L81 improvements

[canadavette]

I am in the process of rebuilding my L81. I am not restricted to mods because of emissions in Canada. I want to get rid of the ecm system and change the cam with the cheapest, most performance and fuel econemy as possible. The car will be fitted with a true duel exhast after the rebuild. Any suggestions as to what would be a good carb,ignition and cam for this L81. Any other ideas for this L81? Considered going to fuel injection but not sure the cost. Also considered finding a new 5.7 out of a camaro or firebird wreck and fitting it into my 1981. Might be a wiring nightmare. Any suggestions from the experts would be greatly appreciated

[GerryLP]

Originally Posted by canadavette

I am in the process of rebuilding my L81. I am not restricted to mods because of emissions in Canada. I want to get rid of the ecm system and change the cam with the cheapest, most performance and fuel econemy as possible. The car will be fitted with a true duel exhast after the rebuild. Any suggestions as to what would be a good carb,ignition and cam for this L81. Any other ideas for this L81? Considered going to fuel injection but not sure the cost. Also considered finding a new 5.7 out of a camaro or firebird wreck and fitting it into my 1981. Might be a wiring nightmare. Any suggestions from the experts would be greatly appreciated

Canada,

The used engine block is probably the best option specialy if your L81 numbers match. The wiring should not be a nightmare since you'll remove some of it (the ones going to the different sensors for the Q-Jet and smog equipment).

Carbs, manifold, and distributors combinations are many, so its a matter of taste most times. I prefer Holley carbs and manifolds. Others prefer Edelbrock. Edelbrock has the advantage of providing engine upgrade packages that should yield an approximate Hp number.

Distributors are the same issue; however, a Davis-Unified Ignition (DUI) comes equipped for a wide range of horse power potential.

[bossvette]

A TPI setup would not be hard to do since you could use a tank from an 82 which is set up for an in tank pump (the hardest part of the conversion), I used a Holley Commander 950 computer and wiring harness since I have a modified unit, if you kept it close to stock there are many "street rod" harnesses that would work. You would be removing your "engine harness" and replaceing it with another.

[Chris Kennedy]

My advice would be to keep it simple, and to skip going the fuel injection route. A new carb and vacuum operated distributor will be needed, and I would either go for a rebuilt and upgraded engine or, better yet, get a GM crate engine where everything is already done, you know the parts used in the engine will work together, and it comes with a warranty. I don't think fuel injection will make that much of a difference performance-wise, and it is expensive and introduces a whole set of other issues.


--Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas