Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1
 

Hi guys, I just recently started using this site, and upon first seeing the topics, I spent one whole day of my vacation reading every entry - great exchange of ideas and advice!!

I recently purchased my 1990 red on saddle ZR-1 - extremely clean car with 29000 miles on the odometer. Only modifications made were the K+N filter and the air box chopped to allow more airflow. Still smells like new leather!! Have got both tops and owners manual etc. I also purchased some chrome 5 spoke wheels and have stored the originals with rubber still on (perfect condition). Last weekend I installed my brand new Corsa exhaust, and I really love the note it produces now. I don't have any dyno numbers to offer (haven't had time to dyno it), but I know it hauls butt to 155 mph (i live in rural Ontario, Canada) before I lose my nerve. I am very impressed with the power and i do have points of reference (my dad owns a '62 with the highest output 327 with the 4 barrel, 68 427, 390 hp, and i am finishing my restoration of a '69 conv., 427, 400, 4 spd), but of course I'm always looking to up the ante - so - which computer chip do you think I would benefit from? Should I get it dynoed, and then upon analyzing the air-fuel ratio, get a custom chip? Who and where do i get such a thing? What will my gains in hp and torque be? How does it affect driveability? Should I just wait till i can afford Lingenfelter?


Thanks for everyone's contributions in advance - I'll be checking the site later on thursday night for all your responses.

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

Welcome and congrats on the Z :chevy :cheers: can't help you much with advice I'm still a new Z owner also.

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

For a stock ZR-1 with minimal mods a revised chip calibration won't buy you much, and it's a crap shoot unless you have a chassis dyno and a handful of various chips. It's not until you improve the Volumetric Efficiency through headers and ported intake that revised calibrations become neccessary. With the right chip, headers and intake porting you can add as much as 60rwhp. That's the cheapest hp you can buy short of nitrous.

BTW, welcome to club ZR-1. :cheers:

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (RatRacer)
 

What is intake? Is it same thing as plemium? Intake manifold with runners?
So maybe I should get headers and get that thing ported somewhere..
Should I get headers first and Corsa exchaust system after that.. Course I thik that headers help more than new exchaust system? Cant remove cats.:(

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (Mylzi)
 

Yes, same thing as the plenum. You can always put aftermarket cats on your aftermarket cat back and run headers. If I were you I would do the aftermarket cat back on yours first.

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (RatRacer)
 

Thanks for the welcome from RatRacer and Wegone - much appreciated, and thanks especially to RatRacer for the help - I'll drive my car as is and if I want to see some kickin power upgrades, I'll look into headers and porting the intake etc. Got any more info on nitrous? Are you using nitrous? How safe is it , and how difficult is it to install?

Thanks for your time and effort - again, much appreciated!! :cheers:

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

DDSLT5,

Go to ZR1.net and join the LT5 Registry they put out a Mag. called KOTH King of the Hill, the last issue had a great story on nitrous, I'm sure you can still get the issue.

:chevy :seeya

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (WEGONE)
 

Dont forget to show him that picture of nitrous backfire opened lt5 plenium..

:D :D :D

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

Nitrous can be used safely on the ZR-1 but there are many caveats. I am running an NOS kit #5172 and it works very well. The install was a challenge as the owners manual included with the kit was obsolete and I was shorted a few parts but with some help from Mike Flynn at NOS I was able to install it myself in about 12-14 hours over the course of a couple of weekends. There are also a number of tuning precautions that must be taken to prevent a meltdown but I can steer you, or anyone else contemplating a NOS kit for their ZR-1, in the right direction. To run juice safely on the ZR-1 you need the correct plugs, air/fuel ratios and good gas.

Here's what an NOS kit did for my otherwise stock '90 ZR-1.

https://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/ra...//IM000499.jpg

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (WEGONE)
 

Hey guys - I really appreciate the advice - I actually sent a check to the ZR-1 registry about a month ago (california address - i can't remember the fellow's name) and it was certified for 50 U.S. dollars - but no response as of yet - who can I call to find out if my check has been lost - someone who works in the registry preferably?

Thanks to ratracer for the cool dyno chart of his ZR-1 on nitrous - I'm still up in the air as to what route I'll take - how expensive can nitrous run?

Anybody else with advice for my ZR-1 registry quandry, feel free to leave me a note!!

