Performance packs and options.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: Coatesville PA
Performance packs and options.
Hey all. Im probably easily the youngest here at age 19 and decided to go with something a little more classy then the a rice rocket and bought a 94 corvette. Although most will say you dont buy a vette for the gas thats an outdated way of thinking as a trip to penn state got me over 28 mpg on the turnpike. So im looking for performance mods that wont kill, if not help, me on gas as well. Right now im planning the vortex rammer intake along with the straight through tubing in front of and behind the MAS, pace setter headers, and magnaflow mufflers followed by a computer tune at a place I've already found. Figure sucking air in easier and faster and spitting it out with less back pressure should bump me up almost 50hp and about 2 miles to a gallon. Any experineces with these or replacement parts that seem to work better then the ones I've chosen? Remember im 19 so im definitly looking at some sort of budget here but I'll listen to any advice. Thanks in advance. McGirk
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Save your money on the vortex. Its junk.
Modifying the MAF sensor on an LT1 doesnt help like it will an L98, I'd leave it alone. Some LT1 owners have even lost ET from doing it.
No, you wouldnt get 50hp even if you did all this, but hwy mileage could improve with proper exhaust work. I would not expect as much as 2mpg however, unless you have a cat blockage.
Modifying the MAF sensor on an LT1 doesnt help like it will an L98, I'd leave it alone. Some LT1 owners have even lost ET from doing it.
No, you wouldnt get 50hp even if you did all this, but hwy mileage could improve with proper exhaust work. I would not expect as much as 2mpg however, unless you have a cat blockage.
Last edited by vader86; Mar 24, 2008 at 11:07 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 20
From: Ontario
I can tell you, you aren't the youngest here, there are some younger ones.
As for the mods the vortex ram air- from what I've heard only for looks, the stock intake works fine for getting air in, maybe a cut lid but even that is debatable.
headers- long tube headers seem to be popular, they make ~20chp from what I've heard
tune- Always a good idea after any mod
however I think the mods you listed wont get you near a 50hp increase just my $0.02
Vader got there first, I'd listen to him, his site has helped me out a lot in my ventures.
As for the mods the vortex ram air- from what I've heard only for looks, the stock intake works fine for getting air in, maybe a cut lid but even that is debatable.
headers- long tube headers seem to be popular, they make ~20chp from what I've heard
tune- Always a good idea after any mod
however I think the mods you listed wont get you near a 50hp increase just my $0.02
Vader got there first, I'd listen to him, his site has helped me out a lot in my ventures.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 6
From: St Marys GA
If I were you, I would focus on the entire exhaust system first. Get a quality set of long-tube (LT) headers along with high-flow cats and an exhaust system (Magnaflow is fine). That will probably get you 20-30 hp, a nice exhaust tone, and better gas mileage (if you can keep your foot out of it!)
For headers, Hooker is probably the cheapest decent set you can get. Their uncoated go for maybe $400.
For headers, Hooker is probably the cheapest decent set you can get. Their uncoated go for maybe $400.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: Coatesville PA
Yeah I kinda knew 50hp was a bit opptimistic. Im trying to keep the emmisions people happy so i was probably just gonna go with shorty headers for now. Vortex seems like the best out the for the slight ram air effect plus i was maybe gonna aim to get the big mouth air damn put on eventually and the SLP claw from what I hear just sucks in hot air from the engine bay and hurts more then helps. The actual MAS i wasnt gonna change but the ribbed rubber tubing between it and the throttle body i was gonna change to the straight through smooth design. 1.6 roller rockers and hi flow cats are the only other relatively cheap/simple things ive thought of that could give me a boost here and there. All in all ive found all that i mentioned (minus the rockers and cats)for about $800. Wanted to work on this progressively and keep the mods under $2000 if I could but im very open to suggestion. Thanks again
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
Yeah I kinda knew 50hp was a bit opptimistic. Im trying to keep the emmisions people happy so i was probably just gonna go with shorty headers for now. Vortex seems like the best out the for the slight ram air effect plus i was maybe gonna aim to get the big mouth air damn put on eventually and the SLP claw from what I hear just sucks in hot air from the engine bay and hurts more then helps. The actual MAS i wasnt gonna change but the ribbed rubber tubing between it and the throttle body i was gonna change to the straight through smooth design. 1.6 roller rockers and hi flow cats are the only other relatively cheap/simple things ive thought of that could give me a boost here and there. All in all ive found all that i mentioned (minus the rockers and cats)for about $800. Wanted to work on this progressively and keep the mods under $2000 if I could but im very open to suggestion. Thanks again
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland OHIO
Forget the ram air set up, it doesn't do squat. Shorty headers don't do anything either except look cool while adding MAYBE 5-7chp. These cars do not have 300chp by accident, GM actually put some thought into them 
A set of long tube headers hi flow cats and an X pipe will get you a solid 30chp. A set of 1.6 roller rockers and a GOOD tune will help as well without beating up your mileage numbers and be within your budget. I say this without any sarcasm intended young man, the BOGUS horsepower claims adverrtised for the CRAP sold for our Corvettes are just that. BOGUS claims for CRAP from people who are trying to profit from you.
