I have a 1980 Corvette that I've done a pretty complete restoration on, but the engine is basically original and pretty beat. I really don't want to stay with a 190 hp stock engine, but I live in California and so I don't have a lot of choice about that. However, I've heard that it is possible to put newer engines into this car and still comply with CA EPA regs. Does anybody have any ideas about that?
Thanks for any information you can give me.
Ted Schroeder
-Etar ('77 Stingray)
Hello Ted,
First off, thanks for sending some rain down our way. Until today we only had 1.64 inches for the whole winter season! Right now the cars are hiding indoors and outdoors we have a nice soaking rain.
To the best of my knowledge you are correct. I believe that you will be tested to the specs for the newer of either of the VIN or engine. It would be best to make an appointment and go to the nearest BAR Referee Station and ask there. Get Xerox copies of any California ARB/BAR regulations that they cite and ask if there are any forthcoming changes that they know of -- so you don't get the job done and get caught in a Catch-22. Most BAR people I've met are pretty closed mouth about what might pass and what might not. If you find the right person, his or her advice can be a real help. ("Bureau" is the operative word here.) But, it never hurts to ask. Ask particularly about the differences in the Catalytic Converter on the '80 (if it's a California car) and what might be needed on the engine you choose.
Looks like you're in the Bay area. In SoCal the phone book listing is: State of Califonia, Automotive Repair, Bureau of 1-800-952-5210. You might check the SBC blue pages in SFRAN or San Jose for a local number. There's probably a sweet spot between electronic complexity, transmission compatibility, HP and what will physically fit without significant body work. It's probably been done before so there should be some experience here or on Corvette Forum.
I've had one friend do this with a Pontiac and he had SMOG problems due to the rear end ratio. He changed the gears and and it passed. Usually there's enough "free play" in the required numbers that passing the actual test is no strain. The tough part is usually the visual inspection and BAR might advise you on what they will be checking for.
Another resource is a local speed shop; however, their help might not include advising you on the virtues of an L98 versus LT-1 versus LT-4, particularly if you are using an automatic instead of the 4-speed.
Best of luck with the swap-out.
try GM goodwrench 350 replacement engines... heres a link i recommend
ETar ('77 Stingray)
-Etar ('77 Stingray)
I know of someone who put an LS1 motor in his C3 ; he took me for a ride in it. I could not tell the difference in power as compared to a 454 BB ; he got the motor off of ebay cheap then stroked it.
There is more and more of that. However, as a simple bolt in, it is easier to drop in the traditional small block Chevy. Less hassles on emissions, when the emissions test guy looks under the hood and it all looks stock.
'There is more and more of that. However, as a simple bolt in, it is easier to drop in the traditional small block Chevy. Less hassles on emissions, when the emissions test guy looks under the hood and it all looks stock.'
REPLY: Agree. But now is the time to determine how much power he wants to have in his Mill ; for a few more thousand, he could have a huge amount of additional power and hi tech engineering , over that of a common sb crate motor drop-in .
All well and good if he's willing to trailer it to shows and off-road endeavors. Having 'been there' with blower mods on both a 911 and a
914-6, I can say that having a current legal license plate is a good deal and a string of 30-day road permits got old real quick! After the fact discussions with the BAR's referees are time consuming and take the fun out of this hobby, real quick.Suggestion is to find that good Corvette mechanic, decide up front what you want and agree to have him/her take it through SMOG once the engine is installed and the mods are in place. In other words -- the owner should avoid getting involved with any SMOG station or the BAR.
You're preaching to the choir with that last one. I've also got an XJ220 that I've been trying to get past the smog folks for about 4 years now. It looks really good sitting in that shop waiting for someone to hit it with some sort of magic wand.
Thanks all for the advice.
Ted
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