Usefull cheap mods(join in)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: '85 L98 Coupe Auto Chicago,IL
Usefull cheap mods(join in)
Howdy all, i am tring to come up with a list of fun cheap mods to do this winter. I am not looking for the standerd of lets get as much hps as we can, but stuff on the practical side(if that makes any sense). Stuff that is either usefull, cool to look at, or just a hey check this out!!
i have a small list so far of just the obvious stuff, but i was wondering what others have done so join in if u like. Stuff is kinda for street/strip/show
1. Line locks. Great for street and strip fun
2. Cut air box and K & N filter. I know there is much discussion on if either of these really add any power, but the cool factor is worth it
3. Throttle body bypass. Pretty sure there is no HP gain from this, but it cleans up the engine bay nicely and less to leak!!
4. Clean and polish plenum and runners. just for looks
5. Add a new 160 degreet T stat, and add a 176 off 165 on fan switch
6. Chrome dress up up kit and braided hoses. Just for looks and cleaning up engine bay some
7. Cone filter off Mass airflow sensor/Throttle body(alternative to the cut box/stock air cleaner). Many say that this might actually decrease hp a little due to the hot air from behind the radiator, but if you don't mind the small loss in power, if there is any, it sure makes for a nice looking engine
i have a small list so far of just the obvious stuff, but i was wondering what others have done so join in if u like. Stuff is kinda for street/strip/show
1. Line locks. Great for street and strip fun
2. Cut air box and K & N filter. I know there is much discussion on if either of these really add any power, but the cool factor is worth it
3. Throttle body bypass. Pretty sure there is no HP gain from this, but it cleans up the engine bay nicely and less to leak!!
4. Clean and polish plenum and runners. just for looks
5. Add a new 160 degreet T stat, and add a 176 off 165 on fan switch
6. Chrome dress up up kit and braided hoses. Just for looks and cleaning up engine bay some
7. Cone filter off Mass airflow sensor/Throttle body(alternative to the cut box/stock air cleaner). Many say that this might actually decrease hp a little due to the hot air from behind the radiator, but if you don't mind the small loss in power, if there is any, it sure makes for a nice looking engine
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,305
Likes: 2
From: Havelock NC
Use a very small amount of white paint and a toothpick to fill in the "Tuned Port Injection" emblem on the side molding. You may not believe me, but it looks factory and good once you do it.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 682
Likes: 1
From: SpringHill florida
Originally Posted by 85C4Man
Howdy all, i am tring to come up with a list of fun cheap mods to do this winter. I am not looking for the standerd of lets get as much hps as we can, but stuff on the practical side(if that makes any sense). Stuff that is either usefull, cool to look at, or just a hey check this out!!
i have a small list so far of just the obvious stuff, but i was wondering what others have done so join in if u like. Stuff is kinda for street/strip/show
1. Line locks. Great for street and strip fun
2. Cut air box and K & N filter. I know there is much discussion on if either of these really add any power, but the cool factor is worth it
3. Throttle body bypass. Pretty sure there is no HP gain from this, but it cleans up the engine bay nicely and less to leak!!
4. Clean and polish plenum and runners. just for looks
5. Add a new 160 degreet T stat, and add a 176 off 165 on fan switch
6. Chrome dress up up kit and braided hoses. Just for looks and cleaning up engine bay some
7. Cone filter off Mass airflow sensor/Throttle body(alternative to the cut box/stock air cleaner). Many say that this might actually decrease hp a little due to the hot air from behind the radiator, but if you don't mind the small loss in power, if there is any, it sure makes for a nice looking engine
i have a small list so far of just the obvious stuff, but i was wondering what others have done so join in if u like. Stuff is kinda for street/strip/show
1. Line locks. Great for street and strip fun
2. Cut air box and K & N filter. I know there is much discussion on if either of these really add any power, but the cool factor is worth it
3. Throttle body bypass. Pretty sure there is no HP gain from this, but it cleans up the engine bay nicely and less to leak!!
4. Clean and polish plenum and runners. just for looks
5. Add a new 160 degreet T stat, and add a 176 off 165 on fan switch
6. Chrome dress up up kit and braided hoses. Just for looks and cleaning up engine bay some
7. Cone filter off Mass airflow sensor/Throttle body(alternative to the cut box/stock air cleaner). Many say that this might actually decrease hp a little due to the hot air from behind the radiator, but if you don't mind the small loss in power, if there is any, it sure makes for a nice looking engine
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
The C4 already breathes air that has passed through the radiator, having the filter further back shouldnt produce much difference.
The majority of the airflow to the airbox does not come through that little slit between the hood and the bumper.
The majority of the airflow to the airbox does not come through that little slit between the hood and the bumper.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
There's a ton of things on these cars that are aluminum. Cleaning and polishing them adds a "real" look and some nice detailing. Stay away from excessive chrome and fake braided hoses. It looks cheesy and is beneath these cars. Very ricey and tacky IMO.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 534
Not sure if I remember this correctly but I believe a while ago there was a guy that cut a part of that large plastic strip that sills the cowl to the windshield. I think he said doing that allowed cooler under hood temperatures.
Some members questioned if water would get in but I believe he said it didn't. Again I don't remember the specifics.
