1996 LT4 Upgrade Questions..??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,339
Likes: 137
From: WilkesBarre PA
Under the pass side headlight. And actually it's a 6T. I bought it for the vibration and extra weather protection. My rev limiter is in the computer so that wasn't needed.
Last edited by RichS; Oct 18, 2010 at 06:47 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas Nevada
I have an MSD Distributor in my '93. Works great. The only reason I went MSD is to gain a vented Opti which '94-'96 already have. If I had a '94-'96 LT1/4 engine I would have gone with genuine GM/Delco distributor no question. The vented Opti's are much improved over the earlier non vented unit. I also would not waste my money on MSD wires, coils, etc. I went with Taylor wires. Great quality. I would replace the coil with another GM coil if it died.
That said, the Opti from my '93 had 100K on it when I pulled it out. While it was due for a cap/rotor the remainder of the unit looked to be in very good shape internally.
I think horror stories of the Opti are grossly over exaggerated.
That said, the Opti from my '93 had 100K on it when I pulled it out. While it was due for a cap/rotor the remainder of the unit looked to be in very good shape internally.
I think horror stories of the Opti are grossly over exaggerated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: In a van down by the river! Florida
That may make the difference, the only real positive 6AL or Digial installs I've seen have all been mounted in the cockpit
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,096
Likes: 153
From: "Atlanta" Ga.
If I was still modding, that is the first thing I would do to my current LT4
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
If you're looking for for "showroom floor" performance, put the tuff on it it had when it was on the showroom. Really, unless it is damaged, you do not need to replace the whole opti. A cap and rotor (AC/Delco) will do fine at half the cost. Water pump is a good idea right now, as you're paying to have it taken off and put back on, might as well have them put a new one back on, no additional labor cost. Plugs and wires of course. Warning, the MSD Superconductors 8.5 mm are great wires, but they will not fit in the factory looms (which probably break in the changing process anyway). As far as the exhaust, unless you're looking to change the sound, don't waste your money. The LTx exhaust system is pretty good as is. The only real gain there, is in long tube headers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 196
From: folsom california
I would replace the fuel filter (located on the passenger side frame rail near the catalytic converter); they don't seemed to get replaced very often. a clogged filter can, of course, restrict fuel to the engine, but a more insidious side effect is that as the filter cloggs, even with no adverse effects on the engine, the load on the fuel pump keeps increasing as it has to pump harder and harder to push the fuel through the filter.
If you are looking for "show room new performance" I would possibly rethink replacing the stock exhaust with the (very) large diameter system you've purchased. Not that it won't work, of course it will. But I predict that it will also be VERY loud. I rode in a top down 92 convertible with a 3 inch exhaust and it was loud...the owner claimed it was undrivable with the top up. On my own car, a previous owner had replaced the stock exhaust with a flowmaster system (2&1/2 inch, reasonator delete, short two chamber mufflers); not only was loud, but worse, there was a drone at cruising speed that was unbearable. I replaced it with a corsa system which has worked out very well but was (is) expensive.
If my car had a stock exhaust I would probably have left it in place and spent the money elsewhere.
good luck, let us know how your project progresses
If you are looking for "show room new performance" I would possibly rethink replacing the stock exhaust with the (very) large diameter system you've purchased. Not that it won't work, of course it will. But I predict that it will also be VERY loud. I rode in a top down 92 convertible with a 3 inch exhaust and it was loud...the owner claimed it was undrivable with the top up. On my own car, a previous owner had replaced the stock exhaust with a flowmaster system (2&1/2 inch, reasonator delete, short two chamber mufflers); not only was loud, but worse, there was a drone at cruising speed that was unbearable. I replaced it with a corsa system which has worked out very well but was (is) expensive.
If my car had a stock exhaust I would probably have left it in place and spent the money elsewhere.
good luck, let us know how your project progresses
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks mtwoolford
I would replace the fuel filter (located on the passenger side frame rail near the catalytic converter); they don't seemed to get replaced very often. a clogged filter can, of course, restrict fuel to the engine, but a more insidious side effect is that as the filter cloggs, even with no adverse effects on the engine, the load on the fuel pump keeps increasing as it has to pump harder and harder to push the fuel through the filter.
If you are looking for "show room new performance" I would possibly rethink replacing the stock exhaust with the (very) large diameter system you've purchased. Not that it won't work, of course it will. But I predict that it will also be VERY loud. I rode in a top down 92 convertible with a 3 inch exhaust and it was loud...the owner claimed it was undrivable with the top up. On my own car, a previous owner had replaced the stock exhaust with a flowmaster system (2&1/2 inch, reasonator delete, short two chamber mufflers); not only was loud, but worse, there was a drone at cruising speed that was unbearable. I replaced it with a corsa system which has worked out very well but was (is) expensive.
