!!!horesepower under $500!!!
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Selma Texas
!!!horesepower under $500!!!
Hey there, I have a 94 and I would like to know some of the things some of you have done to your vette to add HORSEPOWER that are somewhat in-expensive, not too much conversion, and most important under $500. And also how hard was it to do it. THANX
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 5
From: Charlotte NC
Roller Rockers are a good upgrade 
I haven't done mine yet, but here's a good link:
http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_07...e_install.html
I haven't done mine yet, but here's a good link:
http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_07...e_install.html
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
From: middle of Illinois
Cut the airbox lid, replace the resonator with an x pipe, and install 1.6 roller rockers. I've read about guys breaking stock LT1 valve springs with 1.6 roller rockers, but I've had mine set up that way and ran the hell out of it for a few years now without breaking anything. It may go over the $500 mark depending how much you want done to the exhaust (convenient time to do performance mufflers or get rid of the cats, too) but these three fairly cheap mods work well together.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
From: middle of Illinois
Although I don't use it, nitrous is hard to beat in "bang for the buck." And even a new 100 hp kit shouldn't run much over $500, maybe $700 all told if you install it yourself. Most guys here will tell you "whatever your budget is, double it" anyway, so $700 on a $500 budget isn't too far off... Anyway, happy hotrodding, and be advised that when it comes to horsepower too much is never enough.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 5
From: Charlotte NC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,678
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta Georgia
Roller Rockers are a good upgrade
I haven't done mine yet, but here's a good link:
http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_07...e_install.html
I haven't done mine yet, but here's a good link:
http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_07...e_install.html
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Congrats on the '94
The biggest factor is simply this, who is doing the work? If the anwer is you, the door is wide open for all kinds of stuff. If the answer is mechanic in a shop, you're pretty limited at $500, as the labor rate is typically $85 - $90 an hour.
Now if you don't mind used, you might get an exhaust. If you look hard enough you might find someone selling an aftermarket for this price. Another exhaust option is to find a used LT4 set up. The pipes are 2.75 as opposed to 2.5.
I haven't done it, yet, but alot of people recommend changing rear end gears. I think you have the Dana 36, unless it's a manual, then you have the Dana 44. The '36 will go up to a 3:73 and the '44 will hold a 4:10, as I understand it.
As we speak I am having the Hotcam installed in LT4. The cost of the cam itself was under $300. You'll need springs and would want the rollers (1:6) if you went this route. The whole kit sells for $500 + At Summit. If you do the work yourself it's pretty cheap, but GM Service manual puts it at 16hrs. I live in an apartment so I would get the boot if I tried to do it myself. Luck for me my brother works at a dealership and the family rate is $40 hr.
The biggest factor is simply this, who is doing the work? If the anwer is you, the door is wide open for all kinds of stuff. If the answer is mechanic in a shop, you're pretty limited at $500, as the labor rate is typically $85 - $90 an hour.
Now if you don't mind used, you might get an exhaust. If you look hard enough you might find someone selling an aftermarket for this price. Another exhaust option is to find a used LT4 set up. The pipes are 2.75 as opposed to 2.5.
I haven't done it, yet, but alot of people recommend changing rear end gears. I think you have the Dana 36, unless it's a manual, then you have the Dana 44. The '36 will go up to a 3:73 and the '44 will hold a 4:10, as I understand it.
As we speak I am having the Hotcam installed in LT4. The cost of the cam itself was under $300. You'll need springs and would want the rollers (1:6) if you went this route. The whole kit sells for $500 + At Summit. If you do the work yourself it's pretty cheap, but GM Service manual puts it at 16hrs. I live in an apartment so I would get the boot if I tried to do it myself. Luck for me my brother works at a dealership and the family rate is $40 hr.