1979 Corvette engine 350 runs OK but getting tired.?

Question

What is the best way to get it back to good running condition? How much money should I expect to spend, Its a driver not a show car so I don't want to go crazy. What repairs or replacement should I do to improve preformance.

Answer 1

I build a lot of Chevy small blocks, and have raced them for years. The best advice I could give you, is to say you can spend as much as you want to on an engine. What you want to do, and what you may have to do, could be worlds apart. You failed to tell us how many miles is on this engine. Is it worn out? Is it worth rebuilding? I would suspect any "79" engine is due to be rebuilt. A loss of power is common with a worn out timing set, a cam that is losing the lift, and a distributor that has stuck, worn, or missing springs in the advance department. The questions you ask, cannot be answered "honestly" without knowing the condition of your engine. The cost can range from $500 on up to several thousand dollars, depending on the situation. Have your engine checked out by a qualified mechanic, look at your bank account, and weigh out your options. This "is" the best advice anyone can give you.
Glad I could help you, Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
1979 Corvette engine 350 runs OK but getting tired.?
What is the best way to get it back to good running condition? How much money should I expect to spend, Its a driver not a show car so I don't want to go crazy. What repairs or replacement should I do to improve preformance.

Answer 3

1979 Corvette Engine

Answer 4

I agree with the Dodge Man.... Timing Chain and Tune Up is a great to start and you can keep cost down...

I would recommend a Little more work though if you want to set it up better and have it last little longer...

But would need to know if Its a L48 or L82 . There are 6 engine's for the 1979 Vette split by Auto and M/T and California and High Altitude...

This is what I did to my 79 L48 195HP
Compression Test was 135 to 145 each cyclinder
Cam and Lifter's, Crane 145.00 w/tax
Timing Chain 108.00 Crane ((I used direct drive set 175.00))
Valve Guide Seals.. 23.00 ((with heads still on block))
Valve cover gaskets, 15.00
Spark plugs, wires, Cap, Rotor (Local parts) Accell & GM 79.00
Carb Kit, Replaced Fuel filter, 28.00
Had radiator Cleaned and rodded, replace thermostat, Water Pump, hoses and heater hoses, Fan belts 225.00
Change Oil and Filter 20.00
Misc... 30.00
Total... 673.00

This was done 2 years ago and under 25000 miles since.
Will still Smoke the tires.

Good Luck... Got to go....

Answer 5

Yes, they DO get tired.

As pistons, rings, cylinder walls, valve train etc wear, the engine loses the instant response and pulling power it had when it was new. NO tune up or carb overhaul can restore this performance. A rebuild or new engine is what it will take.

Some good performance boltons will help, but if the miles are high, you're better off with a new crate motor in my opinion. Around 300-375 HP right out of the box.

Answer 6

If the engine is in good basic condition a new camshaft is a great way to breathe new life into your Vette. Since your car was built during the smog years it had a wimpy cam in it anyway! A Summit brand camshaft kit with a 204/214 degree spec alone will add 50-80 hp alone! Don't forget a double roller timing set(it doesn't have to be a high dollar one either). If you can do the work yourself it can be really inexpensive plus add years of life to your ride.

Answer 7

It needs a rebuild .
Nobody can tell you what it will cost until they tear down your motor and inspect it . You can band aid it with a timing chain or add a cam , etc .
What I would recommend is to buy a 383 crate motor for $3K , have it installed and have a blast driving it . Store the "GOOD" original motor and any left over parts in case you ever want to go back with original numbers or sell it .

Answer 8

If it is the original engine, keep it and rebuild it or have it done. Make sure the re-builder returns the same block and heads to your car. I would expect to pay about 2.5k for a complete rebuild, thats installed. It is very important to keep the same engine for re-sale someday. If you can do the disassembly and install yourself, the cost of machining and parts should be about 1.5k.

Answer 9

i mechanic for a living,,and the one important thing to replace in it is the timing chain and gears,,this will cause one to loose power real fast,,it will still start and run pretty good,but you,ll loose power ,because the valves aren't opening with the right timing,,because of the slack in the chain and gears,,you,ll see a big difference in the running of it if this is replaced ,i did mine a while back,and it does real good now,,,you can set the timing on the distributor,but if the piston,and valves aren't opening right its going to run like its worn out,,when it really isn't,,i been at this for 36 yrs,and i have did a lot of Chevy's,,and if its got over 80 thousand miles on it ,it needs replaced ,,good luck with it hope this help,s.,,PS once this is done,,when you tune it up,,it will run like new again providing everything else is in good shape.

Answer 10

Rebuild the carburator. Add some de-gunker to the gas. Put in a new radiator, thermostat and water pump. I don't know what the parts cost for a '79, sorry.