Some members questioned if water would get in but I believe he said it didn't. Again I don't remember the specifics.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 472
Likes: 1
From: looking for my insanity state of confusion
Throttle body bypass is definitely a speed mod. I had to pull my T.B. off three times, and it went faster since I didn't have to worry about the water draining or going all over.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Originally Posted by 85C4Man
2. Cut air box and K & N filter. I know there is much discussion on if either of these really add any power, but the cool factor is worth it
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 3
From: Mount Vernon OH
If you are looking at increased performance you may want to cut some weight also out of the car. I am not talking about butchering your car up but remove the spare tire and carrier and other added weight and you will be surprised. Updating the exhaust with headers and a more free flowing exhaust will help also. I think you are on the right track by working from a list of goals. Good luck to you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Hypertech programming, 160* thermostat, MSD Pro Billet distributor, T/B bypass, T/B air foil, shorty headers. All advertise MORE HP. How much? Who knows, but seems much quicker and smoother.
Well, today, after doing 2 pulls on the dyno, I think I lost all of that 'much quicker and smoother' feel. Best pull revealed just how bad it was... 216 rwhp and 271 rwtq '94 LT1 vert w/A4.
Left there and I sware, I hid from all ricers or anything that looked fast and was glad when I got it into my garage, out of sight. I just might drive it again, maybe, just maybe, next month, when I get my courage up again.
Well, today, after doing 2 pulls on the dyno, I think I lost all of that 'much quicker and smoother' feel. Best pull revealed just how bad it was... 216 rwhp and 271 rwtq '94 LT1 vert w/A4.
Left there and I sware, I hid from all ricers or anything that looked fast and was glad when I got it into my garage, out of sight. I just might drive it again, maybe, just maybe, next month, when I get my courage up again.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 1
From: Tomahawk WI
Originally Posted by Eddie & the Cruisers
Well, today, after doing 2 pulls on the dyno, I think I lost all of that 'much quicker and smoother' feel. Best pull revealed just how bad it was... 216 rwhp and 271 rwtq '94 LT1 vert w/A4.
EWwwww Where did you go wrong?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Originally Posted by AZC4Guy
EWwwww Where did you go wrong?
These pulls were more like street driving in traffic. He eased into the gears and then slowly revved it up to about 5900 rpm. I thought it should have been WOT from standing still and normal idle.
Last edited by Eddie & the Cruisers; Sep 15, 2006 at 02:15 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I dont think the K&N filter is a good idea. I've looked at test results and yes it could give you a few extra HP, but your also letting more dirt enter your engine. Not worth it if you ask me. Just keep the OE type filters clean.
TB bypass will clean up things a little bit, but its even better to remove all the hoses and fitting for the air pump, so long as its legal in your state. Or just remove it all together.
TB bypass will clean up things a little bit, but its even better to remove all the hoses and fitting for the air pump, so long as its legal in your state. Or just remove it all together.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 0
From: Just the Tip... Just to see how it feels...
Heres what works,
1. airfoil
2. TB spacer plate
3. "adjustable" MAF's, like Granatelli
4. Larger Throttle Body-more than the engine can use anyway.
5. MAT relocation
6. Power Couplers
7. The Tornado
8. A hypertech chip, or any other non-custom chip.
JUST KIDDING VADER!!!
Cleaning and polishing the intake will look goooood!
1. airfoil
2. TB spacer plate
3. "adjustable" MAF's, like Granatelli
4. Larger Throttle Body-more than the engine can use anyway.
5. MAT relocation
6. Power Couplers
7. The Tornado
8. A hypertech chip, or any other non-custom chip.
JUST KIDDING VADER!!!
Cleaning and polishing the intake will look goooood!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach, FL
1) Install an emergency hood release. Wrap some .030" SS wire around the hood release levers. Run the wire behind the rubber hood seal so you can access it with the hood closed. Tie a loop in the wire and use some duct tape to seal it behind rubber hood seal. If you ever break a hood cable you can get your hood open. Cost: 2 pieces of wire.
2) Drill an 1/8" dia hole in the hood release assembly bodies so that water can drain out. Prevents rusting.
3) If its an L-98, to improve performance, remove plenum and use a file to remove horizontal bridge behind throttle blades.
Larry
2) Drill an 1/8" dia hole in the hood release assembly bodies so that water can drain out. Prevents rusting.
3) If its an L-98, to improve performance, remove plenum and use a file to remove horizontal bridge behind throttle blades.
Larry
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 534
Weight reduction: it's free!
How much weight you want to remove depends on how much quicker you want to be.
You need air conditioning?
Interior carpert and trim?
spare tire? (probably in bad shape anyway)
powerlocks?
Every little bit helps.
Somebody on the forum got their C4 down to 2,900 doing everything they could to bring the weight down.
How much weight you want to remove depends on how much quicker you want to be.
You need air conditioning?
Interior carpert and trim?
spare tire? (probably in bad shape anyway)
powerlocks?
Every little bit helps.
Somebody on the forum got their C4 down to 2,900 doing everything they could to bring the weight down.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by Eddie & the Cruisers
These pulls were more like street driving in traffic. He eased into the gears and then slowly revved it up to about 5900 rpm. I thought it should have been WOT from standing still and normal idle.
Either the guy didn't want you to see max power, or he didn't know what he was doing....
Larry
code5coupe