1981 corvette

Update your progress on your various car projects.

Moderators: MostMint, wxo, Fred32v, Basement Paul, ttamrettus

User avatar
ttamrettus
Posts: 887
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:59 pm
Location: on the edge

Re: 1981 corvette

Post 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.
Matt Sutter
User avatar
ttamrettus
Posts: 887
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:59 pm
Location: on the edge

Re: 1981 corvette

Post 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.
thumbnail_IMG_6743.jpg
thumbnail_IMG_6742.jpg
thumbnail_IMG_6741.jpg
Both manifolds removed.
EFI carb on order.
New HEI ready.

Hopefully this weekend, engine bay pressure wash.
Then installation of components.
Matt Sutter
User avatar
ttamrettus
Posts: 887
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:59 pm
Location: on the edge

Re: 1981 corvette

Post by ttamrettus »

Old bumper covers removed.
Some new parts arrived.
C7BA528E-F19A-4CB3-8188-A6B949195A3F.jpeg
E1E2F1B5-34B3-424F-A99E-41FD236EABFF.jpeg
F3DD775F-E7FB-4009-AC44-B706E0E86E1D.jpeg
Matt Sutter
User avatar
Basement Paul
Posts: 3372
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2005 9:27 pm
Location: In the dirt.

Re: 1981 corvette

Post 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
User avatar
ttamrettus
Posts: 887
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:59 pm
Location: on the edge

Re: 1981 corvette

Post 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.
Attachments
3FF01063-C385-41CF-91DD-C7C3C57BA434.jpeg
324BA040-CAED-4938-899D-80BB6193A539.jpeg
8698D852-68C8-4F99-8412-CB03C93EFC6E.jpeg
Matt Sutter
User avatar
ttamrettus
Posts: 887
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:59 pm
Location: on the edge

Re: 1981 corvette

Post 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.
Matt Sutter
Post Reply