Let's see more literbike beating build threads, not problem threads
07-28-2015, 10:12 PM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Let's see more literbike beating build threads, not problem threads
I wanted to gripe about a trend I've seen here in recent years.
Instead of 'what do I need to do to make 800 RWHP' we are instead seeing ' my car doesn't stArt' or 'I have an engine miss'.
I mean sure you have to crawl before you run, but I'm getting fed up.
Sure there's the occasional LSx swap thread, but people are doing it for the wrong reasons (like to eliminate the optisprk or becAuse they can't find an OBD-1 tuner and are too lazy to learn to do it themselves) and also the SBC / LTx series is just fine once boost is added .
If I was considering a c4, as a performance car, and read some of these I would think the car is a total turd reading some of the latest posts (it's a great car)
So let's hear about 800 RWHP + builds
Instead of 'what do I need to do to make 800 RWHP' we are instead seeing ' my car doesn't stArt' or 'I have an engine miss'.
I mean sure you have to crawl before you run, but I'm getting fed up.
Sure there's the occasional LSx swap thread, but people are doing it for the wrong reasons (like to eliminate the optisprk or becAuse they can't find an OBD-1 tuner and are too lazy to learn to do it themselves) and also the SBC / LTx series is just fine once boost is added .
If I was considering a c4, as a performance car, and read some of these I would think the car is a total turd reading some of the latest posts (it's a great car)
So let's hear about 800 RWHP + builds
Last edited by dizwiz24; 07-28-2015 at 10:15 PM.
07-28-2015, 10:25 PM
#3
Race Director
Thread Starter
I can understand and respect the learning curve the c4 newbs are going thru.
I am happy to share what I've learned.
I concede you have to leArn how to deal with the gremlins before modding on (if that's what you want and if you don't - there is nothing wrong with that...)
07-28-2015, 10:39 PM
#4
Team Owner
They are finicky -no doubt. They can make just as much power as the best boosted c6 - but you wouldn't think that based on what you see posted here.
I can understand and respect the learning curve the c4 newbs are going thru.
I am happy to share what I've learned.
I concede you have to leArn how to deal with the gremlins before modding on (if that's what you want and if you don't - there is nothing wrong with that...)
I can understand and respect the learning curve the c4 newbs are going thru.
I am happy to share what I've learned.
I concede you have to leArn how to deal with the gremlins before modding on (if that's what you want and if you don't - there is nothing wrong with that...)
I had more money spent in mods on my 2013 than my most expensive C4 cost me. Lol
Last edited by TLS_Addict; 07-28-2015 at 10:46 PM.
07-28-2015, 10:43 PM
#5
They are finicky -no doubt. They can make just as much power as the best boosted c6 - but you wouldn't think that based on what you see posted here.
I can understand and respect the learning curve the c4 newbs are going thru.
I am happy to share what I've learned.
I concede you have to leArn how to deal with the gremlins before modding on (if that's what you want and if you don't - there is nothing wrong with that...)
I can understand and respect the learning curve the c4 newbs are going thru.
I am happy to share what I've learned.
I concede you have to leArn how to deal with the gremlins before modding on (if that's what you want and if you don't - there is nothing wrong with that...)
07-29-2015, 12:18 AM
#6
Burning Brakes
Can the IRS even handle that much power?
I swapped in an LS for a few reasons.
I wanted to
Parts availability
LT1 needed (and still does) a rebuild
It was a mild build because I want to keep the IRS. I understand it should have around 450hp at the flywheel, but I cant prove it. The only dyno near me is a mustang dyno. This dyno reported 310RWHP if this page http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/...prod/prd64.htm is correct it should be close to 500FWHP.
I swapped in an LS for a few reasons.
I wanted to
Parts availability
LT1 needed (and still does) a rebuild
It was a mild build because I want to keep the IRS. I understand it should have around 450hp at the flywheel, but I cant prove it. The only dyno near me is a mustang dyno. This dyno reported 310RWHP if this page http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/...prod/prd64.htm is correct it should be close to 500FWHP.
07-29-2015, 12:32 AM
#7
Race Director
Thread Starter
Can the IRS even handle that much power?
I swapped in an LS for a few reasons.
I wanted to
Parts availability
LT1 needed (and still does) a rebuild
It was a mild build because I want to keep the IRS. I understand it should have around 450hp at the flywheel, but I cant prove it. The only dyno near me is a mustang . This dyno reported 310RWHP if this page http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/...prod/prd64.htm is correct it should be close to 500FWHP.
I swapped in an LS for a few reasons.
I wanted to
Parts availability
LT1 needed (and still does) a rebuild
It was a mild build because I want to keep the IRS. I understand it should have around 450hp at the flywheel, but I cant prove it. The only dyno near me is a mustang . This dyno reported 310RWHP if this page http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/...prod/prd64.htm is correct it should be close to 500FWHP.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bpP20NFmk3c
07-29-2015, 05:12 AM
#8
Melting Slicks
Like you Im a fan of the bigger horsepower threads but,
Dont worry too much about 800 hp, building a 500 hp C4 is going to cost you some time and money as you continually chase your tail thru the whole drivetrain, suspension, brakes, interior etc.