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

It runs between $900 for the NOS kit to $10k if you blow it up. :jester

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

DDSLT5, welcome and congrats on the new Z! As to the LT5 registry, drop Clint Hooper a line at chooper@wf.quik.com. I'm sure he can help u out :cheers:

Brian


[Modified by 86vette4+3, 12:53 PM 7/6/2002]

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (86vette4+3)
 

Thanks Brian, I have already dropped Clint a line, hopefully will get a response soon. By the way - I noticed that you have made a few mods to your 91 - what level of performance increases did you experience with the various upgrades? Thanks for the info!! :cheers:


[Modified by DDSLT5, 7:25 PM 7/6/2002]

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

Well, I bought it with everything already on, except the duct. The car didn't get dyno'd before the mods so, it's kind of hard to say what the actual increases are. I did dyno it recently to the tune of 341rwhp/337rwtq(Dynojet dyno, pump gas, 90+deg and humid) Now, really about the only note worthy mod, being static, is the corsa exh. The chip doesn't run as rich as the stock one though and helps keep temps in check. The K&N cones might flow better than stock too. Now as I'm told anywhere around 325rwhp is suppose to be good for a stock 375 horse Z. To make some conjectures, we could assume about that for mine and say that's a pretty good increase for a couple of bolt ons. On the other hand, I have heard others say from before/after testing the corsa it only got ~5rwhp. So, just as Vettebabe's stock 90 put down 336rwhp, mine could have also when it was stock and I got my 5rwhp from the corsa to be at 341. But it's all guessing b/c no before graphs to compare under similar settings. But hey, you're in a much better position to gauge the gains to your car ;) Get a before graph if u plan on modding. Have fun!!! :cheers:

Brian

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (86vette4+3)
 

Thanks again for the info Brian - I definitely will follow your advice regarding the "have fun" part - I have a blast every time i drive my ZR - whether smoking some punks in mustangs or firebirds/camaros or just getting looks cruising by the cafes downtown. The spirit of America's only true sports car is alive in Canada as well. :flag

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

Sorry, got a little busy there lol You're very welcome. I actually bought mine in Vancouver, B.C. :) I like the features that are unique to the Canadian ZedR1 ;) :cool:

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

Back in 96, when my ZR-1 was stock with just a Flowmaster cat-back exhaust, I ran a chip from Doug Rippie Motorsports. It was my first experience with a LT5 and aftermarket calibrations and, I'll tell you that, Doug's stuff worked pretty well in that application.

Rip's chip for that application included a slight change in fuel calibration, a slight change in spark cal., a slight change in the strategy by which the computer determines knock retard (takes out smaller increments and brings them in quicker after the knock incident concludes) and a change in the fan on temperatures. Also Doug makes a change in the programming of the IAT sensor input tables that mimics moving the IAT forward in the system.

To be honest, I didn't notice a seat of the pants increase in performance....but, with only an exhaust on a stocker, just a change in chip probably wouldn't give you a difference you could feel. However, using a scan tester, I could see that spark and the knock retard strategy were different. I could see the difference in cooling through the lower fan-ons

Nowadays, my engine is much more modified and can't use that "stock w exhaust" cal. It's been sitting, inside a baggie, in my calibration drawer out on the shop for several years. I'll sell it for $125 bucks. If anyone's interested, contact me privately.

I also have two other cals that I'm not using, a Jeal and another DRM, however, these are for 350s with ported heads, housings and plenum, reset stock cams, stock exhaust manifolds and cats and an aftermarket exhaust. Anyone interested in those, contact me privately.

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (Hib Halverson)
 

Hib,
Would the DRM chip work in a 91 with no mods. and would it give me any gains, if so drop me an IM. I tried your E-mail no luck

Thanks Steve

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (Hib Halverson)
 

Hib - I am definitely interested in this chip - but like you say - I would like to feel a seat of the pants increase in performance. I only have K+N and Corsa exhaust - but she pulls quite strongly to redline - lots of torque too. Maybe you might tell me how to get a look at the chip that is currently in my 90 - as when I got the car I found a GM prom in the console and I assumed it was one which was removed on a recall/update basis at the GM dealer - but I could be wrong, and might have a high perf. chip right now. Doubt it, since the idle cycles up and down from 1000 to 1300 rpm while slowing down with clutch in until stopped - heard this is a problem with the original calibration. I may well purchase your chip, if indeed there are some gains to be made.

Do you remember when yours was stock? Could you spin the tires moderately in 1st and a little in 2nd - not dumping the clutch but just flooring it in gear? Mine will do this and it feels really strong - but I'm continually told by my buddy with a ZO6 that his will beat me off the line - if so, then the ZO6 is one hellaciously fast stock ride!!

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

First, I gotta say oooooooops.
I forgot to say that the chips I have for sale work only in 93-95 engines.

Pull the ECM fuse, remove the ECM from its mount, flip it upside down and remove the plate on the bottom. The blue thing you see in there is the chip. Use your thumbs to retract the chip retainer clips then pull out the chip.

