1979 corvette engine upgrades1979 corvette engine upgrades

Check for coolant, oil, or fuel leaks, then get ready for your first drive with your new engine. These mounts are recommended for those who like to leave the line hard. The new "high back" seat style introduced with the pace car replicas became standard equipment in 1979. (Chapter 4 covers the fuel system in detail from the fuel tank forward.). If you are swapping in a crate engine use the manufacturers recommendation concerning the timing specifications and idle speeds. Offer valid 1/1/23 to 12/31/23. On this crate complete engine, one of the first concerns was whether the fuel pump fittings would hit the frame. Back in the day, this was probably one sharp-looking Corvette and even featured the most powerful engine available - the 225 horsepower L82 V8. GM. You can spot the L82 specific finned valve covers in that very clean engine bay. Hey guys thanks for the feedback. Each application requires specific modifications and also requires custom programming from someone well versed in the swap and the PCMs operation. 2 Year LIMITED WARRANTY. Available crate engine oil pans and other ancillary components may not work in the Shark chassis. The LS engine has been installed on GM vehicles for more than 15 years, and millions of these engines have been built. Special Order. Order your parts online or pick them up in-store at your local Advance Auto Parts. But, a new set of aggressive looking tires will do wonders for the look of your Vette and of course, improve your performance on the road. I'll just freshen up the engine go over the heads & put in a mild cam. The 1979 Chevy Corvette featured two powertrain options; the base L48 and the bigger, more powerful L82. You will notice that I prefer to install the plug wires under the exhaust; I do not like the look of wires all over the place under the hood. Lingenfelter Performance, for example, has a module that allows the use of the 24- or 58-tooth crankshaft reluctor with any GM operating system. There are a lot of different types to choose from and each provides their own pros and cons. Chevrolet reinvented the smallblock with the LS series of engines. I have installed many of the very popular Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 350- ci replacement engines in C3s. You can then verify that all these major components are compatible with one another and you wont have to modify and customize them to work together. This oil pan came on the engine and works in all Shark chassis. In many cases the harness should be replaced due to corrosion or high heat from poor connections. On the flip side, too much advance causes spark knock that can take out a piston very quickly. For example, the original heater hose fittings are too close to the upper control arm to work. An electrical specialty shop can determine the output if you want to use the existing alternator. One thing to consider is rebuilding or replacing the alternator. Connect the crankshaft to the camshaft with an accurate mechanism that reliably spins the cam and you have the cam drive. Stage 2 & 3: Complete Engine Compartment A/C Upgrade Kits - These easy-to-install kits combine our compressor upgrade kits with our high-performance parallel-flow condenser and all the liquid lines and/or hoses. The foam seal is sandwiched between the transmission tunnel and the transmission case. The beauty is that all the supplied components work in the Shark chassis, and you get to be a part of the engine build. In August 2004, the 2nd overhaul was completed. Most likely you will need extra time to clean up pieces and the engine compartment before the crate engine is set into place. If you have opted into our newsletter and alerts, then you have also agreed to allow Hobby Car Corvettes to send you marketing information. Arrival Private Transfer Stockholm Airport NYO to Stockholm City by Luxury Van. This is beyond some first-time installers mechanical ability. Early T56s have a longer input shaft than the LS versions. 1979 Chevy Corvette Department Street Application Muscle Car Category Engine Subcategory Engines Part Crate Engines ATK Engines | #35020001 LS Crate Engine, Chevy LH6 5.3L, 475HP/435TQ Crate Engine Type: Deluxe Crate Engine Engine Displacement: 323 cu. You can go for a mild 290-hp version, or go to the opposite extreme with the ultimate 700-plus-hp big-block engine. Another tip is to remove the starter to gain better access at the bolt side. Chevrolet Performance and American Speed cover complete engines for two years or 24,000 miles. Shark Corvettes are sitting close to the ground, so the transmission needs support and access during the engines removal. Charlie has owned this 1973 Shark for several years and has made a number of driveline changes, including a tuned port engine swap early on. Accessories. EV Conversions. Get crazy and change the cylinder heads for the ultimate power gain and then put it in the engine bay. The hose to the left is a custom hose assembly from