Best 'simple' LT1 mods....
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Middle of the United Kingdom
Best 'simple' LT1 mods....
Hi all!
Previously owned an 86 L98 C4, which was a great piece of kit but wasn't quite rapid enough (it's a downhill slope!).
As such, I've upgraded to a '95 LT1 now and while I miss the digidash and the more bucketed seats of the '86, I'm very happy with it!
Anyway, I was looking to do a few simple things on it (including a full service soon) and was wondering what you'd recommend as the best 'simple' mods to carry out - this is what I was thinking of:
- Cut filter lid (I assume it's actually worth doing?)
- Decent oiled K&N filter
- Throttle body aerofoil (regardless of gains or not...)
I'm guessing the LT1s are in excellent fettle from the factory anyway and any boltons are going to have a negligible effect, if any but what can I say! I want to tinker
The car in question:
What's the situation on exhausts with the LT1 as well - I did a lot of reading on here and came to the conclusion that they're pretty good and not really worth messing with - but it doesn't quite have that burble to it that I'd like (for intimidating pedestrians!) - I was maybe thinking about a pair of electric cutouts just after the cats (or something, not looked underneath yet!).....
Thanks!
Any input appreciated!
Previously owned an 86 L98 C4, which was a great piece of kit but wasn't quite rapid enough (it's a downhill slope!).
As such, I've upgraded to a '95 LT1 now and while I miss the digidash and the more bucketed seats of the '86, I'm very happy with it!
Anyway, I was looking to do a few simple things on it (including a full service soon) and was wondering what you'd recommend as the best 'simple' mods to carry out - this is what I was thinking of:
- Cut filter lid (I assume it's actually worth doing?)
- Decent oiled K&N filter
- Throttle body aerofoil (regardless of gains or not...)
I'm guessing the LT1s are in excellent fettle from the factory anyway and any boltons are going to have a negligible effect, if any but what can I say! I want to tinker
The car in question:
What's the situation on exhausts with the LT1 as well - I did a lot of reading on here and came to the conclusion that they're pretty good and not really worth messing with - but it doesn't quite have that burble to it that I'd like (for intimidating pedestrians!) - I was maybe thinking about a pair of electric cutouts just after the cats (or something, not looked underneath yet!).....
Thanks!
Any input appreciated!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 86
From: O'Fallon Missouri
Looks lie a sharp new ride. 
As you've stated, the LT1 runs pretty well from the factory. Most simple mods really don't add much HP.
Headers or 1.6 roller rockers will give you a nice little gain. But, are a little more involved than just a simple bolt-on.
As you've stated, the LT1 runs pretty well from the factory. Most simple mods really don't add much HP.
Headers or 1.6 roller rockers will give you a nice little gain. But, are a little more involved than just a simple bolt-on.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Middle of the United Kingdom
Thanks - that's pretty much what I thought. The 1.6 rockers do sound quite interesting though and I've got access to full workshop facilities.
I think I will try a 'performance' filter though - I'm emailed a company called ITG over here who specialise in performance filters, whilst reputedly maintaining filtration, to get one made up for the LT1 as they only supply L98s off the shelf (so they said).
The only reason it interests me is that one of the club members over here runs an L98 with an ITG filter and a few other mods and states that whilst it made no noticeable power increase, the car did feel better at the top end and also gained a few MPG (about 2/3 over his previous averages).
I'll mull over it for a bit anyway.
Thanks for the comment RE the car, yea, she's a lovely bit of kit! Alloys need refurbing but I won't do that till after winter. Going to go for a bit of machine polishing I think!
I think I will try a 'performance' filter though - I'm emailed a company called ITG over here who specialise in performance filters, whilst reputedly maintaining filtration, to get one made up for the LT1 as they only supply L98s off the shelf (so they said).
The only reason it interests me is that one of the club members over here runs an L98 with an ITG filter and a few other mods and states that whilst it made no noticeable power increase, the car did feel better at the top end and also gained a few MPG (about 2/3 over his previous averages).
I'll mull over it for a bit anyway.
Thanks for the comment RE the car, yea, she's a lovely bit of kit! Alloys need refurbing but I won't do that till after winter. Going to go for a bit of machine polishing I think!