A set of long tube headers hi flow cats and an X pipe will get you a solid 30chp. A set of 1.6 roller rockers and a GOOD tune will help as well without beating up your mileage numbers and be within your budget. I say this without any sarcasm intended young man, the BOGUS horsepower claims adverrtised for the CRAP sold for our Corvettes are just that. BOGUS claims for CRAP from people who are trying to profit from you.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
On LT1s, the exhaust is pretty good. Dont waste money on shorty headers, 5-7hp is about the best you'll get. Your cats are already unrestrictive, so leave them alone. Removing them altogether would only net about 5hp on a stock engine.
If you do anything, do full headers, and that will probably necessitate buying bullit cats to make everything fit.
Forget the ram air idea, and the straight tubing is a waste of money and time. I dont have a problem with the BigMouth, but I look at it as a cooling mod rather than a real performance mod. Wait to do that much later.
For $2000 I'd get a longtube set, maybe a new catback, and if you can do some work yourself, a hotcam kit with 1.6RR and then do the custom tune. Otherwise save for the cam later.
If you do anything, do full headers, and that will probably necessitate buying bullit cats to make everything fit.
Forget the ram air idea, and the straight tubing is a waste of money and time. I dont have a problem with the BigMouth, but I look at it as a cooling mod rather than a real performance mod. Wait to do that much later.
For $2000 I'd get a longtube set, maybe a new catback, and if you can do some work yourself, a hotcam kit with 1.6RR and then do the custom tune. Otherwise save for the cam later.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: Coatesville PA
Thanks again for everyones advice. And your right, as my dad put it chevy got just about every ounce of power out of that engine they could so i know all the things mentioned are only adding on 5 or 10 here and there but it all adds up. And dont worry, after 4 years of waiting and a year a half of saving up for a down payment so that i could live somewhat comfortably now, I know exactly what I've bought. Like i said though not a big fan of my generation and for its price, no new *** or even american car out there can even come close to it. thanks all
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: DrunkDefender
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Longtube headers, catback, high flow cats.
The 1.6 RR are a great mod if you dont plan on a cam swap.
Get those in and then get a good tune, not a hypertech.
Also consider an electric water pump.
The vortex, SLP, etc intakes are useless. Get a KN drop in filter and cut the lid.
The 1.6 RR are a great mod if you dont plan on a cam swap.
Get those in and then get a good tune, not a hypertech.
Also consider an electric water pump.
The vortex, SLP, etc intakes are useless. Get a KN drop in filter and cut the lid.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,283
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Hey all. Im probably easily the youngest here at age 19 and decided to go with something a little more classy then the a rice rocket and bought a 94 corvette. Although most will say you dont buy a vette for the gas thats an outdated way of thinking as a trip to penn state got me over 28 mpg on the turnpike. So im looking for performance mods that wont kill, if not help, me on gas as well. Right now im planning the vortex rammer intake along with the straight through tubing in front of and behind the MAS, pace setter headers, and magnaflow mufflers followed by a computer tune at a place I've already found. Figure sucking air in easier and faster and spitting it out with less back pressure should bump me up almost 50hp and about 2 miles to a gallon. Any experineces with these or replacement parts that seem to work better then the ones I've chosen? Remember im 19 so im definitly looking at some sort of budget here but I'll listen to any advice. Thanks in advance. McGirk
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I would leave the exhaust alone on a LT1, like others have said its pretty good. So good that some have even put them on L98 cars The air intake isnt gonna do much either as the C4's come with a decent intake system already.
If it were me i'd probably go with a set of 1.6 roller rockers, some nice mufflers, and a tune. That might net you as much as 20-25 HP. To get more serious power you'll have to dig into the engine, which I wouldnt recommend right now. Just drive it and enjoy!
The air intake isnt gonna do much either as the C4's come with a decent intake system already.If it were me i'd probably go with a set of 1.6 roller rockers, some nice mufflers, and a tune. That might net you as much as 20-25 HP. To get more serious power you'll have to dig into the engine, which I wouldnt recommend right now. Just drive it and enjoy!
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MA
leave it stock for a few months, this time will let you discover what you really want.
PS i got my second vette at 19 and 3 months (also when i found CF)
your not the youngest but pretty good nice to see another young guy
PS i got my second vette at 19 and 3 months (also when i found CF)
your not the youngest but pretty good nice to see another young guy
Last edited by rube1975; Mar 25, 2008 at 11:02 PM.