Ok, it's in the garage, and it's too darn cold to do much but plan and daydream.
First thing I want to do to it is replace the radio. I've seen a few posts of people who had spacers put in for the double din that had "Corvette" on it. I like that a lot. I think I'm going to have a local audio place do it, (NOT Best Buy). There's a place, Century 2000 in Akron. I've had them do a few, and have always been happy with their work. Any suggestions on head units and where to get the spacer? What should I look out for?
Next will be a chip and adjustment of fuel pressure. I know there are varying opinions, but a guy at a local shop who works on nothing but Corvettes highly recommends it.
Lastly, is anyone in the Akron, Ohio area who can recommend someone a little more local? The guy I talked to is closer to Cleveland, and I can use him, but it would be great to have someone more local.
I intend on doing small things myself, but I'm not going to turn into a total gear head. (I'll do the chip, but if I have bigger problems, like U joints, I'll be paying for that).
One other thing. Corvette clubs, what do you think of them? I've talked to a couple of people who think they tend to be kind of snooty. This is a hobby, I wouldn't mind being around people who know and like vettes, but don't want to get involved with folks that are elitist, or know it alls. My guess is it's hit or miss, but would like to hear opinions.
Thanks in advance.

 

The parts I used for my audio system redo are on my websites 86 page. I'm quite happy with it all.

I dont think you should think of going with a chip, they are a waste of money. No chip is worthwhile until significant mods are done, and only then a custom chip, not generic hypercrap.

You can adjust the pressure yourself, install a Holley 512-501 regulator, and bump your timing up a couple degrees. Thats a better use of your money.

 

Thanks. I would only go with a custom chip. I've heard both opinions, but I've also driven cars with the chip. I'm not sure it was just the chip, but I know they out perform what I have in the garage.

 

Upgrade?
How bout this.
www.craigslist.org (bay area ca)

Engine and 6 spd trans, 1996 LT4, $2,500 916 370 2642

 

Congrats on the 87 About the only thing I can add concerns car clubs. You are right there does tend to be the snooty types who will look down their nose at a C4, but it's also a great place to find out where the best mechanic is, what places to take your Vette for repairs, and what mods work and which don't. They tend to have a wealth of knowledge but I can assure you there will be one or two members who think anything built after 1967 isn't a "real" Vette. I know, I've heard that more than once myself.

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1558813315

 

Well, Dale, the stereo is a rather easy upgrade... however, the head unit in the 1987 is a 1.5 DIN, not double. The install kit you seek is for the later C4s and will not fit in the 1987 dash.

I think it's time I go over this thing again... I have been sent more info over the last few weeks I need to include. however, it is still of value.

Check it out: C4 Audio FAQ

"Local" Corvette specialists? Good luck. The early C4 was not all that tricked out back in the day (Callaway, Goldstrand, LPE), and the locals never really got into it. The C5 changed all that... The ease of tuning that came with the handheld devices was epic. Mallott and a couple other companies started Corvette tuning with the C5...

I think you are lucky to have someone that close.

As for doing the chip, don't waste the $$. You can do the timing and AFPR and add 10hp without the angst. You won't need to do a chip until you start to get into the engine - think cam, roller rockers, super ram. Then you need a dyno and a pro who can do it right.

 

Congradulations on the Corvette. The previous owner of my Vette installed a CD player, graphic equalizer and an amp. I least I think that's what they are. I listen to AM radio. I know nothing of car audio equipment. I know it sounds great and was the big reason my wife liked the car. I'm sure you'll install something "kick azz" as they say now a days (I think).

