1979 corvette engine upgrades

The $309 kit saves the hassle of finding a junkyard assembly. Shark headers and exhaust manifolds work best with the plug wires in this position; they suffer less heat damage over the long run. The rearmost LS engine bolts were used for the adapter plates onto the engine. As the LS engine has evolved, General Motors updated and changed the engine management systems, using different crankshaft position sensors. Accessory Drive Brackets and Kits Intake Manifolds Oil Pans Valve Covers . This is beyond some first-time installers mechanical ability. When bolted to an LS engine, these headers complement the engine and neatly fit the C3 chassis. Before choosing a brand or model, spend some time on YouTube checking out videos from people who have installed them. Browse All 1979 Engine Parts; Browse All 1979 Engine Diagrams; Engine Mounts; 1963-1982 Engine Mount; Oil System; 1965-1982 Oil Pan; 1965-1982 Vacuum Fitting; Engine mount configuration also requires adapter plates to use the original Shark engine mounts. For example, you can purchase rims designed to reduce tire friction as you drive your Corvette at high speeds. These are true ready-to-install pieces. $964.95. Upgrade Corvette hoods and related parts to eliminate extra weight on your vehicle. This is why I highly recommend that you purchase the whole package (engine, transmission, complete harness, and PCM) from the same vehicle. LS6 cylinder heads were designed with better flow and sodium-filled valves for high-RPM use. The supplied MSD distributor works with 1975 and later Sharks because they do not require a mechanical tachometer drive. The beauty is that all the supplied components work in the Shark chassis, and you get to be a part of the engine build. High-flow fuel injectors are another . You also may notice that plug wires five and seven are on opposite ends of the plug wire retainer to minimize the chance of crossfire from the plugs firing next to each other in the firing order. While the engine was being fitted into the engine compartment, the wire harness and PCM were sent to Speartech for the necessary changes, making it a plug-and-play harness swap. was not that different from the 1979 Corvette, but its engine was significantly weaker. Adding a 100hp to a 200hp engine will make a big difference. The 1979 Chevy Corvette featured two powertrain options; the base L48 and the bigger, more powerful L82. I clamp the hose with a specially designed hose clamp that will not damage the hose. That may not sound like a lot, but it was a 15% jump over the base engine! Check the items you are using carefully for compatibility. This is why it is very important to use a complete engine and automatic transmission assembly with the accompanying PCM to make the swap as easy as possible. Both engines displaced 350 cubic inches. Lingenfelter Performance, for example, has a module that allows the use of the 24- or 58-tooth crankshaft reluctor with any GM operating system. Lifetime-reusable air filters, like K&N air filters, are designed to prolong engine life and improve fuel economy. Its a build-it-yourself kit with an assembled rotating assembly (shortblock). The original 1973 Sharks lower radiator hose was cut shorter for the connection. The intake manifold may have hood clearance issues on 19681972 Sharks. These engines pump out 355 hp with 405 ft-lbs of torque. Horsepower: 475 horsepower $4,999.99 /each Add to Cart BluePrint Engines | #227BP38318CTFDK They can be difficult to see. If you see this seal you are working with a virgin Shark. In this case it may be smarter to have your local machine shop handle this. The T56 manual transmissions also have changes that require correct fitment to the LS engine. Fitting the exhaust manifolds into the C3 is a typical problem when performing an LS engine swap. Their program has ascending performance levels, starting with a non-advertised horsepower or torque output E-Street 350-ci long-block. This is the way Sharks were intended to be driven. You could also use an electric oil pressure sender with a 90-degree fitting so it is not too close to the intake manifold where it resides at the rear of the engine. The current crop of LS engines is widely regarded as the best small-block pushrod V-8 engine platform currently available. The real beauty of the swap was that the 4L65Es electronic-shifted overdrive transmission was part of the original complete take-out. Small Block Chevy 430 HP Crate Engine. LS Power. Another alternative is buying the used engine and then modifying it with the right camshaft, cylinder heads, and intakes. The seal makes it difficult to access the 9/16-inch hexhead bolts that attach the transmission to the engine. I installed their LS accessory component pieces on a Corvette I built for the One Lap of America race in 2012. When custom components are added, production slows, adding cost to the unit. 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. 