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. 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. Plus Chevy desperately needed a way to increase performance and federally mandated fuel economy. These shields keep expensive high-quality spark plug wires in good condition for up to 100,000 miles, even in performance applications. LS6 intake manifolds were redesigned LS1 pieces for better flow. Edelbrock offers a two-year warranty with unlimited mileage. I installed their LS accessory component pieces on a Corvette I built for the One Lap of America race in 2012. . MODERN DRIVELINE Offers five and six-speed conversions forSmall Block, Big Block or LS swapped C-3 Corvette. These packages allow you to get the look of vintage C3 wheels and tires while also receiving modern performance. It is also a good idea to clearance the conversion plates to allow removal of the large Allen-head coolant drain plug for future engine servicing. The original 1973 Sharks lower radiator hose was cut shorter for the connection. The ZZ4 350-ci engine is one of the most popular and one of the first crate engines offered by Chevrolet Performance, which makes it a well-known popular engine for many applications. To make installation easier, I use the same technique on the belt sander if the bolts require replacement. True crate engine suppliers have few options available, to keep costs in line. Check out these factory side exhaust and hooker header aftermarket side exhaust videos: There are tons of options here and you need to make sure you get the right ones to suit your purpose. Note the adjustable engine lift fixture to safely control the engines angle as it is lowered into place. 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. Granted, they all look the same, but nothing can replace chrome. Fasteners and Hardware. For example, the original heater hose fittings are too close to the upper control arm to work. All Sharks with power steering have this lower support bolted to the two vertical engine block mounting bosses. This oil pan came on the engine and works in all Shark chassis. To remedy this, use a 1/2-inch NPT tap to thread the water pumps upper flat area and then install the original 1973 Sharks coolant temperature sender. One thing to consider is rebuilding or replacing the alternator. Check for coolant, oil, or fuel leaks, then get ready for your first drive with your new engine. These parts allow you to use the original Shark modified lower radiator hose. The 1979 Shark's owner had the engine configured per his requirements: plenty of torque with regular gasoline. Aftermarket starters typically do not use the staggered bolt mounting; they can be configured for either-diameter flywheel with the inline boltholes. 1979 Corvette Options Colors Follow @corvettestory Follow @corvettestory Introducing the Vette Spotter app for the iPhone. Over-torquing the flexplate or flywheel bolts distorts the one-piece crankshaft seal area. Crate engines are typically the most cost-effective way to add horsepower with minimal labor. Not Yet Reviewed. You may also want to browse C2 Corvette parts, C4 Corvette parts or C5 Corvette parts. 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; Installing a 20002003 Corvette fuel filter makes the return line side of the 2000-and-up fuel system installation simple. 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. After years of passing by a black 1979 Corvette, one Redditor jumped at the chance to finally own it. Then there is the throttle cable connection, which is going to require a different cable for the LS installation. Shark Corvettes are sitting close to the ground, so the transmission needs support and access during the engines removal. You can save a few bucks if you find an LS take-out engine from a 19982002 Camaro or Firebird. As a fly-by-wire alternative, this 19982002 Camaro throttle cable bracket works fine with a Lokar universal accelerator cable to connect the throttle. Their program has ascending performance levels, starting with a non-advertised horsepower or torque output E-Street 350-ci long-block. You absolutely do not want to have retarded ignition timing as your headers will be glowing red. The oval-port cylinder heads provide the engineered components you need to deliver 502 hp. The engine comes with a drive-by-wire throttle body and for the most part is ready to run. Although your engine supplier may say the brackets are not negotiable, they are valuable and can be sold separately if necessary. The engine is still doing well and has over 80 passes on the most recent overhaul. For example, you can purchase rims designed to reduce tire friction as you drive your Corvette at high speeds. The engine removal and crate engine install takes at least four or five days if all goes well. LS1 engines were introduced in 1997, placing them with the fifth-generation Corvette. 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. was not that different from the 1979 Corvette, but its engine was significantly weaker. 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 Blue. This makes it even more important that the wiring is adequate for the alternators output. 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. 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. 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. . LS7 internals are good for long life at high RPM with forged steel crankshafts and titanium forged connecting rods. On the flip side, too much advance causes spark knock that can take out a piston very quickly. 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. Each crate engine has been specifically built to GMs standards and dyno-tested to ensure uniformity. In this case it may be smarter to have your local machine shop handle this. http://www.autosportdesigns.com/inventory/stock/1176/chevrolet-corvette-l82-1979_____ 1979 Chevrolet Corvette L82. This procedure eliminated the concern over what depth bellhousing and crankshaft pilot was required. You need to route the wiring away from hot surfaces and sharp edges that can damage the harness insulation coating. Seats for Chevrolet Corvette, Parts for Chevrolet Corvette . SHARE THIS ARTICLE:Please feel free to share this article on Facebook, in Forums, or with any Clubs you participate in. After the engine mount bolt is removed, you can then remove the fuel hose from the supply line to fuel pump. Although the fuel system pressure should never exceed 100 psi for any reason, doubling the hoses burst pressure is a safety factor. You can do the swap in your garage at home with just a few pieces of equipment. 