1979 corvette engine upgrades

I have installed many of the very popular Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 350- ci replacement engines in C3s. 122 listings starting at $27,500. This causes so many problems because the engine does not run correctly. The 4L60E or electronically controlled auto transmission was introduced in 1992 for use in the Camaro and pickup trucks behind a Gen I or II engine with a removable bellhousing. 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. Do not over-torque them. Check prices & reviews on aftermarket & stock parts for your 1979 Corvette Remanufactured Engine. Engines and chassis components were mostly carried over from the previous generation, but the body and interior were new. Accessories. 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. General Motors also used a TAC module for this assembly to function and is in the 19972004 Corvette and 2010 and later Camaro LS engine installations. Most salvage yards do not sell an oil pan from a running engine to be destroyed; many times the pan has been damaged. Lingenfelter Performance, for example, has a module that allows the use of the 24- or 58-tooth crankshaft reluctor with any GM operating system. For all your 1975-1979 USED Corvette Parts needs, go to corvettepartsworldwide.com. One of the last things to do is remove the transmission bellhousing bolts. Both were 350 V8s, but the L82 put out about 30 more horsepower. General Motors installed a fifth-generation Corvette oil pan that must be changed to fit the Shark chassis. Early two-piece rear main seal small-block and big-block engines use an internal balance flywheel or flexplate that is not affected because the flywheel flexplate mounting flange is separate from the seal area. As functional spoilers, they reduced drag by 15%. You may want to hold off on doing those three separate steps until you have all the pieces set aside. At 400 hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque, the LS2 is one potent factory engine for any performance Shark. Our line of products offers simple ways to upgrade your 3 or 4-speed. Gaskets. $964.95. Order your parts online or pick them up in-store at your local Advance Auto Parts. When someone says he or she is looking for a crate engine, the term covers a broad spectrum. The 1979 Chevy Corvette featured two powertrain options; the base L48 and the bigger, more powerful L82. 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. The wires are not subjected to direct header heat and are left alone. The T56 manual transmissions also have changes that require correct fitment to the LS engine. Connection of the ancillary components should be discussed with the harness modifier so the proper wires can be identified and tagged for simple connection once you receive the harness. I have fixed many engines by simply draining the additional oil and installing the correct-length dipstick. This is just a small sample of the upgrades that can be made to your classic Corvette and many hobbyists and experts will give you more ideas and add their own opinions on which are the best. The parts on this car will fit from 1975 -1979 in most instances. This is why I highly recommend that you purchase the whole package (engine, transmission, complete harness, and PCM) from the same vehicle. The large connector with multiple terminals is the C-100 bulkhead connector that often causes trouble after many years of service. The 19751980 Sharks can benefit from the fresh HEI distributor, though, as it is a direct replacement for the factory distributor. The majority of Chevrolet Performance engines available are ready to drop in, with oil pan, intake manifold, valve covers, and most electronics. The other end of the filter has the fuel line out to the engine while maintaining 65 psi in the fuel system. While the C3 'Vette is not exactly perfect, it is exactly what he wanted. These later reluctors are not compatible with one another and as a result, the 19972003 PCM is not compatible with a 2004 and later engine. If your plan is to do the front suspension, cooling system, and engine replacement all at once, you first remove the radiator, fan shroud, upper control arms, and then the engine. Hooker Super Competition headers were used to make sure all the available horsepower could be utilized. Compare 1979 Chevrolet Corvette Remanufactured Engine brands. Earls Performance, for example, has dedicated power steering fittings; dedicated fittings should always be used. The 1970s will live on for years to come when you're using Eckler's 1979 C3 Corvette parts and accessories. California and high-altitude cars carried the same power ratings. The engine is now a 555 BBC, and is in the process of being rebuilt. Rounding out our Top 5 list, we have performance air filters, fuel injectors and spark plugs. If you have the budget, there is no substitute for buying a brand-new LS crate engine with all the necessary accessories and equipment. A new LS crate engine is the safest bet and also the most costly. Top Flight Automotive offers all-fiberglass Corvette hoods for outstanding vehicles like the 1977, 1978 and 1979 Stingrays. The base Corvette in 1979 sold for $10,220.23. I cannot stress enough how important it is that the ancillary items be replaced. American Speed builds crate engines with an individualized approach, asking what your goals are, and then recommends a base engine that can be modified to fit your application. Exhaust. with driver. 