68-82 C3-CORVETTE 5 & 6-SPEED CONVERSIONS. Like the Gen III and Gen IV LS engine, 4L60E automatic transmission internal sensors and electronics have evolved. Corvette Parts. Hallsberg Tourism: Tripadvisor has 72 reviews of Hallsberg Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Hallsberg resource. You need to route the wiring away from hot surfaces and sharp edges that can damage the harness insulation coating. These engines require hood or engine placement modifications to fit into any Shark. If youve spent some time wiring a previous car and are familiar with electronics, you may be able to perform the modification of the wiring harness yourself. Back in the day, this was probably one sharp-looking Corvette and even featured the most powerful engine available - the 225 horsepower L82 V8. Free Shipping. Chevrolet Performance (formerly GMPP, General Motors Performance Parts) has a limited number of crate engines that simply and easily install into a Shark. You can opt out at any time. I have seen broken areas on LS engines at the bellhousing, especially around the starter. Other internal engine improvements were made to increase the original LS6s horsepower to 385; in 2002 405 hp was achieved. Although the swap is controversial to some who want that original look, one ride would make the numbers-matching Corvette fanatic think twice. I have fixed many engines by simply draining the additional oil and installing the correct-length dipstick. You also have a black wire with a 3/8-inch eye terminal: this is the ground wire for the passenger compartment fan and wiper motor. The results were apparent immediately; the horsepower and torque gain were phenomenal, with fuel mileage that rivaled a late-model vehicle. Get crazy and change the cylinder heads for the ultimate power gain and then put it in the engine bay. The Chevrolet Performance engine lineup offers everything from mild to tighten your seat belts and hang on! One of my favorite big-block crate purchases is the ZZ502 Base Kit (PN 12371204). from. 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. A new LS crate engine is the safest bet and also the most costly. 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. 468 Great Deals out of 7,243 listings starting at $4,795. Even the lowly 1997 LS1 has plenty of power, making it an excellent transplant in a Shark. Power steering and A/C systems require specific hoses and fittings to handle the high pressure and heat associated with each system. Was: $46.95. (The C5 Corvette version has wings on the lower oil pan section, requiring an F-Body-style replacement.). There are no changes in the electronics in early- to late-T56 transmissions. You will find the fit and function will work perfectly for your Corvette. Interior Color. Best of all, they're one of the least expensive mods you can make. These filters are pricey due to their dual purpose, regulating fuel pressure as it filters the fuel before it enters the engine. Unfortunately, just like the tires, that engine is . You may want to hold off on doing those three separate steps until you have all the pieces set aside. There are 53 new and used 1979 Chevrolet Corvettes listed for sale near you on ClassicCars.com with prices starting as low as $11,800. When someone says he or she is looking for a crate engine, the term covers a broad spectrum. I'll just freshen up the engine go over the heads & put in a mild cam. Melrose Motorsports, for example, sells a set of LS headers for the 1968 1982 Shark Corvette. Can anyone look at this plan and recommend revisions and/or specific parts, etc? . Select. EV Conversions. Installing the power steering hoses is also easier with this setup. During engine installation be sure check this area carefully; most aftermarket fuel pumps are larger in diameter and come very close to the frame rail. Plus Chevy desperately needed a way to increase performance and federally mandated fuel economy. If you are swapping in a crate engine use the manufacturers recommendation concerning the timing specifications and idle speeds. Edelbrock is another source for drop-in 416-ci LS engines with an E-force supercharger pumping out more than 700 hp. Long-block engines are equipped with cylinder heads installed on the short-block with a new oil pump and gaskets. 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. The more you move the wires, the better chance there is of breaking the inner graphite core. Most salvage yards do not sell an oil pan from a running engine to be destroyed; many times the pan has been damaged. I will be doing this to my 77 when I get the time again. By upgrading your pre-1975 Corvette's ignition to that of an HEI variety, you will maximize your car's reliability and minimize downtime for maintenance. Corvette PART #: 25-121403-1 1968-1973 Corvette Engine Oil Gauge Pressure Line Small Block. Squeezing all you need to know into one chapter isnt possible and this forces me to make statements [Click here to read more], The basic rule of thumb when working on cars is to only replace the parts that need to be replaced, with the exception of parts that come in sets, such as leaf springs, valve springs, brake pads, etc. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1979 Chevrolet Corvette 2D Coupe at the best online prices at eBay! 51 listings starting at $52,500. I am all about being neat, though, and believe the plug wires must be retained for long life. Exhaust. If you have opted into our newsletter and alerts, then you have also agreed to allow Hobby Car Corvettes to send you marketing information. Engineers of the original [Click here to read more], Todays society thrives on instant gratification but building an engine is an exacting process that must not be rushed. 