As for Corvette clubs I think they are the same everywhere. I actually belong to a local club in my area that are a pretty good bunch of folks. No "your car has to be perfect" Corvette snobs. Which is fine because my Vette is far from perfect. Just people who like to drive their cars and like to get together at events for the social part of it. Most of the members are older though and have newer cars C5-C6's, some older C1 & C2's and a decent amout of C4's. The advantage to the a club is that most of the guys have "been there, done that" on their cars so there is a wealth of information and sometimes help to work on your Vette. The coolest thing however is we like to meet somewhere and then caravan to an event. There is no greater site than 30 or more Corvettes of all types rolling down the highway. So clubs can be fun and beneficial if you find a good group.

 

Stay away from clubs that have regularily scheduled meetings ie: the first tuesday etc of the month. If the club needs a president, treasurer and this is my favorite.......a secratary to "keep the minutes of the meeting" steer clear. It's a club......not a law firm.
What I did was find members on a particular Corvette website and began chatting with members who were local. Eventually we began having cookouts at each others homes and cruises up to the mountains. Now we do it several times a year and if one member is doing work on their vette and needs help...........have tools will travel.....

 

oh, God yes. Been there, done that.

Clubs are nothing but business meetings, fund raisers, and not discussing Vettes.

 

Congrats on the car, don't really have a lot to add, but I am with the others I do not think you will see anything with a chip unless you make a bunch of mods to the engine.

 

Sounds like you've been burned a time or two

I belong to a rather large club here in my area. Sure, there may be a couple of snotty people but I haven't had the (dis) pleaseure of meeting them yet

As far as the meetings go, I usually show up late (*if at all) just in time to follow everyone to the dinner location Planning is everything.

I could for the most part give a damned less about what they're planning. I'm not going to have much of an impact on the decision anyway and I'm not a "mover and shaker."

I go to the events I want/can make and ignore the ones I can't.

Keeps everything fresh and me out of the politcal "mess" of things. I get enough of that in my dayly routines!!

 

A little over the top for me.

 

Yeah, bargain price though.
So ya hung in there and got a car huh!
So whats it like?

 

- same here. we have a loosely knit group of about 15 corvette couples that try to get together at least once a month, whether its getting together for dinner, a saturday nite cruise, a sunday car show, or a 2000 mileroad trip/vacation, we've become the best of friends. as a matter of fact, 14 out of 15 couples got together for dinner saturday night. we had nine couples that did a 9 day roadtrip to bar harbor maine, several years ago. we call ourselves a club, but we don't have meetings, we don't have rules, and we don't pay dues. the minute something tries to get too organized, it starts costing $$$, and somehow takes the fun out of the hobby. BTW, our psudo club is known as the "83 owners association" (get it - ), founded 1996.

 

The West MI Crew is pretty good. If you check out your regional area on here, you might find your area has a group of people that just get together. No dues, just get togethers with no pressure to do anything. Show up if you can, don't if you can't. No rules, just keep up .

Locally, there is Grand Valley Corvette, which in the 1980's actually insulted my dad because he had fender flares on his 63(they were there when he got it) and aftermarket wheels. They are extremely organized and it just puts me off.

 

I have another thread with pics. I think it's a great deal. Haven't been able to do much, it's about 5 degrees here today. She's got a few bugs I want to shake out, and then begin making it better.
I really enjoy taking something worthwhile, and making it better.

 

I agree. I looked a few clubs up, the closest to me is the Tiretown Corvette Club. Ok, I went to the page... they are affiliated with the NCCC, (red flag goes up). They have a form to be filled out for membership, to see if I "qualify", (another flag). Meetings first Monday of every month, and initiation, annual dues of $75 for me, and $35 for my wife. (Forget it).

That's too organized, and just too rigid for me. I'll go to the regional section. Thanks.

 

Congratulations on the Corvette. Get yourself a nice kerosene torpedo heater. I have a 70,000 btu heater and I can work in the garage comfortably no matter how cold it is outside. I have a 2 1/2 car detached garaged and the 70,000 btu unit is perfect. Your in Akron so you now how cold it was Sunday, I was in the garage for a couple of hours Sunday no jacket required. I talked to the local Corvette clubs in the Cleveland and they were all bull****.