Wake it up!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 196
Likes: 4
From: Keego Harbor MI
Wake it up!
Hello, I am new to owning corvette's, I have had several Camaro's and I just purchased a 1986 coupe. I am looking for any suggestions on garage (DIY'er) to improve engine performance. It runs good, just looking for a little extra zip. I am getting ready to install aftermarket exhaust, so that should do a little, but any ideas. Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 96
From: Magnolia Tx
A good exhaust system on an '86 won't "help a little", it will profoundly change the personality of the car. Stock pipes on these are awful. I have headers and straight duals with LT1 mufflers. You will love it.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 672
Likes: 2
From: Cheltenham, England
Im sure you already know all this but personally I'd get the health of the engine checked first, you know, compression test , emissions, any stored code's, leaks, etc, Its amazing how few people would think to check the condition of the spark plugs when buying a new car for instance, Im sure a lot of folk have thrown a lot of money at an engine that has seen better days,and wondered why their not getting the expected performance, dont get me wrong, Im not saying yours is like that, but thats the first thing I'd do..
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 672
Likes: 2
From: Cheltenham, England
Also, a Bloody good service! (sorry, but Im English!) fluids, filters, coolant flush, and so on, that can make a world of difference, but hey, you make sure you enjoy that car,(Im sure you will) and I wish you the best of luck mate..
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 196
Likes: 4
From: Keego Harbor MI
I am already enjoying it...I am stoked to get the (small) issues taken care of. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to work on and all the helpful info out there. I even saw an episode of Wheeler Dealer and they did a show on a c4 they picked up. What are the chances of that! Thanks
Max G’s
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 78
From: Monroe OH
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Start with the exhaust and then 3 piece under drive pulleys and remove the frisbee(round disc attached to water pump). Those will be your best mods after a complete tune up, besides upgrading intake components and heads and headers and cam and rockers and on and on until you are no longer near stock. 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
You need to do a little reading. Start here with Vader86's home page...
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vader86/
Lots of good information on what works and what does not.
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vader86/
Lots of good information on what works and what does not.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
once you get things going, a good set of heads.. aftermarket heads. late 86 vettes came with Alum. heads, early ones were cast iron. Other than weight saving, they just don't flow much better. I am putting a set of 062 Vortec heads on my 86, just watch out for sticker shock when you find a manifold to mate the heads with your TPI. two reasons I went vortec, best bang for the stock buck ( I think mine were 150 bucks out the door of a machine shop) and they are the excellent heads..outflowing old fuelie heads by a long shot..BTW, wanna buy a set of 1965 fuelie heads? lol.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 156
From: White Oak PA
Welcome
Welcome! One item I would suggest checking is the fuel injectors. Especially if they are original. Exhaust updates can make a pleasant performance change. Other than these two items, be prepared to open up your wallet. For me, my 87 runs great on public roads. But I am more of a "Cruiser" kind of old guy. Done the speed thing back when I was young. Wished I saved the cash. Could have bought another C4 if I did.