C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

market for 85

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Old Apr 27, 2007 | 07:59 PM
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Default market for 85

hi everyone im new to this site and im looking to get an 85 vette, i dont care about the options because i want to make it custom. my question is what should i buy for a solid drive train that can handle 400HP. will and lt1 fit in an 85. ive done some research and it seems the zf-6 is the transmission to get. what kind of rear end come with the vette and what is a better aftermarket one?
thank you...
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Old Apr 27, 2007 | 08:21 PM
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Welcome, you are basically buying a '85 and trying to convert it to a '92. My advice, buy a '92 with a ZF6 transmission. It has what you want.
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Old Apr 27, 2007 | 10:41 PM
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thank you badduck.... the reason i want the 85 is because of the front grille(they changed it in 91?) and in 86 the govt mandated rear brake lights that wasnt part of the taillights
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Old Apr 27, 2007 | 11:12 PM
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not to mention the '86 also has ABS. Sorry but I never liked ABS on my sports cars.
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 12:52 AM
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Hello,

Two members on this site have a wealth of info in regards to the task you are considering. They are Vader86 and Central Coaster. They have info on homepages of theirs that you could use. There are others as well that have great info as well , however you may want to start there.

MDred85
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 03:36 AM
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The 85 is a good car, but if you are going to put a newer engine in then that is OK,,, a newer engine will need a different ECM after 1989,,,

And as far as the ZF, I would get a Keisler tranny instead of a ZF. The ZF has finicky clutch hydraulics and is a weird PULL style of clutch instead of a PUSH type.

The stick cars have a DANA 44 and the auto's have an DANA 36/weaker rear end.
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by 4Ever21
not to mention the '86 also has ABS. Sorry but I never liked ABS on my sports cars.
I understand on the ABS, frankly I never think about grilles or tail lights.

If you really want THAT year, and want a true sports car, buy a 1985 Z51.
It will have the 4+3 tranny and D44 rear end. You can put a LT1 in it, or build the old iron head to make LT1 power. The 4+3 can be replaced by a ZF with some work.
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 09:05 AM
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Are you going to drag race it? if you are the Dana44 may not hold up against the hit when you pop the clutch. For consistant drag racing with reliability you should go with a Dana44 and an automatic.

Go for 85 with 4+3 and change tranny to auto if you will be drag racing.

You will be amazed what an 85's ecm with a chip can do, mine is a stock 85 ecm with a custom chip.
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To market for 85

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