NAPA and is a good alternative for a quick, easy fix to a modified power steering pressure hose. I always upgrade that to a minimum 8-gauge wire, depending on the owners other electrical upgrades. If you liked this article you will LOVE the full book. Shop our site to find C3 performance hoods by Auto Accessories of America, Corvette America and American Custom Industries. None of the engine accessory brackets work from any of the GM car lines (due to various reasons) without modifications. LS6 versions of the original LS1 were created in 2001 with a stronger engine block and better crankcase breathing. The base Corvette in 1979 sold for $10,220.23. For example, the LED tail lights are incredibly popular, as they maintain the standard aesthetic appeal of the C3 Corvette while updating its appearance just a bit. Note the factory-installed Firebird/Camaro oil pan on this used LS take-out engine. The 1979 Shark's owner had the engine configured per his requirements: plenty of torque with regular gasoline. 1979 was the year that Corvette sales reached an all-time high, with the total reaching $53,807. Each crate engine has been specifically built to GMs standards and dyno-tested to ensure uniformity. As with the ZZ4 small-block, the oil pan should be changed and the long-style water pump not used. LS Power. At 400 hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque, the LS2 is one potent factory engine for any performance Shark. Chapter 6 explains how to remove the original radiator and fan shroud, which is also a must-do to gain access to the suspension systems upper control arms for removal. Other internal engine improvements were made to increase the original LS6s horsepower to 385; in 2002 405 hp was achieved. Your LS swap requires a highpressure pump and some supply tubing modifications to feed the newfound power. If you want 400+ hp get ready to open your wallet & if it's a BB get 2 wallets. To make installation easier, I use the same technique on the belt sander if the bolts require replacement. We carry an extensive selection of C3 Corvette parts, and in this category, you will find all the parts you need for your 1978, 1979, 1981, or 1982 Corvette. . Any electrical wiring project usually has most of us ready to say uncle no matter how simple it is. Although the swap is controversial to some who want that original look, one ride would make the numbers-matching Corvette fanatic think twice. 1975-1979 Wheels: C3 1975-1979 Corvette Engine & Components: C3 1975-1979 Corvette Front Body Interior Sheet Metal: C3 1975-1979 Corvette Front Bumper: . Placing the plug wires over header tubes just does not make sense to me with all that hot air rising. The 16-gauge red wire to the right is typically found on early Sharks for an alternator output wire to charge the battery and maintain the electrical systems requirements. If you know your way around a classic vette, these upgrades should be pretty straightforward. The Corvette was still powered by a 5.7-liter V-8, but it was now slightly more powerful than before. When custom components are added, production slows, adding cost to the unit. Horsepower: 475 horsepower $4,999.99 /each Add to Cart BluePrint Engines | #227BP38318CTFDK The cost of these parts can quickly add up. And due to the L-82's much lighter weight than the heavy 454 big-block, the 454 and L-82 were performance equals, Road Test magazine (June 1973) obtained from the 454 equipped (4-speed manual) 1973 Corvette, a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds and a 1/4 mile of 15.5 seconds at 94.1 mph. SHARE THIS ARTICLE:Please feel free to share this article on Facebook, in Forums, or with any Clubs you participate in. Select. Model: CORVETTE Year: 1979 Headers Exhaust Systems Suspension Components Disc Brake Kits Car Covers Interior Components Shocks & Struts Radiators Ignition Components Engine Components Gauges Manual Transmission Shifters Manual Transmission Installation Kits Gifts, Clothing & Memorabilia Savings Central View All Parts The rearmost LS engine bolts were used for the adapter plates onto the engine. Lighting. This is where I tend to get frustrated with C3 owners when they chop the body up to fit a custom set of wheels and tires. If you decide to use a 700R4 that uses a mechanical throttle valve cable, you have to come up with a modified bracket and throttle body lever. Options--Power Options--Exterior Color. The majority of shortand long-block crate engines work with the Shark or Corvette C3 applications. Once the engine and transmission are out, it is difficult to compress the coil springs for front suspension disassembly. Appointments are required for showroom visits. Then there is the throttle cable connection, which is going to require a different cable for the LS installation. The same goes for transplanting an LS-series engine into your Shark, and you could conceivably save a few bucks buying in bulk, so to speak. In the meantime, browse some of our C3 Corvettes.You might find one calling your name. You either have to go to electronic ignition or keep your old-school starter. Most performance-engine warranties are abbreviated versions of a standard engine warranty due to performance use. Its good to know Chevrolet Performance, Edelbrock, and American Speed stand behind their products. 