Topic: 1978 L48 drive train limits?
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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Hi All,
Just kind of looking ahead here. I am putting a whole bunch of top end stuff on the stock engine (heads, headers, cam, intake etc) which should add about 165hp. Should bring the total hp up from 185 to 350hp?
Question1 Will the stock tranny (3 speed auto) rear differential and U-joint handle it okay?
Question 2: I get a thump when I shift into gear from park now so am having the shop look at the U-joint. Any other ideas I should have them check.
I'd hate to put all these goodies on and and be afraid to take advantage of it for fear of it being too much for the drive train.
Thanks for all the help.
Just kind of looking ahead here. I am putting a whole bunch of top end stuff on the stock engine (heads, headers, cam, intake etc) which should add about 165hp. Should bring the total hp up from 185 to 350hp?
Question1 Will the stock tranny (3 speed auto) rear differential and U-joint handle it okay?
Question 2: I get a thump when I shift into gear from park now so am having the shop look at the U-joint. Any other ideas I should have them check.
I'd hate to put all these goodies on and and be afraid to take advantage of it for fear of it being too much for the drive train.
Thanks for all the help.
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Lifetime MemberSHELBYVILLE, TN - USA
Joined: 7/5/2002
Posts: 3942
Vette(s): 1976 L48 auto
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
Hey there... well, as for the rear differential it should handle a 350 hp engine , i've got a zz4 355hp engine in my 78... however i've got a manual tranny... the U-joints are probably the weak link of the system, i wouldn't skimp on them.... infact, if has been awhile since you've replaced them, might be worthwhile to clean house and start new once you get you're motor 'freshened' up.
The thump going from park to a drive gear does tend to be a U-joint, as for which one, well, only 6 to chose from. :)
As for the transmission, well, it should be ok too, though if its got a couple hundred thousand miles on it, well, might be time to "freshen" it up too... but, thats more of Dr Joel's deptartment.. :)
StingrayJim 
NCM Lifetime Member #1936
Stingray's '76���������������������������� StingrayJr's '78���������������������������Lil Red '94 
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in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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