Upgrades to my '81

[GotMy81@16]

I currently have a fairly stock '81 with no engine enhancements. I would like to add some power to my vette. Does anyone have a suggestion on a first step to take to get more speed? Or guidelines on what to do?

Thanks

 

[1979toy]

Install a true dual exhaust. Add headers to the exhaust. That will be a great way to wake your engine up plus it will provide a needed base for any further mods that you may want to do later.

 

[pauld]

I agree, true duals are the way to go and they sound fantastic, best thing i've done so far bar far.

 

[gedmeyer]

stroke it!

 

[GotMy81@16]

Thanks for replying to my message, if anyone else has a suggestion please write. Oh and by the way, 1979 Toy where is a good place to buy a true dual exhaust?

Thanks

 

[Dave L.]

http://www.madvet.com/shop?part=1.1303.603862
Like he said,just bolt on this true dual kit. Best and most cost effective enhancement you can do to your car.

 

[Stallion]

Nice Vette. How you like the looks you get when you drive into the high school parking lot? I know how it is.

 

[73Vert]

GotMy81@16, I'm probably going to date myself here, but there was a cutie that I went to high school with named Kathy that got an 81 Vette for her graduation present, NEW!! Her dad was the owner of a very cool nightclub in town and bought her the car a few days before we graduated. I heard she totalled it a few weeks later though

It was gorgeous too, kind of a chocolate brown color, with all the options!

Enjoy!! And keep the shiny side up!

Paul

 

[GotMy81@16]

Thanks everyone, its great driving it into a High School parking lot. Everyone looks and asks questions. I was voted best car in the yearbook!! All thanks to the powers a corvette.

 

[GotMy81@16]

BURGLAR or anyone that knows, I looked at the true dual kit and it said "For off-road race use only. Never to be used on the highway." is this something I need to be worried about?
Thanks

 

[Dave L.]

Do you have any type of emission regulations in your area (sniffer test or visual?) If you do then you'll have to pass on this dual kit.

 

[GotMy81@16]

Ok cool thanx, and you did this to your car? What are the major benefits?

 

[Dave L.]

Yes I have this dual kit on my car. Increased performance... and the car sounds like a corvette should too.

 

[Stallion]

If you have emissions, then you can't get the true duals. Because as far as I know, they don't come with cats, and you still need to pass. And I don't think you can get historic plates because your Vette is 25 years old yet. And '74 and earlier Vettes don't have to pass emissions. But this might just be Jersey, so you will have to check with your state's emissions and restrictions. I don't know what Washington does for this kinda stuff.

 

[GotMy81@16]

I emailed the people that do the emissions test and this is what was they replied with, "Currently we are testing 1996 and newer vehicles through the OBD diagnostic port and 1980 to 1995 vehicles using the dyno to simulate the average cruising speed while an analyzer samples the exhaust. This is called an ASM test. Both tests are
being conducted in Vancouver and state wide. Exhaust system modifications can affect the readings from the tailpipe. The exhaust system should be within the manufactures specifications and most importantly have no leaks. The catalytic converter, being one of the most important emission devices, needs to remain on the vehicle and in it's designed location. Remember that all the exhaust system does, other then house the catalytic converter, is carry the exhaust from the engine to exit
out the rear of the vehicle."
Can you guys tell me if this means I cant put on the Trual Duals?
Thanks

 

[Yoda]

"The catalytic converter, being one of the most important emission devices, needs to remain on the vehicle and in it's designed location."

From this statement, esp the part that says "needs to remain on the vehicle and in it's designed location." It would be impossible to put true dual exhausts on your car.

 

[GerryLP]

81@16,

I agree with Bud. However, don't despair. A high-flow catalytic converter is years ahead of the stock converter and many are 50-state legal. Also, high flow mufflers such as Flowmasters and MagnaFlow are an improvement over stock.

Legal headers are also available. Some improvement here and there can make a nice difference.

good luck!

 

[GotMy81@16]

AHHH dang, I was really banking on that true dual exhaust, are there any other uprgrades that I should start with that would make a sudden impact like the true duals?
Thanks

 

[Yoda]

81@16,

I agree with Bud. However, don't despair. A high-flow catalytic converter is years ahead of the stock converter and many are 50-state legal. Also, high flow mufflers such as Flowmasters and MagnaFlow are an improvement over stock.

Legal headers are also available. Some improvement here and there can make a nice difference.

good luck!

Follow Gerry's advice pretty basic and it makes a very noticably difference

Bud

 

[black_81_vette]

Wwll I dont have a clue about your states rules on testing but we have the same rules that apply tp IM240 testing.I have put dual cats on a 80 Z-28 and passed with a true dual set up my 81 Vette has this done also and it passed. They dont start snooping around the car unless you fail.