor and cap on my 1980 l-48 along with the stock wires and put in accell hot hei coil, rotor and dist cap. the car started eaiser, ran smoother and a little better throtle response because the engine is able to produce a better spark to burn the fuel.

 

[72Mako]

Bob, the HEI is a pretty good ignition system esp on a fairly stock motor, I wouldn't sell it short. Engine wise, sounds like you've gone about as far as you can without going internal. Sounds like your next step would be a slightly warmer camshaft. Cams are a good value. for about $150 you can pick up a cam and lifter kit. When you replaced the intake, it would have been a good time to have done it. Don't sell yourself short, from the mods you've done so far, sounds like you have plenty of mechanical ability and a cam install would be within your ability. Besides, that ole timing chain is probably in need of replacing if it's the original one and with you leaning on it now, it would be cheap insurance. Charles

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I got rid of the stock igniton coil, dist rotor and cap on my 1980 l-48 along with the stock wires and put in accell hot hei coil, rotor and dist cap. the car started eaiser, ran smoother and a little better throtle response because the engine is able to produce a better spark to burn the fuel.

I've been thinking of the coil next and possibly one of the MSD ignitor's. I don't know if the distributor can be improved on or not.

Bob, the HEI is a pretty good ignition system esp on a fairly stock motor, I wouldn't sell it short. Engine wise, sounds like you've gone about as far as you can without going internal. Sounds like your next step would be a slightly warmer camshaft. Cams are a good value. for about $150 you can pick up a cam and lifter kit. When you replaced the intake, it would have been a good time to have done it. Don't sell yourself short, from the mods you've done so far, sounds like you have plenty of mechanical ability and a cam install would be within your ability. Besides, that ole timing chain is probably in need of replacing if it's the original one and with you leaning on it now, it would be cheap insurance. Charles

I'm a little concerned about a cam and heads because of the increased strain on an engine with almost 60k miles on it. I'm thinking of leaving that alone until I put a crate engine in it. I know what you mean about the timing chain. I replaced the water pump last year and should have done it then but needed to get the car back together for one our infamous get togethers.

 

[72Mako]

Bob, about 5 years ago, I had 80K on my original L-48. I run to FunFest and Bloomington Gold every year with some buds and their vettes. They have a '93 ZR-1, '64 w/ a '70 LT-1 and a '93 LT1 six speed. Needless to say, I was leaning pretty hard on the ole L-48 to stay up. Out of concern. I thought I had better check out the timing chain. Was I ever glad I did. There wasn't much left of the nylon/alum gear :eek , I'm glad I looked when I did. Only reason I suggested the cam upgrade to you was that you've upgraded the intake side and also the exhaust side of your engine. It is really breathing better now and a mild cam upgrade would really wake it up. However, I understand about wanting to put in the crate motor also. I was afraid of blowing up my numbers matching motor trying to stay up with these guys. So about 3 years ago, I had a motor built and pulled the original motor and set it aside. Now, I do just fine with my buds. Charles

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Charles,

That's one of my ideas as well. Buy a block from a junk yard and gradually build it up keeping within the budget and stretching out the purchases for a year or two and really putting together something nice.

Bob

 

[Robin7TFour]

HEY BOB , i'd go with a cam swap. yes you can do it. i've seen what you've accomplished.GO FOR IT. the cam will definately pick up the bottom and mid. don't go overboard with lift and duration.
best to you

robin

 

[Bob Chadwick]

You guys really want that cam. Maybe next winter. It's coming up on driving season in GA and I don't want to disable the car. It takes me a long time to do these projects.

 

[Robin7TFour]

BOB, maybe by next year i'll have my new house. we can do that swap on a long weekend. send the family to disney and you and i can play ,guy stuff!!

robin

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Works for me Robin. It's more fun when you have somebody to do it with.