And modifying a C4 turns into a continuous problem solving exercise, they say that engaging in problem solving can prevent Alzheimers, I have found the cure for this disease, buy a c4 and modify it !
and its probably real hard to build a 800 hp corvette, when you cant even get the bloody thing to start !
Dont worry too much about 800 hp, building a 500 hp C4 is going to cost you some time and money as you continually chase your tail thru the whole drivetrain, suspension, brakes, interior etc.
And modifying a C4 turns into a continuous problem solving exercise, they say that engaging in problem solving can prevent Alzheimers, I have found the cure for this disease, buy a c4 and modify it !
and its probably real hard to build a 800 hp corvette, when you cant even get the bloody thing to start !
07-29-2015, 05:26 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
Like you Im a fan of the bigger horsepower threads but,
Dont worry too much about 800 hp, building a 500 hp C4 is going to cost you some time and money as you continually chase your tail thru the whole drivetrain, suspension, brakes, interior etc.
And modifying a C4 turns into a continuous problem solving exercise, they say that engaging in problem solving can prevent Alzheimers, I have found the cure for this disease, buy a c4 and modify it !
and its probably real hard to build a 800 hp corvette, when you cant even get the bloody thing to start !
Dont worry too much about 800 hp, building a 500 hp C4 is going to cost you some time and money as you continually chase your tail thru the whole drivetrain, suspension, brakes, interior etc.
And modifying a C4 turns into a continuous problem solving exercise, they say that engaging in problem solving can prevent Alzheimers, I have found the cure for this disease, buy a c4 and modify it !
and its probably real hard to build a 800 hp corvette, when you cant even get the bloody thing to start !
...WW
Last edited by WW7; 07-29-2015 at 05:29 AM.
07-29-2015, 06:04 AM
#10
Melting Slicks
07-29-2015, 06:36 AM
#11
Burning Brakes
I was going to posted a build thread. However I am tried of many here calling me a lair, trying to convince me I'm a clueless moron, and more. Because of that, and more I did not take a single picture of the build.
I don't care what people here think of my car, and so why would I want to share the build with a group that was working hard to convince me that I could not do it and was trolling?
Last edited by aDigitalPhantom; 07-29-2015 at 06:44 AM.
07-29-2015, 09:26 AM
#12
Le Mans Master
For me it is a balancing act between costs, performance, driveability, mileage, and reliability.
I have had a bunch of barely streetable cars that were a lot of fun, however, my C4s are not the platform I chose for that type of car.
I like the C4's because they are a great blend of all the factors above and are just fun to drive. Yes, I have modded some of them a little. It is easy to make 350 to 400 hp fairly easily and still retain all of the C4 benefits.
But for making a lot of power I would start with another platform. The LS series cars are easy to mod and respond to mods very well. The cost of a C5 has plummeted lately to where the cost of an LS swap to a C4 practically pays for a low priced C5 that already has an LS.
With the amount of money needed to get big hp numbers and not breaking parts perhaps the platform doesn't matter since many are investing mega bucks so the cost of the platform doesn't matter. For me, I like playing with the cars, but not on an unlimited budget.
I am like dizwiz24 though in that I like to see threads on what it takes to upgrade the C4 to make them really strong cars. They give me ideas on what works or not and which mods I should consider on mine.
I have had a bunch of barely streetable cars that were a lot of fun, however, my C4s are not the platform I chose for that type of car.
I like the C4's because they are a great blend of all the factors above and are just fun to drive. Yes, I have modded some of them a little. It is easy to make 350 to 400 hp fairly easily and still retain all of the C4 benefits.
But for making a lot of power I would start with another platform. The LS series cars are easy to mod and respond to mods very well. The cost of a C5 has plummeted lately to where the cost of an LS swap to a C4 practically pays for a low priced C5 that already has an LS.
With the amount of money needed to get big hp numbers and not breaking parts perhaps the platform doesn't matter since many are investing mega bucks so the cost of the platform doesn't matter. For me, I like playing with the cars, but not on an unlimited budget.
I am like dizwiz24 though in that I like to see threads on what it takes to upgrade the C4 to make them really strong cars. They give me ideas on what works or not and which mods I should consider on mine.
07-29-2015, 09:52 AM
#13
Drifting
^^ Agreed. IMO c4's are best left in near stock form to enjoy them.
Even with mild mods (very mild) on mine, it seems I am always fixing something else when I dive into it for a project. These days it's on jackstands waiting for parts and installation more than I drive it, which is frustrating. I cant imagine what a headache an 800+ hp c4 build would be, let along the $ to make it happen.
When it comes to making big power it's obvious why many choose newer LS based cars. If you have deep pockets, lots of time and patience, a 800+ hp c4 is awesome
Hats off to the people who make it happen
Also, reality is some c4's are 30 years old. It's not surprise lots of people are on here asking how to fix things. I'd imagine alot of mechanics wouldn't know how to properly work on these cars.