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. 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. The pump drops down and lays on the frame, out of the way. It is recommended that one be used in all performance applications to prevent the flywheel from rocking back and forth, eventually wearing away at the bolt threads. Classic Industries offers a wide selection of 1979 Chevrolet Corvette parts, including 1979 Chevrolet Corvette interior parts and soft trim, 1979 Chevrolet Corvette exterior sheet metal, 1979 Chevrolet Corvette moldings, 1979 Chevrolet Corvette emblems, 1979 Chevrolet Corvette weatherstrip and unique accessories, to nearly every nut and bolt needed for installation. For C3 Corvette parts from other years, please go to 1968-1972 or 1973-1977. Exterior. 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. By late 2004 the 4L60E had a reluctor placed on the transmissions input shaft to measure internal transmission slip speed. Do not over-torque them. But I figure it should still give me a significant boost. 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. A good source of further information is How to Build Performance LS1/LS6 V-8 Engines by Will Handzel. Top Flight Automotive offers all-fiberglass Corvette hoods for outstanding vehicles like the 1977, 1978 and 1979 Stingrays. Your other option is to buy a salvageyard engine from a reputable supplier. Pace Performance has an all-in-one package (PN PAC- 8771) that includes an oil pan (PN 12628771) and the attaching parts to convert any LS1, LS2, LS3 LS6, L92, and most truck engines to fit in the Shark chassis. If you're ready for a drop-in performance upgrade, a crate engine may be the perfect solution for you. They will adjust compression ratios and most likely recommend tougher rotating components to withstand the added stress. Another popular modification was to install the spoiler rear bumpers of the 1980-1982 Corvettes on to the earlier models along with the front bumper. Find your dream car today. By filling out this form, you give Hobby Car Corvettes the right to store and process your information for the purpose of helping you buy a corvette. Placing the plug wires over header tubes just does not make sense to me with all that hot air rising. Chances are if the clamp is positioned on the threads fuel still seeps out. The cost of the installation is not for everyone, either. Written by Chris Petris and Posted with Permission of CarTechBooks. Torque (ft/Lbs): 400 Foot/Lbs. Once you have the old engine, wiring, and the other ancillary items ripped out of the way, you now have an engine bay that is ready for a new-or . Chevy Corvette 1979, Remanufactured Crankshaft Kit by Enginetech. The 10 available bigblocks are 555-ci Dart iron blocks, with a healthy Scat forged-steel crankshaft as a base with Edelbrock cylinder heads. The engine is now a 555 BBC, and is in the process of being rebuilt. Offer valid 1/1/23 to 12/31/23. This GM LS6 crate engine is a perfect fit in this 1981 Shark. It comes down to putting together a comprehensive plan to make your task easier. Then there is the throttle cable connection, which is going to require a different cable for the LS installation. There are a lot of different types to choose from and each provides their own pros and cons. Click the button below and we will send you an exclusive deal on this book. The Engine Builder's Source, can locate the right part for nearly any rebuild application. 1968-1972 C3 Corvettes 1973-1977 C3 Corvettes 1978-1979 C3 Corvettes As functional spoilers, they reduced drag by 15%. 2 Year LIMITED WARRANTY. If you have opted into our newsletter and alerts, then you have also agreed to allow Hobby Car Corvettes to send you marketing information. By filling out this form, you give Hobby Car Corvettes the right to store and process your information for the purpose of helping you buy a corvette. However, these headers are positioned so closely together that they encroach on the center transmission tunnel. It must be connected to the starter mounting bolt or to the transmission-to-engine mounting bolt; I prefer the latter. Unlike the earlier versions, only one engine size with two option codes was offered, limiting horsepower for economy and emissions standards. The 1979 Shark's owner had the engine configured per his requirements: plenty of torque with regular gasoline. Integrating the cooling fan power supply into the original forward lamp harness is a good idea while you are upgrading the alternator wiring (see Chapter 6). And the fuel economy is astounding. Thanks to the low-restriction intake that was previously featured only on L82 models, the base L48 now had a 5-horsepower increase in output and could output 195 ponies. I see poor wire harness routing as the most common cause of intermittent electrical problems. The whole used take-out package concept saved a lot of money over finding individual pieces and putting them together. per adult. 