What Should I Do Next for Performance
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 174
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From: Lithia FL
What Should I Do Next for Performance
Had my first vette now ('88 35th Anniversary) for couple weeks. Based on the suggestions here I have changed all fluids, serviced the tranny and other 20 year old car precautions. Interior and Exterior are excellent and previous owner installed nice exhaust.
My question what would be my next best choices for performance mods. I'm mostly looking for engine and drivetrain performance as the suspension is tight. Mileage is 46K.
I have seen the HyperTech chips, I've read the cold air induction needs ALOT of other mods to be of benefit. I realize there is probably no magic bullet here but I would like to build a wish/To do list.
Thanks for always the great education.
Bob
'88 35th Anniversary #114
'01 SuperGlide
'99 Ford Escort (My Chick Magnet)
My question what would be my next best choices for performance mods. I'm mostly looking for engine and drivetrain performance as the suspension is tight. Mileage is 46K.
I have seen the HyperTech chips, I've read the cold air induction needs ALOT of other mods to be of benefit. I realize there is probably no magic bullet here but I would like to build a wish/To do list.
Thanks for always the great education.
Bob
'88 35th Anniversary #114
'01 SuperGlide
'99 Ford Escort (My Chick Magnet)
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
perfect. although it sounds as if his catback is already covered; however, this is more of a visual/sound preference than any performance measure. also, please completely ignore any commercial mass-produced chip. when its time for a custom chip, my suggestion is to contact alvin anderson at www.pcmforless.com he has an excellent reputation here and everywhere else, and his life is devoted to tuning.
Last edited by Red Tornado; Mar 14, 2007 at 09:33 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 19
Bob,
Transmissions are my bag, therefore I am swayed toward these mods. If you have an auto trans, a torque converter will improve seat of the pants accelleration. Depending on the engine combo you ultimately run, it may not yield huge 1/4 mile improvments (on a stock type package), but could add quite a bit on a modded car.
A shift kit is also nice, if you are looking to firm and tighten up the shifts.
Transmissions are my bag, therefore I am swayed toward these mods. If you have an auto trans, a torque converter will improve seat of the pants accelleration. Depending on the engine combo you ultimately run, it may not yield huge 1/4 mile improvments (on a stock type package), but could add quite a bit on a modded car.
A shift kit is also nice, if you are looking to firm and tighten up the shifts.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 3
From: Citrus Heights California
Bob, I guess you are interested in mods that don't effect the cars value. Do you want to keep it stock or are you planning on building a 1/4 mile machine? If I had a 35th anniversary Vette; I would keep it original. I would only do bolt ons that can be easily reversed, in case you decide to sell it. A K&N filter and a cut lid with catbacks will increase airflow. You could port your plenum and add a custom chip. Remove your frisbee. These mods will give you added performance and can easily be reversed.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Bob,
Transmissions are my bag, therefore I am swayed toward these mods. If you have an auto trans, a torque converter will improve seat of the pants accelleration. Depending on the engine combo you ultimately run, it may not yield huge 1/4 mile improvments (on a stock type package), but could add quite a bit on a modded car.
A shift kit is also nice, if you are looking to firm and tighten up the shifts.
Transmissions are my bag, therefore I am swayed toward these mods. If you have an auto trans, a torque converter will improve seat of the pants accelleration. Depending on the engine combo you ultimately run, it may not yield huge 1/4 mile improvments (on a stock type package), but could add quite a bit on a modded car.
A shift kit is also nice, if you are looking to firm and tighten up the shifts.
Does the lockup have any performance benefit at all, or is it purely just for cruise? Do you ever want to lock at WOT ?
-- Joe
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
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Whats your take on converter lockup? I've been reading a lot of generic posts on thirdgen about when to lock the converter up.. How do you feel?
Does the lockup have any performance benefit at all, or is it purely just for cruise? Do you ever want to lock at WOT ?
-- Joe
Does the lockup have any performance benefit at all, or is it purely just for cruise? Do you ever want to lock at WOT ?
-- Joe
Some guys claim et improvements by locking the converter somewhere around 90 mph in the 1/4. I have experimented quite a bit on my own car and gained nothing. The best friction I am aware of is rated at 500 hp. If you are exceeding that number and lock the converter under full throttle, you can easily hurt it over the long run.
Gm did not have performance in mind regarding lock up, purely a rpm drop/gas saving thing. It also lowers trans temp considerably. I personally, would never eliminate it (lock up) as some do.
I would imagine that the multi-disc lock up converters would be a different matter all together. I have zero first hand experience with one though. The advertising hype is all the info I have about them.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Lithia FL
Thanks everyone, good reading..To answer one of the questions yes I want to keep it mostly stock and prefer mods I can do externally to the drivetrain that don't require a teardown.($ and my skill lacking)
I should have been more specific I'm looking for more fun in the seat of the pants feel, no race cars or 1000hp show cars in my budget.
Thanks again
Bob
I should have been more specific I'm looking for more fun in the seat of the pants feel, no race cars or 1000hp show cars in my budget.
Thanks again
Bob
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Joe,
Some guys claim et improvements by locking the converter somewhere around 90 mph in the 1/4. I have experimented quite a bit on my own car and gained nothing. The best friction I am aware of is rated at 500 hp. If you are exceeding that number and lock the converter under full throttle, you can easily hurt it over the long run.
Gm did not have performance in mind regarding lock up, purely a rpm drop/gas saving thing. It also lowers trans temp considerably. I personally, would never eliminate it (lock up) as some do.
I would imagine that the multi-disc lock up converters would be a different matter all together. I have zero first hand experience with one though. The advertising hype is all the info I have about them.
Some guys claim et improvements by locking the converter somewhere around 90 mph in the 1/4. I have experimented quite a bit on my own car and gained nothing. The best friction I am aware of is rated at 500 hp. If you are exceeding that number and lock the converter under full throttle, you can easily hurt it over the long run.
Gm did not have performance in mind regarding lock up, purely a rpm drop/gas saving thing. It also lowers trans temp considerably. I personally, would never eliminate it (lock up) as some do.
I would imagine that the multi-disc lock up converters would be a different matter all together. I have zero first hand experience with one though. The advertising hype is all the info I have about them.
hrmm..
-- Joe
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 281
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From: Urbana OH
JMO
Semper Fi
