Being a description of the Driving force behind the car. Both present and Future. See also my comparison page of the L-82 vs. the L-48 as they were in 1978.

The Car came equipped with the optional L-82 motor. Rated at 220 hp it was the hot ticket for 1978, but compared to todays motors it just doesnt hold up . Therefore I plan to improve on the output of this motor in the hopes of achieving modern levels of power and torque.

The motor still runs strong although it does consume a little oil due to a valve seal issue. It runs cool, at least I've been told compared to most Corvettes that it does. Only in the longest traffic jams does it even go over the 200 degree mark, its usually much, much lower than that.

Work done to date has really been just upkeep, as older components start to fail they have been replaced. Heres whats been done so far..
 

• New aluminum water pump coming back from Friend’s wedding.
• Replace Distributor (original had frozen mech. advance due to corrosion) 
• Replace stretched factory timing chain (nylon toothed – yuck) with Cloyes dual roller. 
• Replace Harmonic Balancer (probably not required) with new OEM unit 
• Smog equipment installation
• Air rails from dealer & bone yard – Ecology Auto Wrecking
• AIR Check valves 
• Diverter valve from bone yard – Ecology Auto Wrecking
• Smog pump from my 1972 Camaro
• New EFE actuator – used bracket– Ecology Auto Wrecking
• New Pump mounting brackets
• New Pump Pully & Spacer
• Install, tune up and smog (the corvette shop) – passes fine (show specs)
• New cold air ducts
• New PFP hi flow monolithic converter 2 ½"
• New aluminized – 2 ½" rear ‘Y-pipe’ 
• New Dynomax Super turbo mufflers
• K&N filter 
• New Modine Radiator
• Chrome Master Cylinder Cover - imagine the power !!!!
• Chrome Air Cleaner Lid
• New valve cover gaskets
• Refinished Valve Covers

Rik's Unlimited - Ecklers - Pep Boys - PAW - Summitt - GM - Corvette Central - Jegs - Advance auto parts

So What is the plan?

There are a number of options I'm considering, some conventional, some less so... for example:

• What about the possibility of an alternative fueled big block (LPG?, LNG?)

My main reason for thinking of this possibility is that once upon a time in sunny so cal. alternative fueld vehicles were exempt from smog testing. I did some research and this is no longer the case. so no alternative fueled big block for me.

• How about a fuel injected Big block?

Emissions requirements pretty much eliminates this possibility, the only even possible swap would be from a TBI equipped big block truck. And only then if I used all the factory emissions equipment and exhaust. But I dont think that I can use a truck as a donor vehicle under Ca smog laws, and if I could, why would I want to...

• A Fuel injected transplant out of a 350 TPI camaro, Firebird or Corvette?

For the most efficient combo this is really the best plan, its been done many times and is a proven performer. It is also easy to get emissions legal performance from it. Down sides include the increased complexity of the system and my present lack of knowledge of the systems involved. I'm an old carb guy....

• An aftermarket TBI setup?

More or less the same as the TPI above, but with fewer emissions legal options.

• Of course a carburated small block is the easiest.

It also is something I am fully aware of and can make work with little effort.

• What about a tri-power setup? (oops theres that emissions thing again)

'Nuff said

• Of course there is always the possibility of Stroking the motor out to a larger displacement. 383 cu in. or 391 cu. in?

Stroking the small block has a great deal of appeal, there are many benefits. Increased torque and horsepower, keeping the original block and even keeping the outward appearance of originality. However, at least with the 383, it has been done so often as to be completely boring to me.

• How about a 400 small block, or for that matter a destroked 400.

This is basically the direction i am presently leaning in, my decision hasnt been made yet, but shall be either a 377 cu in destroked 400 (350 crank in 400 block) or the even more radical and (at least to those I've conversed with on the forum) the least desirable, short stroke long rod 350 cu in. destroked 400 (in this configuration you use a 327 crank - 3.25" stroke - and 6.2" rods) in the 400 block.

%CO2

HC (PPM)

CO(%)

NO (PPM)

Test

RPM

MEAS

MAX

AVE

MEAS

MAX

AVE

MEAS

MAX

AVE

MEAS

RESULT

15 mph

1172

10.1

209

57

128

1.25

0.25

0.02

2425

570

822

PASS

25 mph

1530

9.8

159

45

153

1.05

0.19

0.02

2225

648

997

PASS

MAX = Maximum allowable Emissions
AVE = Average Emissions for passing Vehicles
MEAS = Measured Emissions

As you can see the car passed but really by only a very slim margin when you look at Hydrocarbon Emissions. This could be the oil passing the valve guides (my only apparent source of oil use), it could also mean a weak ignition system. In any case the areas in RED are those areas I have to pay special attention to, those in AMBER are cautionary points and those in GREEN are good to go. So a little research is involved here to make sure that the engine I build, whatever option above I use will comply with the above. Obviously these will become more strict if I swap in a newer engine (Say a TPI motor).

Automotive emissions other than evaporative are the byproducts of combustion - the byproducts are described below.

HYDROCARBONS (HC)

Hydrocarbon emissions result when fuel molecules in the engine do not burn or burn only partially. Hydrocarbons react in the presence of nitrogen oxides and sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a major
component of smog. Ozone irritates the eyes, damages the lungs, and aggravates respiratory problems. It is our most widespread and intractable urban air pollution problem. A number of exhaust
hydrocarbons are also toxic, with the potential to cause cancer. 

NITROGEN OXIDES (NOx) 

Under the high pressure and temperature conditions in an engine, nitrogen and oxygen atoms in the air react to form various nitrogen oxides, collectively known as NOx. Nitrogen oxides, like hydrocarbons,
are precursors to the formation of ozone. They also contribute to the formation of acid rain. 

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of incomplete combustion and occurs when carbon in the fuel is partially oxidized rather than fully oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO ). Carbon monoxide reduces the flow of
oxygen in the bloodstream and is particularly dangerous to persons with heart disease. 

CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)

In recent years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started to view carbon dioxide, a product of "perfect" combustion, as a pollution concern. Carbon dioxide does not directly impair human
health, but it is a "greenhouse gas" that traps the earth's heat and contributes to the potential for global warming