New C4 time to let it breathe-looking for direction
04-18-2018, 11:32 PM
#1
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New C4 time to let it breathe-looking for direction
Hey everyone, first post here! I just bought a ‘91 Vette Coupe L98 automatic that, thanks your posts,I learned needs some help breathing. I’m not trying to do anything too drastic which is why I need some help. I made a list of some parts and I’m kind of wondering if I’m missing something or which order I should do these in. My goal is anywhere from 35-90hp. So here’s what I’ve put together:
Melrose Headers system
Ecklers parts
-BBK Throttle Body series 52mm
-Cold air system/Induction power coupler
-Fuel pressure regulator
-Fuel injectors
-Leaf spring bolt lowering kit 1”-1/2”
K&N Air Filter
Any suggestions/missing, HP for your buck, or not worth it at all?
Melrose Headers system
Ecklers parts
-BBK Throttle Body series 52mm
-Cold air system/Induction power coupler
-Fuel pressure regulator
-Fuel injectors
-Leaf spring bolt lowering kit 1”-1/2”
K&N Air Filter
Any suggestions/missing, HP for your buck, or not worth it at all?
Last edited by riehlj646; 04-18-2018 at 11:36 PM.
04-19-2018, 12:02 AM
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St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
My take for the best overall
NO- Melrose Headers system - Get a decent cat back
NO- BBK Throttle Body series 52mm - nothing to gain
NO- Cold air system/Induction power coupler - nothing to gain
NO- Fuel pressure regulator - nothing to gain
YES- FIC Fuel injectors - overall performance gain. Replace all the fuel filters while your at it
YES -Leaf spring bolt lowering kit 1”-1/2”
NO NO NO- K&N Air Filter No gains
Now go out and find a nice tuner and swap out that factory cam.
NO- Melrose Headers system - Get a decent cat back
NO- BBK Throttle Body series 52mm - nothing to gain
NO- Cold air system/Induction power coupler - nothing to gain
NO- Fuel pressure regulator - nothing to gain
YES- FIC Fuel injectors - overall performance gain. Replace all the fuel filters while your at it
YES -Leaf spring bolt lowering kit 1”-1/2”
NO NO NO- K&N Air Filter No gains
Now go out and find a nice tuner and swap out that factory cam.
04-19-2018, 09:08 AM
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My take for the best overall
NO- Melrose Headers system - Get a decent cat back
NO- BBK Throttle Body series 52mm - nothing to gain
NO- Cold air system/Induction power coupler - nothing to gain
NO- Fuel pressure regulator - nothing to gain
YES- FIC Fuel injectors - overall performance gain. Replace all the fuel filters while your at it
YES -Leaf spring bolt lowering kit 1”-1/2”
NO NO NO- K&N Air Filter No gains
Now go out and find a nice tuner and swap out that factory cam.
NO- Melrose Headers system - Get a decent cat back
NO- BBK Throttle Body series 52mm - nothing to gain
NO- Cold air system/Induction power coupler - nothing to gain
NO- Fuel pressure regulator - nothing to gain
YES- FIC Fuel injectors - overall performance gain. Replace all the fuel filters while your at it
YES -Leaf spring bolt lowering kit 1”-1/2”
NO NO NO- K&N Air Filter No gains
Now go out and find a nice tuner and swap out that factory cam.
04-19-2018, 11:09 AM
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I would buy a TPIS mini ram intake. It's an LT1 like intake with short 3" runners which should give you another 1K RPM and at least 30 horsepower on the top end. Someone is selling one in the parts thread! You would lose a little low end torque, but who cares, L98's already have 345 ft/lb! The trade off is worth it.
04-19-2018, 12:47 PM
#6
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Those parts aren't going to get an additional 90HP; especially the TB, filters, "power coupler" and the rest.
If you don't have to go thru emissions testing (you really need to update your profile with a location!!) you may want to consider a good set of full-length headers, true dual exhaust with an X-pipe, cam, and get a good tune. Might be a good idea to have the intake runners port-matched to the intake manifold. Larger injectors from FIC will round out the package.
A mini-ram intake like the TPiS part would be a good buy. You didn't say how far you are wiling (or able) to dig into the motor, but adding a cam and lifter package will be another help to boost power. Some people will also go with aftermarket roller rockers but these may require some clearance work on the valve covers.
If you don't have to go thru emissions testing (you really need to update your profile with a location!!) you may want to consider a good set of full-length headers, true dual exhaust with an X-pipe, cam, and get a good tune. Might be a good idea to have the intake runners port-matched to the intake manifold. Larger injectors from FIC will round out the package.
A mini-ram intake like the TPiS part would be a good buy. You didn't say how far you are wiling (or able) to dig into the motor, but adding a cam and lifter package will be another help to boost power. Some people will also go with aftermarket roller rockers but these may require some clearance work on the valve covers.
04-19-2018, 01:26 PM
#7
I agree. When you are looking to make power, you have to have an open mind to spend money.
I always refer to it this way... the sbc you have with the best pump parts to still be streetable with the parts below will almost ALWAYS make 425hp. Results on that number depend on parts spec selection.
Proven results for decades.
Shorter intake
injectors
Heads
cam
1-3/4" headers, true dual exhaust
Tune
IMO the car can take about that much hp too, before things get "tested"
I always refer to it this way... the sbc you have with the best pump parts to still be streetable with the parts below will almost ALWAYS make 425hp. Results on that number depend on parts spec selection.
Proven results for decades.
Shorter intake
injectors
Heads
cam
1-3/4" headers, true dual exhaust
Tune
IMO the car can take about that much hp too, before things get "tested"
Last edited by pologreen1; 04-19-2018 at 01:26 PM.
04-19-2018, 07:43 PM
#8
The tpi intake manifold is the biggest restriction on your motor. Until you address that everything else will show minimal gains. If you search this forum for 300 hp l98 threads you will find a bunch of people who have gone down this path, including my own thread where I added over 100 hp to my 91 on a very tight budget. No offense but from the parts you have listed you haven't done much reading on the forum.
04-19-2018, 08:44 PM
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I’ve read on the forum for only a few days to get to what I know today but it’s not that easy to search and sift through to find the right info. I’ve learned more from this thread than I having mulling through posts for hours. Kind of the point of posting the question. Thanks for the info. From Michigan btw for the other response, will add more detail to my profile soon. Thanks for everyone’s insight!
04-20-2018, 12:24 AM
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St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
You can buy all the bolt-on parts to make it breath.
But you'll still have that EPA regulated cam in there.
But you'll still have that EPA regulated cam in there.