Well, to be hones, no I couldn't. I could only spin the tires without popping the clutch in first But that's because my car is a 95 and its had either GS-Cs (a sticker tire than your Eagle ZRs) or Drag Radials on the back. More traction means less wheelspin.

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (Hib Halverson)
 

Hib, you have mail. I've got a 93, and I'll take it. If you haven't sold it yet.

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (Hib Halverson)
 

No worries about the chip - hope 8388 enjoys it!! I actually have the chrome 5 spokers with GS-Cs on my car. - Anyway - thanks for the advice on accessing the chip. :cheers: :cool:

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

Don't panic just yet,Dwight. I answered your note last week that you sent from a "Paul Smith's" email address. He obviously didn't forward my note. I sent another note to that address,explaining the delay. It would help if you would give me your email address instead of going through a second party so I can communicate with you,directly.
Sincerely,
Clint Hooper
LT5 Registry Director



[Modified by USAZR1, 11:35 PM 7/14/2002]

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (USAZR1)
 

Hey DDS! From another DDS
This will open another can of worms, but some have said the best bang for the buck is to swap to a 4.10:1 rear end. I did (also changed the trans speedo gears) and it really changes things. No doubt that you shift more often, and after getting used to it, I think its more fun as I always seem to be at the hi RPM's so you get to hear the sweet sound of a 4 cam 32 valve LT5 :lol:
All depends where you want to go.....
Good luck!

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (95ZR1)
 

This is a modification I see quite often on different ZR-1 owners - and almost always when a significant rebuild has taken place (368", 415") - I'm very curious - how does this affect quater mile times? How about 0-60 times? Are we talking 0.5 to 1.0 seconds faster? (with an ortherwise stock engine)

Obviously with a 415 or 368, and 4.10's, top speed is likely obtained in 6th due to increased torque/horsepower - who else has changed to 4.10's? Who likes it and does anybody regret this mod? How many extra rpm's am I looking at while cruisin at 80 mph? AND finally, is this an easy swap to make?

Whew - that's a lot of questions, eh? Uh oh, first time the Canadian lingo has shown - I'll be expecting some backlash from that!!

:cheers:

Hey 95ZR-1 - do you see a huge difference from stock with this mod? How much $ did it cost as well?

Happy motoring to all!!

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (USAZR1)
 

________________________________________ ___________________
Don't panic just yet,Dwight. I answered your note last week that you sent from a "Paul Smith's" email address. He obviously didn't forward my note. I sent another note to that address,explaining the delay. It would help if you would give me your email address instead of going through a second party so I can communicate with you,directly.
Sincerely,
Clint Hooper
LT5 Registry Director
________________________________________ ____________________


Clint - got the message and have been in contact with Bill - already have the back issues of KOTH from Bill - very cool - no worries about the membership stuff - take care of it at you convenience!!

:cool: :cheers: :cool:

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (DDSLT5)
 

Hey DDS!
I bought my 4.10 setup complete in the pumpkin for $1500. The seller (Hi Gary!) didnt like the 4:10 for the hiway, and switched back. I drive stoplight to stoplight (L.A.) so It's great. Its much easier to just swap the entire rear end than deal with seals/pinion/ring gears,etc. Heard too many horror stories with gear noise- mine is fine. If you want to go the gear route, Al Kinder (?) is the one to contact. BTW, the price is similar once you add in the parts/labor to change out the guts in the pumpkin. I also rec changing the speedo gears (or electronically) or you'll add mileage incredibly fast. I got the speedo gears from LPE. As far as the swap.... I'm a very novice mechanic, but did it myself in about a week working when I could (between work/family/little sleep). Also helpful to have the drive beam plates (Bill Boudreau) to easily bolt the beam back up if removing the drive shaft. Funny, the hardest parts for me were just jacking up the (*^*(&%(&$*$ car and placing it on jack stands (not any flat surfaces under the car) and removing the exhaust. Damn Borla still won't line up. Still, glad I did it. Good Luck!

Other costs (and controversy) Gear oil (I used GM) including slip additive


[Modified by 95ZR1, 4:00 AM 7/16/2002]

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (95ZR1)
 

the beam plates work really well to help plant the power. it's not how much you make but how much you make USE OF that really counts. please contact me if you are interested.

is Marc Randolf back doing chips yet???

I have a need for some calibration revisions.

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (Rkreigh)
 

Marc did a nitrous chip for me a couple of weeks ago. It helps when you know where he lives.:D

He has been working day and night on a big project that is supposed to wrapped up right about now. Hopefully he is finished and can start doing chips on a more regular basis.

Re: Chip advice for my '90 ZR-1 (Rkreigh)
 

Rkreigh,

I checked out these beam plates from another post that you referred to in the past and I am definitely interested in a set - let me know some $ and shipping arrangements.

Thanks, Dwight