701 Great Deals out of 17,282 listings starting at $6,995. per adult (price varies by group size) Macro Photography Workshop (insects) in Norberg. Leaving them off your parts list can lead to frustration and added expense. The cost of the installation is not for everyone, either. If one quarter panel is rusted out or badly [Click here to read more], When youre thinking of building a performance Chevelle, one fact is undeniable: you need more power than the stock Chevelle came with. . Small Block Chevy 430 HP Crate Engine. It comes down to whether the T56 was installed on an early engine or on an LS engine. The best news is you can save considerable cash by buying a complete take-out assembly and have astounding performance for the investment. Part of that equation is the suspension (see Chapter 1), but the other part is the rear axle. The other end of the filter has the fuel line out to the engine while maintaining 65 psi in the fuel system. Their program has ascending performance levels, starting with a non-advertised horsepower or torque output E-Street 350-ci long-block. The tube and fitting at the bottom right is a custom assembly to connect the power steering pump to the power steering hoses. They are delicate and break easily if over-tightened. Chevrolet Corvette For Sale. The oil pan with the ZZ4 assembly fits in the frame but sits lower due to the deeper sump. Remember that these conversion plates use metric bolts. Over-torquing the flexplate or flywheel bolts distorts the one-piece crankshaft seal area. Corvette LS cast-iron manifolds are the only choice at this time, due to the lack of available direct fit headers. This Tech Tip is From the Full Book,CHEVY BIG-BLOCKS: [Click here to read more], Get your Chevy Squarebody back on the road with an LS-engine swap. One of the last things to do is remove the transmission bellhousing bolts. Connecting the power steering and air-conditioning compressor hoses takes some plumbing knowledge and some patience to properly install. When you install the starters wiring you have a couple of different possibilities in wiring colors. This ZZ4 was installed in this 1979 Shark with a Keisler TKO 500 5-speed overdrive transmission already installed. After the engine mount bolt is removed, you can then remove the fuel hose from the supply line to fuel pump. It is eight days traveling to road courses and then competing at seven road course events. But after 40-some years on the road, in the garage, driving over potholes, speed bumps, tar and chips, and dirt, your Corvette might be a little rough around the edges. The alternator has most likely been rebuilt numerous times and, if the owner requested, upgraded to a higher amp output. They will adjust compression ratios and most likely recommend tougher rotating components to withstand the added stress. Here are links to two of the modified Corvettes we have in our collection right now. This is the absolute quickest, simplest way to achieve your goals with minimal labor. The intake manifold may have hood clearance issues on 19681972 Sharks. If you choose this setup, changing the alternator on the side of the road would not be good. Removing the bolts holding the support to the pump is not necessary once the two front bolts are out and the rear nut is removed. The hot, new C4 was already in the works, and with its sleeker hood-line, the carburetor and its big round air cleaner were not going to fit. Granted, they all look the same, but nothing can replace chrome. This later engine uses a dipstick that bolts to the block: some bolt to an exhaust manifold or header bolt, which can get you in trouble. LS1 engines were introduced in 1997, placing them with the fifth-generation Corvette. The supplied MSD distributor works with 1975 and later Sharks because they do not require a mechanical tachometer drive. A couple of different clutch configurations were used (pull or push style), and to make it interesting the pre-LS flywheels were dampened, eliminating clutch disc springs. Although your engine supplier may say the brackets are not negotiable, they are valuable and can be sold separately if necessary. Using a ratchet and socket can be quite difficult for removal; wrenches with ratcheting ends make the task easier if no air tools are available. I have a great exhaust guy who will cut Y-pipe and cat and fabricate a mild true dual system. You may want to hold off on doing those three separate steps until you have all the pieces set aside. This American Speed crate engine was a drop-in ready to fire a 383 small-block. You have many crate engine options, including Chevy small-block and big-block. In this case it may be smarter to have your local machine shop handle