Boss46

I'm replacing the head gaskets on my daily driver L-jet 1980 5 spd. While inside I would like to increase the effencientcy of the motor. The plan:
1) Rebuild the heads, valve job as necessary
2) Clean up ports match to-
3) Euro LH runners I plan to purchase (anyone have some for sale?)
4) Replace 1980 cams with 1979 (78) cams, books show a near S profile (anyone have some for sale?)
5) Install headers to compliment the 3.5" exhaust I've had for years (anyone have a NICE set for sale?)
6) Euro S throttle body I understand any 80-85 euro S will work (anyone have one for sale?)
OR-
I could go nuts and purchase an existing 5ltr hybrid, or 4.7 euro S.

Any thoughts? Thanks

Jack Riffle

You are on the right track.
1. get a set of Euro heads
2. Match exhaust ports to # 5
3. Get the Euro Runners
4. Get Euro cams, you will love them
5. Definately get the headers
6.Get the Euro throttle body

possibly;
get injectors serviced and RRFPR
Open up the breathing on a 4.5 and it COMES ALIVE!!!

zoltan944

there are a set of coated msds headers for sale, by someone. they are for 32v but with all the work your doing, not sure if you can get em to work?

Jack Riffle

32 V headers WILL work, but the collectors are going to be very close together under the car. 32 V headers also use 3 bolts per exhaust port instead of only 2 like the 4.5 has. If that upper bolt hole mounting is in your way you can cut it off. Not aware of any "bolt on" exhaust system for the headers tho. I designed and built a dual exhaust system in 2 1/4" with an "X" pipe in it flowing into a 1985 factory muffler. Went without the "X" pipe initially but it sounded too much like a built small block chevy. Added the "X" pipe and low end torque increased considerably and the exhaust now has that higher pitched Euro tone to it.

rixter

4. I have a set of EuroS cams

hacker-pschorr

Once you add up the cost of parts, installation, fabrication (exhaust & port matching). Bolting on a blower is faster, easier, will produce more power, and is probably cheaper. Euro parts are far from cheap. Does anyone know if a EuroS top end will bolt onto a US 80 without cutting the pistons? I'm pretty sure in a previous thread it was decided you would have to the pistons for Euro valves / extra cam lift.

Supercharger = 100hp in an afternoon (this is the entry level kit), 100% bolt on. Between Tim and Carl, over 40 are on the road. The reliability question has been answered.

mark kibort

dont know if the euro cams will work on the 4.5 liter. they should, as they worked well on the US 4.7.
you are on the right track.
euro throttle body, plennum are key. but so are the headers
RRFR is a good idea, and only use one and close off the return line on the otherside.

scot's 4.5 Ljet was near 220rwhp with euro intake and headers
his new euro 4.7 liter bottom end with the euro heads and devek cams is near 260rwhp

MK


mk

Imo000

I agree 100%. Don't waste your money of small stuff. Get an entry level SC kit and go from there.

Imo000

The early 32V headers ('85-'86) are a direct bolt on to the 16V engines. They are 2 bolt rather than the 3 like the S4-up. The only modification will be to the passanger side cat pipe. It will need to be extended by about 1.5", and that's all.

tomboyea123

I have a set of 32 vstock headers if you are interested.Thanks Tom 9706685057

hacker-pschorr

My 79 4.5 CIS with just headers is at 225rwhp - lower compression than the L-Jet 4.5 with better cams.

John Struthers

Your bank account will be so sleek after your sHARk is bathed in cash.
Tally parts and labor up and bump it against a 85, 86, 86 1/2, 87.
If you get closer than 1/4 of the way to another sHARk... why not go that way?
Besides, having a sHARk is like having a baby ... gotta have a sibling to play with...

Boss46

For brevity I left out the primary reason I'm on this slippery slope: due to a 5yr weeping (coolant) head gasket (6-10 oz per mo.). It pains me to pull all this stuff off just for a gasket. Also one of the exhaust manifolds are cracked. So its not all performance related. But I do appreciate all the responses. Thanks.

Jack Riffle

To update: Dynoed my 81 L-Jet today. 252 H.P 282TQ. 4.5 Block with 84 Euro heads, 84 Euro cams, Devek Level 3 headers with dual 2 1/4" pipes and " X" pipe. 175.27 MPH. I will post the dyno sheets as soon as I replace the computer that my scanner is attached to. ( it got zapped by lightning).

hacker-pschorr

Cool Jack, sounds awesome!

Do you have a before dyno? Was this a dynojet?

Cconsidering the headers / exhaust is usually worth about 30rwhp on these cars. Stock rwhp is around 170-180. Then the euro top end equipment seams good for about 40-50rwhp.

With stock S4's around 260rwhp, a lighter OB body with 2.73 rear-end. Makes for one hell of a car!

This is good to know since I plan on performing the same upgrades on my supercharged 81 next year.