I'm in the process of buying a 1980 L82/230HP and would like to boost the HP to around 300+HP. Would appreciate suggestions for the easiest and least expensive methods. Thinking of carb, cam and headers - want to be able to return the engine to stock if I need to. Any and all suggestions would be much appreciated. TIA.

There's few things to consider. Some depends on your state laws.

I have a '78 L82, and since it qualifies for "historic" status in my state, it's exempt from emissions testing. I removed the catalytic converter and installed a true dual exhaust with low restriction mufflers. That freed up horsepower. I don't know how viable that me be for you, since I think Chevrolet stopped making the frames with the extra opening for duals after about '78. You can certainly check on it.

I also removed my EGR equipment and installed an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold and had my Q-Jet professionally rebuilt. I'm running stock exhaust manifolds and the car runs great...far better than before. I don't know what horsepower the engine is putting out, but I'm well satisfied with it.

You can investigate a system like Edelbrock and others sell...their Performer package, including the intake, camshaft kit, carburetor and aluminum cylinder heads. Their Performer intake will fit under an stock Corvette hood, their others won't unless you're installed a custom hood, or maybe a very low profile air cleaner. Contact Edelbrock and they can design a system for exactly what you want...everything is dyno matched to your goals. Companies such as Holley can do the same for you. You can keep your original heads and still get a good system that will work. Getting headers may not even be necessary unless you really want them. I've always felt headers are an unnecessary pain unless you're after max power. For a street car, I think they're overrated.

With a system package for your car, you save the original parts and swap them back if you want at a later date without too much trouble.

Check out the recent similar thread for L48's. Lots of good stuff there!

Well, i'm looking for the same thing on my 1971 l48. I took it to the man... the local engine wizard, and here is what he had to say. Edelbrock RPM performer cam and intake. Holley 650 carb, dynomax headers, custom vortech heads, 14'' K&N and flowmaster 40 mufflers:) I'm hoping for 375hp, so i imagine your's would be in the same realm. Why not to go with the "full" edelbrock RPM performer package. First and for most, the carb. Edelbrock makes $hIT hot components... but their carbs leave a little be desired compared to holley. The RPM performer heads are sweet and alluminum, but pricey. You can go non alluminum vortech for a cheaper price, and get considerbly more power. Talk to your local gear head about it and see what he says.

Brandon

Appreciate the input, folks. I live in Alberta and so far, they don't do emission testing or they would have to do every gas well in the province (biting the hand that feeds them so to speak). Will have a look at the options - first have to get the little darlin' home from Chicago. Minus 13 days and counting.

I have to agree with "Gunslinger" on this one, I have a 78 L-82, with true dual exhaust and the stock manifolds. It runs great.I got the car via a trade from a guy who didnt know too much about it, he thought it was a rebuilt motor .030 over and may or may not have had some work done.Bear in mind that a stock L-82 comes with .450 intake and .460 lift on exhaust, so there is little to be gained by just throwing a cam in the car, higher than those figures and you'll begin sacrificing good street manners.Edelbrock makes fantastic power packages, but my opinion is that without going to alluminum heads and higher compression pistons there isnt alot of "bolt on" horsepower for the later L-82's. Lose the AIR pump and go true dual exhaust and see where your at.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm brand spanking new to the Corvette scene so will be asking lots of questions in the future. Now if I can help anyone with Harley Panheads......