Clint Penner

So I'm new to the whole performance scene. Pretty much a newbie with vehicles in general. I've been learning the ropes on a blazer and an Acura but now that I have a vette I want to look into some modifications I can make that won't confuse me to the point where I don't do it right

Any suggestions for simpler, not so over the top, improvements I can make to a pretty much stock lt1 corvette? What should I be saving for?

92ragtop

Don't expect any 'cheap' improvements to significantly increase power. Speed costs money....how fast do you want to go?

Oh, and welcome to the wold of Corvette's and to the forum.

Clint Penner

Thanks for the greeting. I am starting to understand these things aren't cheap, especially with vetted. Relatively speaking though like I'm not looking to spend thousands immediately especially when I don't know my way around the engine yet. I am already getting some transmission work done which could be pricey, so it will probably get a shift kit installed while its there.

I just don't know what direction to look when it comes to some moderate power increases. It's a convertible so it's mostly a cruiser but I want it to see some track action too.

THE 383 admiral

The LT1 has great potential. Headers & Exhaust. along with a tune. Will net power. making you happy with the results. Your Speed density, Batch fire ECM. needs extra massaging. If you have a auto. Gears and OR Torque convertor.

bob arrowsmith

also depending on where you live be aware of emissions calif. is the worst some states u dont have to worry too much.

hockeyhead019

my research may be incorrect but from what I've read the LT1 breathes pretty well (unlike the L98). So I don't know how much you'll see come out of putting a full exhaust and headers on. Probably a slight increase.

What I think most of the guys here do is a cam swap with something like a hot LT4 kit or something similar, replace the rockers and springs and have the heads ported.

Just a heads up that if you make major engine modifications you'll want to get a tune to pull all the performance out of the set-up

John A. Marker

If your having the trans rebuilt...yes costly....then go for the shift kit and upgrade the torque converter to a higher stall.

Beyond that is rear end gears.

Next is engine. Cam, heads (or rework yours), headers and tune. If you change the cam, you WILL have to have the computer re-tuned. So before you jump into a cam, check to see if you have someone local that can tune the car....this is often the biggest issues with the C4 is finding someone that can tune.

bob arrowsmith

i see u live in calif. be careful what cam you put in, i have a hot cam and have been told that it will not pass smog,,im still figuring out what to do since i have 383 , hot cam and 1.6 lifters..

THE 383 admiral

I'm Fairly positive The hot cam will pass. Especially if tuned. Burnt 93 under. Flashed 94 up.

Kevova

If it's an automatic.... 3.73s are the only way to go.

Mr. Peabody

Clint the 93 LT1 was pretty high HP for its time which is one reason why there are no inexpensive bolt ons to make added HP.

While you are learning to drive the car you should be saving your money for the Chevy LT1 Hot Cam Kit.

It comes with a cam already designed to work really well with your engine. It also comes with roller rockers and this removes a source of friction within the valve trane and thus frees up HP. It also comes with new springs which should always be replaced when you put in a new cam.

You do not need a new cat back exhaust system. The stock one is very free flowing. What you can save your money for is a set of long tube headers.

Note: adding headers will not require a retune of the car but you absolutely will need one when a cam is replaced in order to get the most out of what the cam is offering.

Clint Penner

awesome thanks for the input. I will definitely look into that option. cam and tune. Got it

1993C4LT1

Longtube and 1.6 roller rockers I'll do the same on my 93 one day.