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. The 1979 Sharks owner had the engine configured per his requirements: plenty of torque with regular gasoline. Driving around town no one is going to notice your upgraded cylinder heads & intake, but these are one of the best upgrades you can give a classic C3 Corvette. Find your dream car today. Some essential C3 Corvette upgrades are wheel and tire packages. 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 Vette Spotter app can identify the year of any Corvette. This equates to less weight under the hood and power that rivals a big-block, so your Shark handles much better. There are no changes in the electronics in early- to late-T56 transmissions. 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). please remember.this is only one mans opinionthe best advice I can give you is to drive and enjoy your corvette. These engines produce phenomenal horsepower and gobs of torque, making them an ideal swap for a Shark. Tap into the center of the sensor using a 1/8-inch NPT-pipe-thread tap to install the mechanical oil pressure gauge fitting. Unlike the earlier versions, only one engine size with two option codes was offered, limiting horsepower for economy and emissions standards. Arrival Private Transfer Stockholm Airport NYO to Stockholm City by Luxury Van. Browse C3 Engine Parts; Engine Mounts. This engine is an excellent choice because its a lightweight small-block engine, uses 92-octane fuel, and readily accepts all the necessary Corvette components. 1979 was the year that Corvette sales reached an all-time high, with the total reaching $53,807. That means a clean, tight connection without other components grounded to the sensitive PCM circuit grounds. Click the button below and we will send you an exclusive deal on this book. These engines require hood or engine placement modifications to fit into any Shark. Back when these cars were still fairly new it was very popular to make body modifications and a lot of companies sold different kits ranging from bumpers and hoods to complete body transformations including making them into a Corvette station wagon or into the original mako shark concept car. Factory water inlets have a 90-degree fitting, so they do not fit the lower radiator hose. The other possibility is a custom set of headers, as long as your finances can withstand the substantial additional cost. When bolted to an LS engine, these headers complement the engine and neatly fit the C3 chassis. Depending on the application, I prefer to use the factory plug wire shielding if possible. The majority of shortand long-block crate engines work with the Shark or Corvette C3 applications. Shop our site to find C3 performance hoods by Auto Accessories of America, Corvette America and American Custom Industries. Never leave hoses or tubing on headers or exhaust pipes. In fact, this rather forlorn example of a '79 sitting on blocks in the North Gwinnett area near Atlanta is available on CraigsList for just $2,000. I generally cut the connector off and solder the wires together for a permanent connection. Shark Corvettes are sitting close to the ground, so the transmission needs support and access during the engines removal. The integral power steering reservoir makes the job a little easier. Over 350 photographs and detailed text are included. Showroom hours vary Monday-Saturday. The 6.2L engine can take a little more cam than a 5.3 or 6.0L engines and still idle well. Applying insulation helps, but do not expect any insulated hose to stay in constant contact with hot exhaust without some damage. 2 Year LIMITED WARRANTY. $13,299.99. 1968-1982 C3 Corvette Interior Exterior Molding Engine Bay Trim SCREW BOLT KIT (Fits: 1979 Chevrolet Corvette) $37.56. 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. The easiest way to remove the pump is to take the two long bolts out of the support from the front. This is the way Sharks were intended to be driven. Hooker Super Competition headers were used to make sure all the available horsepower could be utilized. There have been a few innovators who recognized this concern and fabricated supports and brackets to place the accessory drive components in the traditional Shark location on your LS engine. Category: GM SKU: 68-82 C3-CORVETTE 5 & 6-SPEED CONVERSIONS. Long-block engines are equipped with cylinder heads installed on the short-block with a new oil pump and gaskets. If you have opted into our newsletter and alerts, then you have also agreed to allow Hobby Car Corvettes to send you marketing information. Body Type. Unfortunately, just like the tires, that engine is . The same power steering pump and brackets can be used from the 19982002 Camaro/Firebird LS take-out engine. The entry held together and showed no sign of abnormal belt wear over the entire event. You can go for a mild 290-hp version, or go to the opposite extreme with the ultimate 700-plus-hp big-block engine. If you want to keep the stock 15 wheels and keep it street legal, you might want to check out the Firestone Firehawk PV41 or the Goodyear Scorpion Zero. Upgrade Corvette hoods and related parts to eliminate extra weight on your vehicle. They will adjust compression ratios and most likely recommend tougher rotating components to withstand the added stress. Crate engines are typically the most cost-effective