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Old Dec 7, 2005 | 09:24 PM
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Hey, MY vehicle is a yellow '86 CJ-7. (Jeep) (Currently broke and I don't have the money nor time to fix it. )

However, my dad owns a '94/Automatic/Convertible vette. We've restored a '77 a long time ago, and had an '86 coupe until we got this one 5 years ago.

He's in Honduras right now (Stationed there by Army) and I'm driving his car. His car is TOTALLY stock (except for paintjob) and I was wondering if there are any cheap or free boosts for his engine and so on that I can do as a favor..? Yeah, I know about changing the oil when it's time, and air filters and such, but other things I wouldn't know of..?

Oh, and sorry if this a stupid question/request...I know MORE about older vehicles and engines...and not used to performance engines of this kind.

Thanks.
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Old Dec 8, 2005 | 12:27 PM
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Well...I take it this was a stupid question...nevermind then.
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Old Dec 8, 2005 | 12:53 PM
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How about an open air box and a K&N filter to start. Avoid the tb air foil as it is wasted money.

After that, mods start getting expensive. How much you lookin to spend?
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Old Dec 8, 2005 | 01:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Yella'94
He I was wondering if there are any cheap or free boosts for his engine and so on
The short answer is no, there isn't.

The best thing you can do (dollar-wise) is maintenance type stuff; change all the fluids, all the filters, clean the debris out of the radiator, charge the AC, detail the interior, make sure the brake pads and rotors are in good shape, put new wiper blades on, new weatherstripping, good tires, etc..

Then you can start on the performance-enhancing items.
Remember this: anything worth doing in the realm of performance is going to cost money. Usually, LOTS of money. What's your budget?

Good luck and be patient with us. Many of us have day jobs...

Larry
code5coupe
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Old Dec 8, 2005 | 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by longhorn_C4
How about an open air box and a K&N filter to start. Avoid the tb air foil as it is wasted money.

After that, mods start getting expensive. How much you lookin to spend?
Well...around $40-60...(Christmas)

However, what can I do to the existing air box, to make it open? Or do I have to buy it? Can I mod the one I have? And I agree on the K&N, I have one myself.

The short answer is no, there isn't.

The best thing you can do (dollar-wise) is maintenance type stuff; change all the fluids, all the filters, clean the debris out of the radiator, charge the AC, detail the interior, make sure the brake pads and rotors are in good shape, put new wiper blades on, new weatherstripping, good tires, etc..

Then you can start on the performance-enhancing items.
Remember this: anything worth doing in the realm of performance is going to cost money. Usually, LOTS of money. What's your budget?

Good luck and be patient with us. Many of us have day jobs...

Larry
code5coupe
Yeah, you're right. Just maintain the thing. Oh, and no problem, I have a job as well and know what you mean.

Thanks you two for being patient and answering my question.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 06:00 AM
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a set of platinum plugs will help. For free you can cut the electrode on the plugs that are installed. Either will help a little.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by joecaver
For free you can cut the electrode on the plugs that are installed. Either will help a little.
Could you explain that one to me a little more? Sounds interesting.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by joecaver
a set of platinum plugs will help. For free you can cut the electrode on the plugs that are installed. Either will help a little.
All the stuff that rocco16 said, and joec's suggestion will take your time to do. It's not easy to do correctly espec. the plugs. But once you get all of them done (espec. if you do, as rocco said, all the fluids) you'll have a car that really is well-maintained and ready to be driven.

A suggestion: if you don't have the helms manuals, that might be a good starting point. Reason? First, you could "advertise" on C4 For Sale forum that you're looking for a set, and two, it'd give you a heckuva lot of info to do all the above mentioned by others. Plus, since you've worked on earlier Vettes, it's not such a stretch.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by LT4CompYell
A suggestion: if you don't have the helms manuals, that might be a good starting point.
Good point, Comp. This should be the FIRST place you drop some coin.
The Helms manual is worth every penny it costs.


PS Cutting back the plugs is a FREE mod....which tells you how much additional power it will give you. IMHO.

Larry
code5coupe

Last edited by rocco16; Dec 9, 2005 at 09:38 AM.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 02:34 PM
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Get the helms manual.

Sometimes Ebay is a good source for them if you dont find one in here.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 03:05 PM
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Default Helms Manual

[QUOTE=skateparkdave] Get the helms manual.

Sometimes Ebay is a good source for them if you dont find one in here.
I purchased a Chiltons for 84-96. It is not very good IMHO. Small diagrams, lots of missing info, ect. Is a Helms better?, or should I get a Factory Service Manual.
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 03:30 PM
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[QUOTE=ED HEISER]
Originally Posted by skateparkdave
Get the helms manual.

Sometimes Ebay is a good source for them if you dont find one in here.
I purchased a Chiltons for 84-96. It is not very good IMHO. Small diagrams, lots of missing info, ect. Is a Helms better?, or should I get a Factory Service Manual.
Helms is the factory service manual.

http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage...P298SU63UHC2KA
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Old Dec 9, 2005 | 04:09 PM
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I think I have the Haynes manual...? Or Chiltons...the Haynes one might be my Jeep.
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