Last edited by Lashout_UK; Nov 12, 2007 at 01:33 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 1
From: Santa Maria CA
If you want a bit more HP/TQ install a X-pipe, maybe 5 hp. The stock mufflers are sweet units already but can be upgraded to bigger straight throught mufflers. Might only gain 5-10hp from mufflers but its simple.
Air lid isn't really effective,K&N fitler is worth it just cause the fact of its reusalbe but perforamance isn't noticed or really even felt.
LT1's are pretty stout factory unless you want to port your heads,rockers,cam and tune. I'd say enjoy!
Air lid isn't really effective,K&N fitler is worth it just cause the fact of its reusalbe but perforamance isn't noticed or really even felt.
LT1's are pretty stout factory unless you want to port your heads,rockers,cam and tune. I'd say enjoy!
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
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From: Middletown, DE
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 674
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From: Mesa AZ
I just got my car a month or so ago, so haven't had time for any mods yet; however, the first two I am going to do are the Throttle Body bypass, and the electric water pump.
Both are fairly easy, and each one is supposed to yield about 5 HP, and similar TQ. I can use both those mods to help lower my engine temps, as well, but that shouldn't be a concern for you.
Everything I have read concerning filters tells me to stick with stock, unless you heavily mod your engine.
Both are fairly easy, and each one is supposed to yield about 5 HP, and similar TQ. I can use both those mods to help lower my engine temps, as well, but that shouldn't be a concern for you.
Everything I have read concerning filters tells me to stick with stock, unless you heavily mod your engine.
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From: Maryville Tn
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '23
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Thanks for sharing the pic of the new Vette (I get a bang of seeing the C4 with the european spec lighting). As far as modding it, I'd leave it alone. Enjoy your car! 
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: O'Fallon Missouri
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,215
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From: Lafayette LA
St. Jude Donor '09
yeha i would like to see the chart .. cause that makes more power than my lt4 does ..
and i may now need to do the same thing to my motor
and i may now need to do the same thing to my motor
Last edited by kylebuck89; Nov 12, 2007 at 08:26 PM. Reason: cause it sounded like i was being a prick
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
Same mods on mine (without MAF mod). Have never put it on a dyno, but it's a very noticable improvement. I drove an LT4 equipped CE a few weeks back. Thought my car ran better.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
Check out my website for a few simple mods for C4s.
I had the cut filter lid, the air-foil, TB bypass, 160 therm, fan over ride switch and a Corsa cat back system. (I would NOT recomend the cat back system) and my car ran a 13.5 consistantly. Nothing really exceptional, but 2 tenths faster than it was bone stock.
I had the cut filter lid, the air-foil, TB bypass, 160 therm, fan over ride switch and a Corsa cat back system. (I would NOT recomend the cat back system) and my car ran a 13.5 consistantly. Nothing really exceptional, but 2 tenths faster than it was bone stock.
Last edited by warren s; Nov 13, 2007 at 07:33 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
All above mods are good-to-go.
Whatever you do, save your money and do not buy an airfoil.
Whatever you do, save your money and do not buy an airfoil.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Daleville Indiana
St. Jude Donor '08
Le Mans Master
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From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Very nice looking Vette you have there. My 95 is equiped the same as yours just a different color.
For the burble you want you'll need a nice set of long tube headers. Don't waste your money on a cat back system because the stock one is quite free flowing up to the volume put out by a 400HP engine.
The 1.6 roller rockers are a good mod as is the LT4 Hot Cam kit. The kit is nice because it comes with springs & retainers as well as the roller rockers.
PS do not put too much oil on your K&N as the oil can get on the wires of your maf and really ruin your engine performance .. ask me how I know.
For the burble you want you'll need a nice set of long tube headers. Don't waste your money on a cat back system because the stock one is quite free flowing up to the volume put out by a 400HP engine.
The 1.6 roller rockers are a good mod as is the LT4 Hot Cam kit. The kit is nice because it comes with springs & retainers as well as the roller rockers.
PS do not put too much oil on your K&N as the oil can get on the wires of your maf and really ruin your engine performance .. ask me how I know.
Last edited by Mr. Peabody; Nov 13, 2007 at 07:51 PM.