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. General Motors used short water pumps and the accompanying accessory brackets on all Sharks. The tube and fitting at the bottom right is a custom assembly to connect the power steering pump to the power steering hoses. 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). NOTE: Not For Racing Applications NOTE:When Installing This Pan On 1963-74 Corvettes, Oil Pump Pick-Up Screen P/N 25-241670-1 And Gasket Set P/N 25-122296-1 Must Also Be Purchased This Corvette replacement engine oil pan has been manufactured to meet or exceed factory specifications and performance. . As with the ZZ4 small-block, the oil pan should be changed and the long-style water pump not used. The next step up uses the E-Street 350-ci long-block with their intake manifold and carburetor having an advertised horsepower rating of 315 with 381 ft-lbs of torque. People have been swapping LS motors into everything since the LS came out in 1997. 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. 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. Corvette Parts. It must be connected to the starter mounting bolt or to the transmission-to-engine mounting bolt; I prefer the latter. If a ZZ4-350 is in your future, reselling the pieces may help offset the cost of the crate engine a bit. Flowmaster Force II Exhaust Systems 817661. Fully dressed engines are available with all of the aforementioned pieces, including a carburetor and plug wires. Accelerating the engine helps to put pressure on the piston rings, which allows them to conform to the cylinder walls more quickly. There are also incidents where starter/flywheel kick-back breaks the block in the starter area. This is why I highly recommend that you purchase the whole package (engine, transmission, complete harness, and PCM) from the same vehicle. The specs for the Comp Cams camshaft: Operating Range: 1800-5800 RPM Duration Advertised: 270 Intake / 270 Exhaust Duration @ .050'' Lift: 224 Intake / 224 Exhaust Valve Lift w/1.5 Rockers: .470'' Intake / .470'' Exhaust Lobe Separation Angle: 110 The specs for stock camshaft I found on internet: There are a lot of different types to choose from and each provides their own pros and cons. Engines and chassis components were mostly carried over from the previous generation, but the body and interior were new. Before choosing a brand or model, spend some time on YouTube checking out videos from people who have installed them. We carry the hottest upgrades to help you give your Corvette the voice it deserves. These mounts are recommended for those who like to leave the line hard. Parts such as these can be found for sale at some very good cost savings because the owner did not install them, or installed them incorrectly. Violet always goes on the inside terminal of the original starter, so it is connected to the aftermarket starters small terminal. The PCM was modified, eliminating the anti-theft and other serial data lines that were no longer used. This 1979 Shark has Energy Suspension urethane engine mounts that take the place of the factory mounts. I will be doing this to my 77 when I get the time again. One of the last things to do is remove the transmission bellhousing bolts. This is also the thermostat housing and requires the correct thermostat to fit the aftermarket inlet. When doing any performance work, check this bulkhead electrical connector for corroded or burned terminals. If not, find a buddy who can help you out or shop who will do it for you. The real beauty of the swap was that the 4L65Es electronic-shifted overdrive transmission was part of the original complete take-out. A couple of the most common problems here are not supporting the tubing or hoses properly and/or incorrect hose use. in. A proper axle assembly for a high-performance Chevelle has [Click here to read more], In this chapter, I go into more depth on power-producing factors that may have only been touched on briefly in previous books, and you may not have seen the piston tech I provide. 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. 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. Although the pumps pulley is close to the upper control arm there is plenty of clearance. This causes so many problems because the engine does not run correctly. General Motors used this foam-rubber seal to keep hot air out of the transmission tunnel starting in 1976 after a year of dealing with catalytic converter heat. The new "high back" seat style introduced with the pace car replicas became standard equipment in 1979. Most collectors want to keep things as close to original as possible, but it doesnt take much to enhance the appearance of the rear of the vehicle. The pre-1974 Sharks, however, cannot use the supplied HEI distributor because it doesnt have mechanical tachometer drive capabilities. 1968-1972 C3 Corvettes 1973-1977 C3 Corvettes 1978-1979 C3 Corvettes Heres a tip: before you install the engine, hang it on an engine stand and change the camshaft and intake for some serious power gains. It comes down to whether the T56 was installed on an early engine or on an LS engine. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1979 Chevrolet Corvette 2D Coupe at the best online prices at eBay! Instead, try sticking with some tried and true designs that add a bit of spice to the look without making the car look like some reproduction that was built in a garage last week. Arguably some of the easiest modifications to make to a custom C3 Corvette, updating or altering the tail lights is quite common for collectors. I always upgrade that to a minimum 8-gauge wire, depending on the owners other electrical upgrades. 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. On the engine side of the programming, there is no need for the secondary oxygen sensors to monitor the catalytic converters and they are programmed out. 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