I've pulled the engine in the '81 and finally got it in the shop for a rebuild and some major performance upgrades: Flat-top pistons, Edelbrock e-Tec heads, Voodoo 60102 cam, new intake, carb and distributor, pulling the plug on the computer.  When I get the time, I'll post pics.  I'm so excited, I can't stand it and just wanted to say I couldn't have done it without you guys.  I got a lot of good advice on this forum that directed my decisions.  Should have it all together and crusin' in Pigeon Forge with you guys in June.  That's only about a 4.5 hour drive for me.

WOW... Now that will be a cool drive.   Hope to meet you and see your vette with the mods.   

Can't wait to see it and hear it...

Sounds nice, if I knew what the H&#@ all those thingamajigs were and what they did, and how they interacted so well together.

My thoughts have been running towards just getting the tired old 350 pulled and stored on a stand and having a brand new engine dropped in.  Maybe a ZZ4 or some such other acronym.

Have also been thinking seriously of changing out the tired old retro needle gauges for digital.  Then there's the wheel flares, the slightly wider wheels and tires, the new interior, and paint job.

Now, if I could just win the lottery...oh yeah, I forgot, you have to actually buy a ticket to win...ah hell, dreamy la-la land is so much better...and cheaper!

You got any pics or advice about pulling the engine...might do mine soon.

 BTW, how many $$$ you investing in the rebuild? I've been pricing it out myself..

JimG38729.2560763889

SOme advice and just how I did things:

It will likely take much longer than you think.  If you're going to tackle it, buckle up!

Label EVERY wire, vacuum hose, bolt, etc.  If you have a late model, there are WAY too many wires and hoses to remember.

My radiator was about shot anyway, so I removed the shroud and the radiator.  Gave me a lot of room.  I then left the tranny in and just pulled the engine forward and then up.  The radiator doesn't buy you much space, but you definitely want to remove the shroud (easy).

Best advise: Just do it.  It's not that bad, just time consuming.  Ans, of course, you'll find a million other things you want to do, like clean-up and painting of things in the engine compartment, replacing the heater motor, etc.  Don't ask how I know that one!

I think your vette looks great in your sig pic. Can't wait to see it in Pigeon Forge with its new motor. Should be a real beast. Have fun with it.