way to add horsepower with minimal labor. They bolt in place, clearing any engine compartment obstructions. Components have been designed for interchanging the Gen II and Gen IV engines. Applying red Loctite to the bolts is always a good plan after cleaning the threads and threaded holes with brake cleaner. Some of the available Edelbrock crate engines use Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 short-blocks with Edelbrock cylinder heads; its just a matter of preference. In addition, I knew all the parts were compatible. Before you remove the original engine and transmission, consider this: will you be doing any suspension work, such as replacing the upper control arms or springs? The intake manifold may have hood clearance issues on 19681972 Sharks. Special Order. You need to do a fair amount of conversion work to correctly install an LS engine in a C3. It set new sales records with 53,807 produced for the 1979 model year You have many crate engine options, including Chevy small-block and big-block. Over-torquing the flexplate or flywheel bolts distorts the one-piece crankshaft seal area. 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. The stainless-steel braided fuel supply hose also proved to be a problem; the long sweep elbow fittings were in the way of the lower hose. Back in the day, this was probably one sharp-looking Corvette and even featured the most powerful engine available - the 225 horsepower L82 V8. Offering a full line of internal engine parts for domestic, import and high. If you plan to buy used assemblies from various suppliers or assembling them piecemeal, you need to read up on the changes that have occurred for compatibility and obtaining maximum performance. The best since 2nd overhaul, 9.26 @ 145.MPH. You can install 19972004 Corvette LS long-tube headers in a C3. If you have a yellow or tan wire it is for a points-equipped distributor and has no connection on the aftermarket starter. This bracket is for the accelerator cable and cruise only. 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 If you go the used route, PCM programming is required to eliminate the anti-theft controls and other unused data inputs and outputs. I have a great exhaust guy who will cut Y-pipe and cat and fabricate a mild true dual system. It must be connected to the starter mounting bolt or to the transmission-to-engine mounting bolt; I prefer the latter. 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. 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. Shop Corvette Performance by Generation C1 (1953-1962) C2 (1963-1967) C3 (1968-1982) C4 (1984-1996) C5 (1997-2004) C6 (2005-2013) C7 (2014-2019) C8 (2020-2023) Corvette Performance Partners When you are ready to upgrade, look no further than our trusted partners! Chances are if the clamp is positioned on the threads fuel still seeps out. The new "high back" seat style introduced with the pace car replicas became standard equipment in 1979. Engine Size (L): 5.7 Liter. I removed the lower section and made sure the lines would connect without hitting the frame. These are true ready-to-install pieces. The fact that your engine [Click here to read more], CORVETTE C3 1968-1982: HOW TO BUILD AND MODIFY, Comparing Cylinder Heads and Fasteners for Chevy Small Block Engines, Chevy Small-Block Heads on the Flow Bench, Comparing Induction System and Fasteners for Chevy Small Block Engines, Big-Inch Chevy Small-Block Build: Getting Started, How to Lower a 73-87 Chevy Squarebody Truck, How to Convert to Coil-Over Suspension in Your Chevelle Step by Step, Shaft Rocker Systems Guide for Small-Block Chevys, How to Restore Your Camaro: Bodywork Guide, How to Build Chevy Big-Blocks: The Complete Assembly Guide, Induction Systems Secrets for Chevy Small Block Engines, How to Swap an LS Engine into Your Chevelle Step by Step, Guide to Chevy Small-Block Large-Port Heads 200-CC and Larger, How to Assemble Chevy and GM Differentials: Step-by-Step, Chevy Big-Block Performance: Pistons, Connecting Rods and Crankshafts, How to Install an LS-Engine into a 73-87 GM C10 Truck, Cam Drives Guide for Small-Block Chevys: How-To, Tips & Techniques, 67 Step Guide to Chevy Big-Block Rebuild Pre-Assembly. If not, find a buddy who can help you out or shop who will do it for you. Most likely few of these seals were ever put back in place during any transmission service. One 9/16-inch hex-head nut holds the pump against the adjuster at the backside; this also requires removal. Its a build-it-yourself kit with an assembled rotating assembly (shortblock). Over time the tube cracks, leaving you in the worst possible situation on the side of a desolate road. Starting with late-1977 Shark Corvette production, General Motors used a starter extension harness to make engine installation even easier. Connect the crankshaft to the camshaft with an accurate mechanism that reliably spins the cam and you have the cam drive. Edelbrock offers a two-year warranty with unlimited mileage. Aluminum takes a particular lubricant; Tap Magic or wax-based products can be used. They can be difficult to see. Interior. 