1gn NEON
10/5/2007 9:09:50 PM
ok so im looking at buying a 81 camaro and was wondering what engines drop right in..
GRIFF
10/5/2007 10:10:37 PM
If it had a smallblock in it any smallblock down to the 302 should bolt right in. this body style came with either a big block, a small block, a straight 6 and a v 6 so just about any gm engine will fit.
riceeater
10/6/2007 8:21:22 AM
with 81s, only small blocks and v6s were installed from factory, but earlier in that generation, big blocks and inline 6s were also installed, i would say the small block would be easiest for you, but that an chevy motor fits with enough effort
CamaroKid81
10/9/2007 10:17:16 AM
True...I have an 81 with a 305 in it...They're right...Any GM small block will fit...Now if it hasnt had a big block in it before you got it, and you're looking to put one in, you might want to look at replacing your suspension....
cplthomas
10/9/2007 12:57:04 PM
229V6, 231V6, 267V8, 305V8 or the 350V8 were all factory options that year.
camaro maniac
10/15/2007 7:28:28 PM
cplthomas is correct, all of those motors did come in the 81 that year, if you are looking to put a motor into it, i would deffinetly recommend putting a 350 in it, or better yet if you can find a 383 that would be sick, small block are very powerful depending on what you put into it, and with the weight advantage from a small block to a big block, it can really help you down the road if you planned of dragging it, 81 was a really good year for camaros, just watch out for that camaro rot, it'll get ya at odd times, i learned from the worst.
1981camaroz28
10/23/2007 4:09:54 PM
I have a 81 Camaro and bought a Chevy ZZ4 crate eninge from Jegs. I love it here are the specs. It will 100% fit 70-81 no mods needed. Just make sure the floor boards and rear quarters are good everything else is easy. 81 was the best year I think.
Horsepower:
355 @ 5250 RPM
Torque:
405 @ 3500 RPM
Max. Recommended RPM:
5800
Compression Ratio:
10:1
Block:
10105123 Four Bolt main, cast iron
Crankshaft:
12556307 Forged steel
Connecting Rods:
10108688 PM rods
Pistons:
10159436 High silicon aluminum with offset pins
Piston Rings:
12528817
Camshaft:
10185071 Hydraulic roller
Lift .474" I, .510" E.
Duration @ .050: .208° I, .221° E.
Intake Manifold:
10185063 Aluminum dual plane
Distributor:
1104067 HEI
Cylinder Heads:
12556463 Aluminum 58cc combustion chambers
Intake Valves:
10168465 1.94"
Exhaust Valves:
10168514 1.50"
Valve Springs:
12551483 LT4 chrome silicon
Rocker Arms:
10089648 1.5 Ratio
Valve Lash:
Zero
Sparik Plugs:
FR5LS Gap .035 Rapid Fire #5 Gap .045
Fuel:
92 Octane
Ignition Timing:
10° BTDC @ 800 RPM
32° total @ 4000 RPM with vacuum advance disconnected