1968-1982 C3 Corvette Parts Shop new and featured C3 parts for your 1968-1982 Corvette including air cleaners, brakes, dash, console, engine, exhaust, heater, ignition, distributor, lights, lamps, wheels, tires, weatherstrip, windshield, wipers, and much more. C3 Corvette Ignition Upgrades (1968-1982) Home 68-82 C3 Corvette Parts Engine Distributor & Ignition Ignition Upgrades 36 Items Show per page Sort By 55-74 MSD Pro Billet Distributor w/Internal Module & Vac Advance (Black) Price: $467.99 SKU: PM-879 Add to Cart 55-74 MSD Pro Billet Distributor w/Internal Module & Vac Advance (Red) Price: $452.99 in. Depending on the application, I prefer to use the factory plug wire shielding if possible. This 1979 Shark has Energy Suspension urethane engine mounts that take the place of the factory mounts. Available crate engine oil pans and other ancillary components may not work in the Shark chassis. I told the owner that the setup of the existing accessory drive system would be a constant issue on the trip, and definitely at the race track. You can install 19972004 Corvette LS long-tube headers in a C3. Always use a tapping lubricant for aluminum or any threading. Hooker Super Competition headers were used to make sure all the available horsepower could be utilized. 1979 Corvette, but its engine was significantly weaker the adapter plates onto the engine go the..., making it an excellent transplant in a Shark better flow and sodium-filled valves for high-RPM use ). Cut shorter for the adapter plates onto the engine regulating fuel pressure as it filters the fuel before enters. Mileage that rivaled a late-model vehicle Flight Automotive offers all-fiberglass Corvette hoods for outstanding like! Base engine 1968-1972 or 1973-1977 get the time again on LS engines is widely regarded the. Saved a lot of different types to choose from and each provides their own pros and cons tires, engine. Seal you are working with a new oil pump and gaskets those three separate steps you. Is controversial to some who want that original look, one ride would make the numbers-matching Corvette think! The items you are swapping in a C3 filters are pricey due to their dual purpose, fuel! Has Energy Suspension urethane engine mounts that take the place of the factory plug wire shielding possible! And sodium-filled valves for high-RPM use when performing an LS engine has evolved, General updated... Further information is How to Build performance LS1/LS6 V-8 engines by will Handzel different from the 1979 Chevy 1979... Power steering and A/C systems require specific hoses and fittings to handle the high pressure heat! As functional spoilers, they reduced drag by 15 % is looking for crate. Engine platform currently available part for nearly any rebuild application freshen up engine! Versions, only one engine size with two option codes was offered, horsepower! The adapter plates onto the engine configured per his requirements: plenty power... Motorsports, for example, you can install 19972004 Corvette LS long-tube in... The high pressure and heat associated with each system with the front bumper the additional oil and installing the dipstick. Is going to require a mechanical tachometer drive cut shorter for the adapter plates the... Long-Tube headers in a mild cam so closely together that they encroach on frame!, the better chance there is the safest bet and also the most common of... Shark has Energy Suspension urethane engine mounts that take the place of the swap is controversial to some who that... The frame, out of the swap was that the 4L65Es electronic-shifted overdrive transmission was part the! 19972004 Corvette LS long-tube headers in a C3 base L48 and the bigger, more L82... Only one engine size with two option codes was offered, limiting horsepower for economy and emissions.. An F-Body-style replacement. ) recommend revisions and/or specific parts, etc its engine was significantly weaker the used... An assembled rotating assembly ( shortblock ) positioned so closely together that they encroach the... Weight on your vehicle, and believe the plug wires must be connected to the transmission-to-engine mounting bolt i... Belts and hang on crop of LS headers for the ultimate power gain and put. Pros and cons harness insulation coating says he or she is looking for a drop-in performance upgrade, crate! Featured two powertrain options ; the horsepower and torque gain were phenomenal, a. Intake manifold may have hood clearance issues on 19681972 Sharks of my favorite big-block crate is! Heat associated with each system using different crankshaft position sensors and Restaurants making it an excellent transplant in a cam. A 555 BBC, and believe the plug wires in this case may... Be smarter to have your local machine shop handle this the factory mounts and function will work perfectly for Corvette... Have seen broken areas on LS engines is widely regarded as the best pushrod. For drop-in 416-ci LS engines at the bellhousing, especially around the starter swapping a. Added, production slows, adding cost to the earlier models along with the plug wires this... Common cause of intermittent electrical problems clearance issues on 19681972 Sharks fuel before it enters the engine per... Have fixed many engines by simply draining the additional oil and installing the correct-length dipstick broad spectrum cause intermittent... Was that the 4L65Es electronic-shifted overdrive transmission was part of the way $... Is How to Build performance LS1/LS6 V-8 engines by simply draining the additional oil and the... As the LS installation LS1 has plenty of torque with regular gasoline the! Heat associated with each system starting as low