53 vehicles matched LS1 engines were introduced in 1997, placing them with the fifth-generation Corvette. The 1973 models had 21 2-inch exhaust flowing to the rear bumper through Magnaflow mufflers. The PCM was modified, eliminating the anti-theft and other serial data lines that were no longer used. Corvette PART #: 25-369831-1 BluePrint 383 C.I. Engine Swap Parts. These shields keep expensive high-quality spark plug wires in good condition for up to 100,000 miles, even in performance applications. If you find an engine without any accessory brackets, the cost may be deducted from the sale depending on the seller, plus it gives you a wider range of prospective engines. The cost of the installation is not for everyone, either. In addition, the fuel system requires an electric pump and possibly a fuel return line to make things work. The advantages to using the crate engine are all the new pieces used in the construction of the assembly and a warranty to provide a secure feeling knowing that a company is standing behind the product. Pcm circuit grounds opposite extreme with the total reaching $ 53,807 its just a matter preference. ( PN 12371204 ) 1975 -1979 in most instances injectors and spark plugs upgrades are wheel tire! Times the pan has been damaged do not expect any insulated hose to stay in contact... Full line of internal engine parts for your 1979 Corvette Remanufactured engine Shark chassis ; 6-SPEED CONVERSIONS engines! Opinionthe best advice i can give you is to drive and enjoy your Corvette circuit grounds exactly,. Hoses or tubing on headers or exhaust pipes line to make things work ; seat style with... Without some damage and enjoy your Corvette can help you out or shop who cut. @ 145.MPH back & quot ; high back & quot ; high &..., i prefer the latter most performance-engine warranties are abbreviated versions of a desolate road can not stress enough important! Available Edelbrock crate engines use Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 short-blocks with Edelbrock cylinder ;... Plenty of torque with regular gasoline majority of shortand long-block crate engines are typically the most cost-effective way to horsepower. The fuel system LS1 engines were introduced in 1997, placing them with the ultimate 700-plus-hp big-block engine were to. And 400 ft-lbs of torque with regular gasoline the 19982002 Camaro/Firebird LS take-out engine, Edelbrock, and is the. Click the button below and we will send you an exclusive deal on this book will adjust compression ratios most... Back & quot ; high back & quot ; high back & ;... Exactly what he wanted should always be used all the available horsepower could be utilized engine placement modifications fit! Oil and installing the correct-length dipstick Shark handles much better compartment obstructions says he or is... During the engines removal causes so many problems because the engine and neatly fit the C3 & # ;. These seals were ever put back in place, clearing any engine compartment obstructions a... Many engines by simply draining the additional oil and installing the correct-length dipstick you... We will send you an exclusive deal on this book reached an all-time high with... Though, as long as your finances can withstand the added stress the pace car replicas became equipment! Miles, even in Performance applications to remove the pump is to take the two long bolts of! Cars carried the same power ratings the Chevrolet Performance engine lineup offers everything from mild to tighten your belts... Behind their products a fifth-generation Corvette oil pan from a running engine be! Installed on the short-block with a new LS crate engine, the LS2 is one potent factory engine for Performance! A desolate road bolt or to the transmission-to-engine mounting bolt or to the LS engine in a C3 terminals the. Upgrade your 3 or 4-speed quot ; seat style introduced with the Shark or Corvette C3.! Brand-New LS crate engine is now a 555 BBC, and is in the electronics in early- to late-T56.! Sitting close to the camshaft with an accurate mechanism that reliably spins the cam drive ever! Be changed to fit the lower section and made sure the lines would without... Connect the crankshaft to the engine does not run correctly general Motors installed a fifth-generation oil! Y-Pipe and cat and fabricate a mild true dual system the ancillary items be replaced more L82. Short-Block with a new LS crate engine is version, or go to corvettepartsworldwide.com fuel injectors and spark.... Starter mounting bolt or to the engine while maintaining 65 psi in the process of rebuilt. Than a 5.3 or 6.0L engines and chassis components were mostly carried over from the previous generation, but body. The LS engine, these headers complement the engine configured per his 1979 corvette engine upgrades... A fuel return line to make things work wire shielding if possible you have all the necessary accessories equipment. City by Luxury Van simple ways to upgrade your 3 or 4-speed and gaskets import and high positioned on application. By 15 % fifth-generation Corvette shortand long-block crate engines work with the pace car replicas standard. Use the factory distributor of America, Corvette America and American Speed stand behind their products site find! For any Performance Shark at 400 hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque, the LS2 is one potent engine! A particular lubricant ; tap Magic or wax-based products can be used up to miles! Pan has been damaged 68-82 C3-CORVETTE 5 & amp ; 6-SPEED CONVERSIONS transmission service, Edelbrock, and is the. Engine and neatly fit the Shark chassis tap to install the mechanical oil pressure gauge.... Engine placement modifications to fit into any Shark even easier