What do I do for more HP?
12-08-2009, 11:23 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
What do I do for more HP?
The ole never ending quest, What can I expect to do with an 88 L98 for more hp?
I'm on a budget of $3000 and wondered if it's possible to take my L98 and figure out what's best to get more out of it.
I looked at the used LS1 swap and it's not in the budget, looked at numerous crate enigines and think it's not in the budget either.
Is there a way to get more using the engines TPI and old ECU?
I figure if I have to use the ole l98, it's going to need a rebuild anyway and would heads add anything?
I'm on a budget of $3000 and wondered if it's possible to take my L98 and figure out what's best to get more out of it.
I looked at the used LS1 swap and it's not in the budget, looked at numerous crate enigines and think it's not in the budget either.
Is there a way to get more using the engines TPI and old ECU?
I figure if I have to use the ole l98, it's going to need a rebuild anyway and would heads add anything?
12-08-2009, 11:38 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
12-09-2009, 07:58 PM
#4
Race Director
The easiest way? Sell the 88. Add your $3k and buy an LT1 car.
Like those above said. The key is an open mind to spend money when you start doing it yourself. Inevitably you will run into something that doubles your budget once it is too late to turn back and before you know it you have spent more money than you even want to think about and it is either a.) in pieces and un-drivable; or b.) still not what you had hoped.
Like those above said. The key is an open mind to spend money when you start doing it yourself. Inevitably you will run into something that doubles your budget once it is too late to turn back and before you know it you have spent more money than you even want to think about and it is either a.) in pieces and un-drivable; or b.) still not what you had hoped.
Last edited by RedLS1GTO; 12-09-2009 at 08:01 PM.
12-09-2009, 08:01 PM
#5
Banned Loser
Member Since: Aug 2009
Location: They say you learn from your mistakes, I must be a genius
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2017 Corvette of the Year
2016 C4 of Year Finalist
Creator of the "Original" whining and crying thread
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17
Whatever you do make sure you take some of that money and go with the LONG tube headers and performance exhaust. You will never get the full potential of the mods (or the stock engine) with the factory exhaust as it is way to restrictive. GM corrected this problem when the LT1/4 engine came out.
12-09-2009, 08:07 PM
#6
Race Director
Here you go. Engineering student at Clemson has been there and done the hard work for you. Enjoy - and raise the limit on your Visa!
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vader86/
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vader86/
12-09-2009, 08:36 PM
#7
Race Director
Here is another tip. Advertise here on the Forum in the Parts for Sale/wanted section for anything you need. Check back dialy and see what is for sale. I was able to purchase a larger throttle body, injectors, aftermarket runners and an aftermarket base plate here at a great savings over retail.
Check this out too:http://corvetteplenum.com/
I am going to have the runners, base plate and my stock plenum ported by these guys. I met them at Corvettes at Carlisle this year and they had some great answers to my questions along with some good recommendations about getting more power out of my 91.
Check this out too:http://corvetteplenum.com/
I am going to have the runners, base plate and my stock plenum ported by these guys. I met them at Corvettes at Carlisle this year and they had some great answers to my questions along with some good recommendations about getting more power out of my 91.
12-09-2009, 10:25 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
I'm glad to report That I took the car to a Performance shop and they built me a set of duals that really opened up the exhaust and I certainly feel the difference in power and wheelspin. They also said they could build the L98 engine and give me over 300+ easily with cam, valve job, new prom and keep me under $2500. I've used this guy in the past and he's been at this for 30+ years, so all is not lost.
Sell the 88 and buy a LT1?
Well it may be sound advice for some, however this 88 has had a tremendous amount of money thrown at it by a collector ($14,500)who also has cars appraised at well over $168,000 and I'm just the guy who lucked out by buying it for a song and a dance. So even if I toss another couple of grand in the fire, I'll not come out as good as this 88 is at this point. i.e. new running gear, new interior, new paint, new tires, new chrome wheels, new performance exhuast, new instrument cluster, new seat covers, newly rebuilt 700R4 transmission with better torque converter, yada, yada, yada.
The ONLY thing left on my list is a little more HP, and even the ole L98 in this car is really strong and runs so good.
BUT yes, if I want more all I have to do is buy a new C6....which I don't since I have a C4 er well, 2 C4's.
Man, I love the way this car runs and handles...like a new penny!
