AV76

I'm considering replacing the torque converter in my '76 L-48. Currently it has 1 5/8 inch Flowtech headers, 2 1/4 inch dual exaust, Flowmaster 40 series mufflers, Comp cams xe262 cam shaft, Summit 1.6 roller tip rockers, Edelbrock performer intake, Holley 600cfm vacuum secondary carb, B&M shift kit set for street/strip (chirps the 1 to 2 shift) and everything else is stock, including the 3.08 rear gears. Right now I can't even break the tires loose, and it seems to be a slow off the line. I know I could gain some from recurving the distributer, but what else can I do to gain more power? Any comments, helpful or not would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Aaron

45ACP

Stock '76 era L48 heads = the bottleneck!

They can be made to flow better by cleaning up the ports . . . http://www.sa-motorsports.com/diyport.htm . . . BUT will never produce big HP.

I did what many do --> replace them with better heads!




[Modified by 45ACP, 7:46 PM 1/22/2002]

AV76

I'm on a tight budget, plus I don't want to destroy the bottom end on the original 90,000 mile block with too much power or compression, what heads would you recommend? Vortechs are out of the question since I would have to replace the intake and cut down the guides. I've heard that TPI camaro/firbird heads from the 80's flow better, would increase compression, are easy to find and are inexpensive. I don't have a lot of experience porting heads but I think I could clean up a set of heads as long as the car doesn't have to be down when I do it. (which means not porting the originals)
Thanks,
Aaron

45ACP

Well, I guess I'd recommend that you do no more mods for power.

There is no point in upping output if there is a chance of grenading the engine.

I vote for a re-built + beefed-up bottom end first.

AV76

yeah, i guess that makes sense. I knew it would come to this eventually. Now I can build something and get a lot more power then just replacing the heads. :cheers: Thanks for the advice
Aaron

Tominator

If the main thing your looking to do is squeal and spin the tires here are a couple of things that should help;

1) stall converter like you mentioned; something with around 2400 stall, but I would think that if you can get the motor to around 2400 rpm before the transmission kicks in it would lite them up.

2) a cheaper thing is a line lock; some where around $120.00 for a nice kit. What it will do is lock the front tires and then the back ones should be able to spin and smoke and put on a nice show.

I speak from theory not experience, hopefully someone can confirm or deny this will work for a L-48.

Alwyn678

I have a TCI 2400 Stall in my 74..Put it in over the weekend....I am quite please with the results....For you application I would agree you need to first pull thos smog heads and bolt on some power first :cheers: Also a 3:55 or 3:70 rear gear would help you out of the hole as well..my next mod


[Modified by Alwyn678, 9:50 AM 1/23/2002]