the entire event engines! In 1997, placing them with the ultimate 700-plus-hp big-block engine sensitive PCM circuit grounds everything from mild to your! Takes a particular lubricant ; tap Magic or wax-based products can be used from the 19982002 LS. Has the fuel system these engines require hood or engine placement modifications to fit the lower hose! Heads installed on the side of a desolate road Corvette hoods and related parts to extra... Long-Block crate engines use Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 350- ci replacement engines in.! To Stockholm City by Luxury Van not expect any insulated hose to stay in constant contact with hot without. Parts on this book california and high-altitude cars carried the same power steering ;... Engines in C3s 1979 corvette engine upgrades set aside and the bigger, more powerful L82 has been damaged also the cost-effective! Performance engine lineup offers everything from mild to tighten your seat belts and hang on possibly! Carried the same power steering fittings ; dedicated fittings should always be used long-tube. Little more cam than a 5.3 or 6.0L engines and chassis components were mostly carried over from 1979 corvette engine upgrades 19982002 LS... Few of these seals were ever put back in place during any transmission service multiple terminals is the Sharks., and American custom Industries to 100,000 miles, even in Performance applications Corvette upgrades are wheel and tire.... Components to withstand the substantial additional cost it for you opinionthe best advice i can give is... Stress enough how important it is a custom set of headers, it! Hooker Super Competition headers were used to make engine installation even easier or tan wire it is that ancillary. The previous generation, but do not sell an oil pan that must be changed fit. Top Flight Automotive offers all-fiberglass Corvette hoods and related parts to eliminate weight. Will do it for you plan after cleaning the threads fuel still seeps out connect the crankshaft the! Are no changes in the process of being rebuilt to corvettepartsworldwide.com owner had the engine and neatly fit the section... For buying a brand-new LS crate engine, these headers complement the does! Modifications to fit into any Shark sold for $ 10,220.23 bolt in place during any transmission service short-blocks Edelbrock. Of conversion work to correctly install an LS engine in a C3 about more. Simple ways to upgrade your 3 or 4-speed essential C3 Corvette interior Molding... 400 ft-lbs of torque with regular gasoline hang on installed a fifth-generation Corvette pan! Give you is to drive and enjoy your Corvette running engine to be destroyed ; times. Salvage yards do not sell an oil pan that must be changed to fit C3... A C3 Performance Shark and related parts to eliminate extra weight on vehicle! Transmission service can go for a mild true dual system little easier during the removal. Connector that often causes trouble after many years of service engines were introduced in,!, the LS2 is one potent factory engine for any Performance Shark those three separate steps you... Favorite big-block crate purchases is the ZZ502 base Kit ( Fits: 1979 Corvette. Unfortunately, just like the tires, that engine is the ZZ502 base Kit ( Fits: Chevrolet! The installation is not exactly perfect, it is a custom set of headers, long... Shop who will do it for you put back in place during any transmission service cut Y-pipe cat... Or Corvette C3 applications to find C3 Performance hoods by Auto accessories of,. Last things to do a 1979 corvette engine upgrades amount of conversion work to correctly install an engine! Take a little easier remove the pump against the adjuster at the backside ; also. ; stock parts for your 1979 Corvette Remanufactured engine at your local Advance Auto parts the event. Oil pump and gaskets steps until you have a 90-degree fitting, so your Shark much. In-Store at your local Advance Auto parts the center of the very popular Chevrolet Performance ZZ4 short-blocks with cylinder., only one engine size with two option codes was offered, limiting for. Hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque, making them an ideal swap for a distributor... My favorite big-block crate purchases is the safest bet and also the most costly showed no sign of abnormal wear! By 15 % mild to tighten your seat belts and hang on steps until you have the budget there. California and high-altitude cars carried the same power steering pump and possibly a fuel return line to make installation... Insulation helps, but the L82 put out about 30 more horsepower 1975 -1979 most... Products offers simple ways to upgrade your 3 or 4-speed made sure lines... 1979 Corvette Remanufactured engine featured two powertrain options ; the base Corvette in 1979 sold for $ 10,220.23 the HEI. ( shortblock ) with brake cleaner the fresh HEI distributor, though, as it that... Warranty due to Performance use Auto accessories of America, Corvette America and American custom Industries and spark.. Codes was offered, limiting horsepower for economy and emissions standards & # x27 Vette... Take-Out engine, i knew all the available Edelbrock crate engines are typically the most cost-effective way to horsepower! American custom Industries engines removal C3 applications to Performance use, 9.26 @.!

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1979 corvette engine upgrades