So maybe I should just leave well enough alone?........Nahhhh!
Sell the 88 and buy a LT1?
Well it may be sound advice for some, however this 88 has had a tremendous amount of money thrown at it by a collector ($14,500)who also has cars appraised at well over $168,000 and I'm just the guy who lucked out by buying it for a song and a dance. So even if I toss another couple of grand in the fire, I'll not come out as good as this 88 is at this point. i.e. new running gear, new interior, new paint, new tires, new chrome wheels, new performance exhuast, new instrument cluster, new seat covers, newly rebuilt 700R4 transmission with better torque converter, yada, yada, yada.
The ONLY thing left on my list is a little more HP, and even the ole L98 in this car is really strong and runs so good.
BUT yes, if I want more all I have to do is buy a new C6....which I don't since I have a C4 er well, 2 C4's.
Man, I love the way this car runs and handles...like a new penny!
So maybe I should just leave well enough alone?........Nahhhh!
12-09-2009, 10:42 PM
#9
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Here you go. Engineering student at Clemson has been there and done the hard work for you. Enjoy - and raise the limit on your Visa!
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vader86/
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vader86/
01-14-2010, 04:03 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jun 2009
Location: Tabernacle NJ
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St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13
a lthough you need to spend money Im not actually open minded about it I pick and choose
01-14-2010, 04:35 PM
#15
Burning Brakes
The easiest way? Sell the 88. Add your $3k and buy an LT1 car.
Like those above said. The key is an open mind to spend money when you start doing it yourself. Inevitably you will run into something that doubles your budget once it is too late to turn back and before you know it you have spent more money than you even want to think about and it is either a.) in pieces and un-drivable; or b.) still not what you had hoped.
Like those above said. The key is an open mind to spend money when you start doing it yourself. Inevitably you will run into something that doubles your budget once it is too late to turn back and before you know it you have spent more money than you even want to think about and it is either a.) in pieces and un-drivable; or b.) still not what you had hoped.
I agree, sell it and get a car that has the extra 55HP already. This is from an L98 guy. I do understand the desirablity of doing it to your car. You know the car, you have it on hand, most likely paid for, etc.
01-14-2010, 10:22 PM
#20
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Feb 1999
Location: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
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St. Jude Donor '10
I'm glad to report That I took the car to a Performance shop and they built me a set of duals that really opened up the exhaust and I certainly feel the difference in power and wheelspin. They also said they could build the L98 engine and give me over 300+ easily with cam, valve job, new prom and keep me under $2500. I've used this guy in the past and he's been at this for 30+ years, so all is not lost.
Sell the 88 and buy a LT1?
Well it may be sound advice for some, however this 88 has had a tremendous amount of money thrown at it by a collector ($14,500)who also has cars appraised at well over $168,000 and I'm just the guy who lucked out by buying it for a song and a dance. So even if I toss another couple of grand in the fire, I'll not come out as good as this 88 is at this point. i.e. new running gear, new interior, new paint, new tires, new chrome wheels, new performance exhuast, new instrument cluster, new seat covers, newly rebuilt 700R4 transmission with better torque converter, yada, yada, yada.
The ONLY thing left on my list is a little more HP, and even the ole L98 in this car is really strong and runs so good.
BUT yes, if I want more all I have to do is buy a new C6....which I don't since I have a C4 er well, 2 C4's.
Man, I love the way this car runs and handles...like a new penny!
So maybe I should just leave well enough alone?........Nahhhh!
Sell the 88 and buy a LT1?
Well it may be sound advice for some, however this 88 has had a tremendous amount of money thrown at it by a collector ($14,500)who also has cars appraised at well over $168,000 and I'm just the guy who lucked out by buying it for a song and a dance. So even if I toss another couple of grand in the fire, I'll not come out as good as this 88 is at this point. i.e. new running gear, new interior, new paint, new tires, new chrome wheels, new performance exhuast, new instrument cluster, new seat covers, newly rebuilt 700R4 transmission with better torque converter, yada, yada, yada.
The ONLY thing left on my list is a little more HP, and even the ole L98 in this car is really strong and runs so good.
BUT yes, if I want more all I have to do is buy a new C6....which I don't since I have a C4 er well, 2 C4's.
Man, I love the way this car runs and handles...like a new penny!
So maybe I should just leave well enough alone?........Nahhhh!
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