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Re: 1981 corvette

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2023 8:56 am
by ttamrettus
So we decided to order new front and rear bumper covers. I was going to get the ebay ones but the c3 forums complain about fitment. I went with ACI versions from ZIP corvette. They were almost $300 more total but are said to fit really well. We will see.

I think I am goin to try and clean up the engine, swap the headers and swap the distributor this weekend.

Re: 1981 corvette

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2023 8:10 pm
by ttamrettus
I know why it sounded like the car had an exhaust leak. ALL the manifold bolts on the passenger side were loose.
The OE manifolds, AIR tubes and shields are in VERY good condition. They will likely get sold once the car is running & driving.
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Both manifolds removed.
EFI carb on order.
New HEI ready.

Hopefully this weekend, engine bay pressure wash.
Then installation of components.

Re: 1981 corvette

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2023 9:19 pm
by ttamrettus
Old bumper covers removed.
Some new parts arrived.
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Re: 1981 corvette

Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 10:38 am
by Basement Paul
I'm curious to see how well the self learning computer is on your new FI setup. Looks interesting for sure.

-BP

Re: 1981 corvette

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:37 pm
by ttamrettus
So the passenger header side header interferes with the floor/firewall.
To save money for now I will plug the AIR holes and hi temp paint the factory manifolds.
Getting the car back up and running is more important at the moment.

: (

UPDATE.

At least one of the original manifolds is cracked. Plus I broke 1 of each studs removing the manifolds. Direction change again. I’m going to see about finding an exhaust shop and seeing if I can trim/bend the header.

Re: 1981 corvette

Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2023 1:27 pm
by ttamrettus
So I dropped the radiator at the radiator shop for inspection and repair.

The muffler shop is welding up the AIR ports and the cracks on the OE ram horns.
He says I won't be able to modify the headers as needed and that I should modify the floor if I want to use them.
Since the floor is fiberglass, I am going to pass on that.