Even with mild mods (very mild) on mine, it seems I am always fixing something else when I dive into it for a project. These days it's on jackstands waiting for parts and installation more than I drive it, which is frustrating. I cant imagine what a headache an 800+ hp c4 build would be, let along the $ to make it happen.
When it comes to making big power it's obvious why many choose newer LS based cars. If you have deep pockets, lots of time and patience, a 800+ hp c4 is awesome
Hats off to the people who make it happen
Also, reality is some c4's are 30 years old. It's not surprise lots of people are on here asking how to fix things. I'd imagine alot of mechanics wouldn't know how to properly work on these cars.
Last edited by 9T3VETTE; 07-29-2015 at 09:55 AM.
07-29-2015, 11:02 AM
#14
Race Director
Thread Starter
For me it is a balancing act between costs, performance, driveability, mileage, and reliability.
I have had a bunch of barely streetable cars that were a lot of fun, however, my C4s are not the platform I chose for that type of car.
I like the C4's because they are a great blend of all the factors above and are just fun to drive. Yes, I have modded some of them a little. It is easy to make 350 to 400 hp fairly easily and still retain all of the C4 benefits.
But for making a lot of power I would start with another platform. The LS series cars are easy to mod and respond to mods very well. The cost of a C5 has plummeted lately to where the cost of an LS swap to a C4 practically pays for a low priced C5 that already has an LS.
With the amount of money needed to get big hp numbers and not breaking parts perhaps the platform doesn't matter since many are investing mega bucks so the cost of the platform doesn't matter. For me, I like playing with the cars, but not on an unlimited budget.
I am like dizwiz24 though in that I like to see threads on what it takes to upgrade the C4 to make them really strong cars. They give me ideas on what works or not and which mods I should consider on mine.
I have had a bunch of barely streetable cars that were a lot of fun, however, my C4s are not the platform I chose for that type of car.
I like the C4's because they are a great blend of all the factors above and are just fun to drive. Yes, I have modded some of them a little. It is easy to make 350 to 400 hp fairly easily and still retain all of the C4 benefits.
But for making a lot of power I would start with another platform. The LS series cars are easy to mod and respond to mods very well. The cost of a C5 has plummeted lately to where the cost of an LS swap to a C4 practically pays for a low priced C5 that already has an LS.
With the amount of money needed to get big hp numbers and not breaking parts perhaps the platform doesn't matter since many are investing mega bucks so the cost of the platform doesn't matter. For me, I like playing with the cars, but not on an unlimited budget.
I am like dizwiz24 though in that I like to see threads on what it takes to upgrade the C4 to make them really strong cars. They give me ideas on what works or not and which mods I should consider on mine.
For me it's personal. After seeing the c4 constantly insulted (by other corvette owners ) on this website I don't ever want anything other than a c4. My next car, I probably get a viper or something different.
Mine makes 520 RWHP on a stock lt1 bottom end and that's a mild build.
In the future, I'd do 383+, custom sheet metal intake, bigger AFR headsbigger blower (or turbo), more boost. Boost by gear (because 1st gear traction becomes non existent)
My next step is a carbon fiber hood to save weight
Last edited by dizwiz24; 07-29-2015 at 11:07 AM.
07-29-2015, 11:59 AM
#15
Le Mans Master
.....For me it's personal. After seeing the c4 constantly insulted (by other corvette owners ) on this website I don't ever want anything other than a c4. My next car, I probably get a viper or something different.
Mine makes 520 RWHP on a stock lt1 bottom end and that's a mild build.
In the future, I'd do 383+, custom sheet metal intake, bigger AFR headsbigger blower (or turbo), more boost. Boost by gear (because 1st gear traction becomes non existent)....
Mine makes 520 RWHP on a stock lt1 bottom end and that's a mild build.
In the future, I'd do 383+, custom sheet metal intake, bigger AFR headsbigger blower (or turbo), more boost. Boost by gear (because 1st gear traction becomes non existent)....
What others say about C4's doesn't bother me at all. Most of the time the comments are positive, but even if they are not, I bought the car because I like it. A benefit of the negatives is that it is a great time to buy a C4. Prices are low.
Your car making 520 is impressive. It must be a fun ride. I have thought about some bigger motors too. I think one of my next builds could be a 383. (who knows).
Enjoy it!
07-29-2015, 02:11 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
This never made much sense to me...Instead of buying a hood , alot of us could just hit the treadmill and save way more weight then any hood could save..If you went to Carlisle and looked at the Corvette owners you would see what I mean..
...WW
...WW
Last edited by WW7; 07-29-2015 at 07:51 PM.
07-29-2015, 02:13 PM
#17
Burning Brakes
I could save 250+ pounds if I got my lazy *** in shape. 
07-29-2015, 02:26 PM
#18
Team Owner
You don't fit in at Carlisle unless you have Corvette hats, shoes, shorts, sun glasses, necklaces, wallet and watch, and have chrome Corvette lettering on the back and chrome trim rings on the back lights and chrome stick on garbage under the hood.
