85 TPI build up
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: bethany OK
85 TPI build up
Hey yall, Im a new and proud owner of a 85 vette, my 1st vette 
Im excited to start building up the motor, The Tpi motor is original and tired, It really doesnt make much power anymore with 132k miles. Im going to pull the motor and build it up. I have a around 5k to work with. Think I can get about 450+ hp out of it? Id like to upgrade w/o changing the wiring harness. Looking for a good combo for what i have to work with? I sure would like to replace that old intake with like a mini ram and some new heads. Any help or suggestions would be awesome. The car is completly stock.
Im excited to start building up the motor, The Tpi motor is original and tired, It really doesnt make much power anymore with 132k miles. Im going to pull the motor and build it up. I have a around 5k to work with. Think I can get about 450+ hp out of it? Id like to upgrade w/o changing the wiring harness. Looking for a good combo for what i have to work with? I sure would like to replace that old intake with like a mini ram and some new heads. Any help or suggestions would be awesome. The car is completly stock.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
You are in luck. What you are looking to do has been done here 100's of times. I built my combo for torque, but many, many good threads about rpm combo's. Use the advanced search feature for days of reading.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
5000 is not enough for whole motor though, might be possible but i doubt it, motor+heads+intake and plus tons of small accessories, oh u need to upgrade ur tranny too, may be pete k might help u in that ask him though.
Check my sig for mods, or go to sale section, i listed my combo there. Selling my car.
Check my sig for mods, or go to sale section, i listed my combo there. Selling my car.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: bethany OK
Nice combo sami. My trans is an automatic, ill need to upgrade it as well. I have been serching this site looking at all the threads on building a nice combo. Im going to go with 383ci, just trying to figure out what cam, intake, heads that would be that best bang for the buck, and where to order it lol. Honestly id be happy to get 400hp atleast. I would also like to keep the stock wiring harness if it can be done. Thanks for all the info guys. 
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 77
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From: taylor mill kentucky
I would do the tranny first. Especially if it is original. I just did a bunch of mods to the motor on my 85 and blew the transmission about 100 miles later.
Nothing like getting your motor dialed in and then not being able to drive it. Just my opinion. Definately talk to Petek about the tranny he will hook you up!
Nothing like getting your motor dialed in and then not being able to drive it. Just my opinion. Definately talk to Petek about the tranny he will hook you up!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Welcome to the Forum and Corvette addiction. 135,000 is not that much for that engine. I have 217,000 on mine currently and still going strong. I would expect the trans to be the first to go.
Check out Vader's web site, it has a wealth of info on engine builds. Suggest that you also practice using the "SEARCH" function (use the advanced option so you can also search archived information. I am currently putting down about 345 HP at the engine with stock cam and pistons and modifications listed below. You could do this within the $5000 if you do the work yourself.
Check out Vader's web site, it has a wealth of info on engine builds. Suggest that you also practice using the "SEARCH" function (use the advanced option so you can also search archived information. I am currently putting down about 345 HP at the engine with stock cam and pistons and modifications listed below. You could do this within the $5000 if you do the work yourself.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 33
From: Chicago IL
the o.e.m. 85 block, crank and rods can handle 450 hp w/o a problem. You can get 400 hp out of a 355 (using stock parts, less pistons...get some forged lighweight j.e. pistons) and get 400 to 450 hp very reliably. Make sure to use APR bolts EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 39
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From: bethany OK
Yeah I might just save allot of headache and money going with a 355, my buddy says 383 is the way to go but then ill have to get a new crank and have the block cut to fit it.. what type of cam, intake, and heads should i get to push the 355 to 400+hp?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 33
From: Chicago IL
Depends on what you want....a long runner tpi style intake can make 400 crank hp and even more flywheel torque. You will need a 52mm throttle body, ported plenum, large tube runners, and a aftermarket base manifold (maybe ported too, maybe not), new heads (go for aluminum), headers, cam (go flat tappet or you will need to purchase a retro hyd. roller cam kit, or get a newer hyd. roller cam block.), headers, cat back, chip, torque converter, and a trans overhaul and some new injectors, valvetrain components, etc, etc, etc. Another solid 400hp manifold is the lpe super ram, although a royal pain in the *** to install.
You can also got 400+ crank horsepower with a miniram, carb type manifold converted for fuel injecton, etc.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Yes, you will need more money. Besides engine you need a transmission to handle it and a gear ratio to use it. Do "all" the work yourself and don't be skeared of taking things apart and you can do it for not a whole lot more than 5000. Maybe 6 0r 7
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 39
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From: bethany OK
Im taking it to the muffler shop tommorrow, should I just take the original cat off? I dont want to replace it and im not worried about emmisions would it help performance allot? Im getting the old mufflers replaced with some flowmasters to start but which kind are best? It sounds horriable right now with it looks like the stock mufflers. Truth of the matter is I bought this car form 52 year old women that owned the car for 16 years, she never did anything to it besides get it painted. 