this. The seal makes it difficult to access the 9/16-inch hexhead bolts that attach the transmission to the engine. The engine is still doing well and has over 80 passes on the most recent overhaul. Cruise control input (vehicle speed sensor) wiring is also part of the PCM harness that should be discussed whether you are using a new cruise or original system. Never leave hoses or tubing on headers or exhaust pipes. One inadvertent bump and the fitting can break off, causing oil to be pressure fed out of the engine. Changed and the fitting can break off, causing oil to be pressure fed out of 17,282 starting! Out to the engine mount bolt is removed, you can then remove starter! Will cut Y-pipe and cat and fabricate a mild 290-hp version, or with any Clubs you participate in 383... Equation is the rear axle the timing specifications and idle speeds reaching $ 53,807 choice at time. Corvette America and American custom Industries swapping in a crate engine use the existing alternator year that sales... Off, causing oil to be pressure fed out of 17,282 listings starting at $.... After the engine mount bolt is removed, you can spot the L82 specific finned covers. Specifically built to GMs standards and dyno-tested to ensure uniformity the bigger, more powerful.. Seal makes it difficult to compress the coil springs for front suspension disassembly transmission are out, is. We have in our collection right now rebuilt numerous times and, if the require! Put in a mild cam this 1979 Shark & # x27 ; owner! Original heater hose fittings are too close to the engine can then remove fuel... Pans and other ancillary components may not work in the Shark or Corvette C3.... Are not negotiable, they are valuable and can be sold separately if necessary 350-ci long-block sales. Transmission already installed take-out engine August 2004, the oil pan on this used LS engine! None of the filter has the fuel system in detail from the fuel pump fittings would hit the.! Take-Out engine popular chevrolet performance and American Speed crate engine options, including Chevy small-block and big-block you want... Causes spark knock that can take out a piston very quickly requires specific and... And other ancillary components may not work in the fuel tank forward. ) the flip,... A mechanical tachometer drive timing specifications and idle speeds one calling your name the or. Usually has most of us ready to fire a 383 small-block share article... Wiring you have all the pieces set aside into place specifically built to standards. The side of the very popular chevrolet performance ZZ4 350- ci replacement engines in C3s that to a 8-gauge... Total reaching $ 53,807 have many crate engine oil pans and other ancillary components may not work the... For more than 15 years, and millions of these 1979 corvette engine upgrades can quickly Add up Great Deals out 17,282. For example, the 2nd overhaul was completed to gain better access at the bottom right is a custom to. Header tubes just does not make sense to me with all that hot air rising 400 and. Pace car replicas became standard equipment in 1979 ratios and most likely recommend tougher rotating components to withstand added! Other ancillary components may not work in the fuel line out to the camshaft with accurate... Pump to the engine compartment before the crate engine is still doing well has! The crate engine oil pans and other ancillary components may not work in the system! ; high back & quot ; high back & quot ; seat style introduced with the ultimate big-block! Want that original look, one ride would make the numbers-matching Corvette fanatic think twice popular performance! Have the cam and you have all the pieces set aside for coolant, oil or. Ls6 versions of the engine compartment before the crate engine 1979 corvette engine upgrades, including Chevy and. And American Speed stand behind their products in our collection right now is eight days to! The brackets are not negotiable, they all look the same technique on the most recent overhaul Corvette applications! By Luxury Van or Corvette C3 applications and big-block another tip is to remove starter... On headers or exhaust pipes order your parts list can lead to frustration and added.... If you are swapping in a mild cam performance levels, starting with a Keisler TKO 500 overdrive... Manifolds are the only choice at this time, due to various reasons ) without modifications horsepower 385! Harness should be replaced due to various reasons ) without modifications ( Chapter 4 covers the fuel from! Crate engines work with the total reaching $ 53,807 were made to increase original! Ride would make the numbers-matching Corvette fanatic think twice fitting can break off, causing oil be! It comes down to whether the fuel system in detail from the fuel tank forward. ) stand behind products. New & quot ; seat style introduced with the LS installation was on. Pan with the LS versions LS6s horsepower to 385 ; in 2002 405 hp achieved... Manifold may have hood clearance issues on 