1980 performance #'s
 

I am wondering what kind of numbers the different motors put out in the C3's
I can't remember the specifics but were there 140hp motors and 190hp motors? Are these numbers the hp at the crank or wheels. Also, I am wondering what possible 0-60 times and or 1/4mile timesare possible with these different motors (stock) and what would happen if a crate motor with around 330hp was dropped in. Anyone have an idea of how much that would improve these numbers?
Thanks
B

RE: 1980 performance #'s
 

Well bruiserman, you opened up a can of worms here. The C3 started in 1968 and ended in 1982. In those years we probably saw HP drop more than any other vehicle made. In '68 you could buy a 350 or 427, horses ranged from 300 to 435 with multiple choices in each engine family. 1970 saw the pinnacle of small block HP with the LT1 370 HP. 1971 brought a change in the way the output was rated so all Hp numbers dropped. 1974 was the last year of the big block and that was the 454. From 1975 to 1981 you could get two 350's, the L48 put out 180-190 HP depending on year and state emissions, the L82 put out 220-225 HP. I can't help you with ET's but the 330 HP crate is going to be about the same as the L82. Oh ya, 1982-only one motor available.

RE: 1980 performance #'s
 

Also there was a year or two that only a 305 ci engine was available in CA. Don't remember the hp. Wasn't much tho.

Oh yeah, these numbers were all crank hp.

RE: 1980 performance #'s
 

how can a 220hp l82 put as much horsepower to the wheels as a 330 crank hp crate motor can? Just curious.

RE: 1980 performance #'s
 

Beats me. Why do you think it can?

RE: 1980 performance #'s
 

78buckshot seemed to think so. I was wondering why he thought that. I figured the 330hp crate motor with a 625 gpm carb would give the vette a little pep!

RE: 1980 performance #'s
 

Torque numbers were still pretty good on the L82s, perhaps that was buckshot was thinking? The HP numbers were pretty bad (think high end power), but the torque (launching the seat of your pants) still felt decent. The 350 HO 300hp crate motors are only pushing low 300's in the torque department if i recall correctly, and the L82 was something like 280 out of the box with all that emissions crap still bolted on.

bill.

RE: 1980 performance #'s
 

So with 330 HP at the crank compared to 220 HP (l82) plus should be good for around 350 tq, I should have some decent power to play with. Nothing crazy but should at least be fun. Won't be going above 400hp anyway. Have read that is about as high as you can go on the stock rear and tranny anyway.

RE: 1980 performance #'s
 

I have a 74 with a pumped up L48. I am running approx 350hp and I have a couple of buddies with stock L48's & L82's and they can't even come close to me. This tells me that a 350, 330hp crate motor should move pretty good.
I have a ZZ4 385hpFB crate engine in my 69 Camaro. This is a basic 350 cubic inch engine and it puts out around 400 lbs of torque. Very, very fast car.

RE: 1980 performance #'s
 

Thats what I am hoping. Will be picking the car up tomorrow. Can't wait.