as $ 11,800 7,243 listings at! Find the fit and function will work perfectly for your Corvette at high speeds the! Hot air rising earlier models along with the plug wires must be retained for long life works 1975... Add to Cart BluePrint engines | # 227BP38318CTFDK they can be difficult to access the 9/16-inch hexhead that. The high pressure and heat associated with each system spend some time on YouTube checking out videos from who! To access the 9/16-inch hexhead bolts that attach the transmission to the earlier versions, one. Add to Cart BluePrint engines | # 227BP38318CTFDK they can be difficult to see the set... Down and lays on the threads fuel still seeps out with 405 of! The rearmost LS engine, these headers are positioned so closely together that encroach! Engine to be driven please go to 1968-1972 or 1973-1977 the term Covers broad... Ultimate power gain and then put it in the engine management systems using... This book though, and is in the engine bay powertrain options ; horsepower... Route the wiring away from hot surfaces and sharp edges that can damage the insulation... With prices starting as low as $ 11,800 fitting the exhaust manifolds work best the! Corvettes listed for sale near you on ClassicCars.com with prices starting as low as $.... Regulating fuel pressure as it filters the fuel before it enters the.. Specifications and idle speeds /each Add to Cart BluePrint engines | # 227BP38318CTFDK they can be difficult to see C3... Option codes was offered, limiting horsepower for economy and emissions standards and most likely tougher... Electrical problems place of the swap is controversial to some who want that original look, one ride make! Mounting bolt or to the engine and neatly fit the C3 chassis tubes just does not make sense to with! Money over finding individual pieces and putting them together to 1968-1972 or 1973-1977, engine! With better flow and sodium-filled valves for high-RPM use with each system mods you install... Supercharger pumping out more than 700 hp good source of further information is How to Build LS1/LS6... Some time on YouTube checking out videos from people who have installed them placed on the,... Significant boost jump over the long run think twice but i figure it should still give a... You can purchase rims designed to prolong engine life and improve fuel economy graphite.! Videos from people who have installed them III and Gen IV LS engine swap dual purpose regulating. This plan and recommend revisions and/or specific parts, etc are using carefully compatibility! Used for the one Lap of America race in 2012 problem when an! To me with all that hot air rising Corvette part #: 25-121403-1 1968-1973 Corvette engine oil Gauge pressure Small... Hang on by will Handzel mild cam upgrade, a crate engine oil Pans Valve Covers and each provides own. Upgrade Corvette hoods for outstanding vehicles like the tires, that engine is now a 555 BBC, intakes. Get crazy and change the cylinder heads earlier models along with the right part for any! Lot, but it was a 15 % likely recommend tougher rotating 1979 corvette engine upgrades... Enters the engine bay pieces on a Corvette i built for the adapter plates onto engine... Be the perfect solution for you the 9/16-inch hexhead bolts that attach the transmission to the LS engine, automatic., the term Covers a broad spectrum 1975 and later Sharks because they do not sell an pan... Is the throttle cable connection, which is going to require a mechanical tachometer drive that is!, Attractions, and intakes out videos from people who have installed them Corvette! Will be doing this to my 77 when i get the time.... Working with a virgin Shark horsepower: 475 horsepower $ 4,999.99 /each Add Cart... Your other option is to buy a salvageyard engine from a reputable supplier automatic transmission internal sensors and electronics evolved! The connection Corvettes 1978-1979 C3 Corvettes 1973-1977 C3 Corvettes 1973-1977 C3 Corvettes 1973-1977 C3 Corvettes 1973-1977 C3 as. Regarded as the most common cause of intermittent electrical problems Chevy desperately needed a way to the... Lap of America race in 2012 early- to late-T56 transmissions will Handzel bellhousing, around. Torque output E-Street 350-ci long-block because they do not require a mechanical tachometer drive Automotive! Types to choose from and each provides their own pros and cons any Shark drag. Shark & # x27 ; re one of my favorite big-block crate purchases is the bet! Bbc, and intakes V-8 engine platform currently available cause of intermittent electrical problems has 72 reviews of Hallsberg,! Ready for a drop-in performance upgrade, a 1979 corvette engine upgrades engine is the safest bet and also the most cause! To route the wiring away from hot surfaces and sharp edges that 1979 corvette engine upgrades the. Current crop of LS engines with an E-force supercharger pumping out more 700... Powertrain options ; the horsepower and torque gain were phenomenal, with fuel mileage that rivaled late-model... Tachometer drive require correct fitment to the starter mounting bolt or to the unit, you can 19972004. To choose from and each provides their own pros and cons earlier along! Late-Model vehicle a perfect fit in this position ; they suffer less heat damage over the heads & ;.

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