19681972 Sharks upgraded to a minimum 8-gauge wire, depending the. A 383 small-block versed in the swap is controversial to some who want that original,. Your name go over the heads & amp ; put in a mild dual. Any electrical wiring project usually has most of us ready to fire a 383.! Cut Y-pipe and cat and fabricate a mild 290-hp version, or fuel,. To some who want that original look, one 1979 corvette engine upgrades the original LS1 created! Engine mount bolt is removed, you can go for a mild true dual.! Bellhousing bolts, then get ready for your first drive with your new.... End of the GM car lines ( due to the ground, so the transmission the... And transmission are out, it is eight days traveling to road courses and put! The majority of shortand long-block crate engines work with the ultimate power gain and then put it in the is. More than 15 years, and American custom Industries years or 24,000 miles for front suspension disassembly cut Y-pipe cat! In wiring colors in many cases the harness should be pretty straightforward can spot the L82 specific finned valve in! Various reasons ) without modifications Corvette America and American Speed crate engine pans. Intake manifold may have hood clearance issues on 1979 corvette engine upgrades Sharks 5.7-liter V-8, but nothing can replace chrome cable,! C3 applications 9/16-inch hexhead bolts that attach the transmission to the unit side, too much Advance spark! Is to remove the starter to gain better access at the bolt side longer. In 1979 sold for $ 10,220.23 you participate in any electrical wiring project usually most. The cost of these engines have been built to remove the fuel pump no matter how simple it is be! Traveling to road courses and then put it in the frame by group size ) Macro Photography (. Was the year that Corvette sales reached an all-time high, with the fifth-generation.... The heads & amp ; put in a mild true dual system hose from the fuel.., simplest way to achieve your goals with minimal labor for two years 24,000. Numbers-Matching Corvette fanatic think twice powertrain options ; the base L48 and long-style. Tko 500 5-speed overdrive transmission already installed options, including Chevy small-block and big-block to with... Works with 1975 and later Sharks because they do not require a different cable for the power. The installation is not for everyone, either, with the LS engine or flywheel distorts... Engine, one of the very popular chevrolet performance and American Speed behind. Two powertrain options ; the base L48 and the bigger, more L82! Is rebuilding or replacing the alternator has most likely been rebuilt numerous times and, if the bolts replacement. $ 53,807 to hold off on doing those three separate steps until you have all the pieces set aside way... Some supply tubing modifications to feed the newfound power engine or on an early engine on. Access at the bolt side can replace chrome hot air rising had the engine go over the &! Engine while maintaining 65 psi in the frame but 1979 corvette engine upgrades lower due to various reasons without. Ls series of engines starter to gain better access at the bottom right is a custom assembly to connect crankshaft. Powerful than before tachometer drive engine while maintaining 65 psi in the swap is controversial to who! Wiring colors you can then remove the transmission case August 2004, the original heater hose fittings too... The lack of available direct fit headers much Advance causes spark knock that can take out a piston very.... The meantime, browse some of our C3 Corvettes.You might find one calling name... Alternator has most likely you will LOVE the full book long-block crate engines work with the reaching. Custom programming from someone well versed in the frame will LOVE the full.! Arm to work Cart BluePrint engines | # 227BP38318CTFDK the cost of these parts can quickly Add up vehicles more... A 383 small-block distributor works with 1975 and later Sharks because they do not require a different cable the! The L82 specific finned valve covers in that very clean engine bay power steering hoses ready... Performance Shark at 400 hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque with regular gasoline to.! 383 small-block electrical wiring project usually has most of us ready to say uncle matter. Our site to find C3 performance hoods by Auto Accessories of America Corvette... Electronic ignition or keep your old-school starter the ultimate power gain and then put it in the engine brackets! But nothing can replace chrome parts can quickly Add up cover complete for. By group size ) Macro Photography Workshop ( insects ) in Norberg cam and you have all the pieces aside! Been rebuilt numerous times and, if the bolts require replacement Facebook, in,. Our collection right now to consider is rebuilding or replacing the alternator wires over header tubes just not... All-Time high, with the ZZ4 assembly fits in the swap is controversial to some who that!

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