If my car had a stock exhaust I would probably have left it in place and spent the money elsewhere.
good luck, let us know how your project progresses
If you are looking for "show room new performance" I would possibly rethink replacing the stock exhaust with the (very) large diameter system you've purchased. Not that it won't work, of course it will. But I predict that it will also be VERY loud. I rode in a top down 92 convertible with a 3 inch exhaust and it was loud...the owner claimed it was undrivable with the top up. On my own car, a previous owner had replaced the stock exhaust with a flowmaster system (2&1/2 inch, reasonator delete, short two chamber mufflers); not only was loud, but worse, there was a drone at cruising speed that was unbearable. I replaced it with a corsa system which has worked out very well but was (is) expensive.
If my car had a stock exhaust I would probably have left it in place and spent the money elsewhere.
good luck, let us know how your project progresses
Thank you again for the great comments, and direction. I have nix'd the 6AL install because of all the horror stories I've head so far. As far as the clutch, the wk being done is justified. It's just not right.. and hasn't been for about a yr. My mech put the MSD distributor on, and is about to tackle the new plug wires. Did I hear correctly on here that they WILL NOT fit in the current "cage"..?? Also, I will of course will be doing the entire exhaust with the harmonic resonator installed with it. For those who say it going to be LOUD, ok. My goal is to bet better air in, and faster air out. I've heard the throaty ballsy sound, and I like that. It's not overwhelming, even at speed, no drone. BTW.. Last summer I spent moneys on all new weather stripping, headlight motors (copper gearing), starter, GM antenna kit, new brakes, AC compressor, and serpentine belt.
I bought this with 59k on it in 1999. With the nearly 140k on it, as sweet as I have treated her, waxing it twice a month was not an over estimate. I believe this is good money attempting to retain the showroom floor appearance AND performance. I might consider doing the 4 10 rear. Could you give me an idea what that by itself might cost me in parts and labor..??
I have posted a few pics
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
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Also, I will of course will be doing the entire exhaust with the harmonic resonator installed with it. For those who say it going to be LOUD, ok. My goal is to bet better air in, and faster air out. I've heard the throaty ballsy sound, and I like that. It's not overwhelming, even at speed, no drone.
I have posted a few pics
Also, I will of course will be doing the entire exhaust with the harmonic resonator installed with it. For those who say it going to be LOUD, ok. My goal is to bet better air in, and faster air out. I've heard the throaty ballsy sound, and I like that. It's not overwhelming, even at speed, no drone.
I have posted a few pics
Almost everyone else (not absolutely everyone ... but almost everyone) reports a very nasty drone with almost all of the aftermarket exhaust systems other than the corsa system.
Also I do not think that you will find any additional rearwheel HP gains by just replacing the stock exhaust. The stock exhaust is not preventing you from pumping more air through the system. For my hard earned money I would first look into puting on a good set of long tube headers rather than a new exhaust.
Best of luck and be sure to let us know how things turn out. Sounds like you've got a nice one
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
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Thank you again for the great comments, and direction. I have nix'd the 6AL install because of all the horror stories I've head so far. As far as the clutch, the wk being done is justified. It's just not right.. and hasn't been for about a yr. My mech put the MSD distributor on, and is about to tackle the new plug wires. Did I hear correctly on here that they WILL NOT fit in the current "cage"..?? Also, I will of course will be doing the entire exhaust with the harmonic resonator installed with it. For those who say it going to be LOUD, ok. My goal is to bet better air in, and faster air out. I've heard the throaty ballsy sound, and I like that. It's not overwhelming, even at speed, no drone. BTW.. Last summer I spent moneys on all new weather stripping, headlight motors (copper gearing), starter, GM antenna kit, new brakes, AC compressor, and serpentine belt.
I bought this with 59k on it in 1999. With the nearly 140k on it, as sweet as I have treated her, waxing it twice a month was not an over estimate. I believe this is good money attempting to retain the showroom floor appearance AND performance. I might consider doing the 4 10 rear. Could you give me an idea what that by itself might cost me in parts and labor..??
I have posted a few pics
Thank you again for the great comments, and direction. I have nix'd the 6AL install because of all the horror stories I've head so far. As far as the clutch, the wk being done is justified. It's just not right.. and hasn't been for about a yr. My mech put the MSD distributor on, and is about to tackle the new plug wires. Did I hear correctly on here that they WILL NOT fit in the current "cage"..?? Also, I will of course will be doing the entire exhaust with the harmonic resonator installed with it. For those who say it going to be LOUD, ok. My goal is to bet better air in, and faster air out. I've heard the throaty ballsy sound, and I like that. It's not overwhelming, even at speed, no drone. BTW.. Last summer I spent moneys on all new weather stripping, headlight motors (copper gearing), starter, GM antenna kit, new brakes, AC compressor, and serpentine belt.
I bought this with 59k on it in 1999. With the nearly 140k on it, as sweet as I have treated her, waxing it twice a month was not an over estimate. I believe this is good money attempting to retain the showroom floor appearance AND performance. I might consider doing the 4 10 rear. Could you give me an idea what that by itself might cost me in parts and labor..??
I have posted a few pics
UPDATE: My mechanic has now installed the magnaflow exhaust, the MSD distributor, the 8mm plug wires, and is about to install the Edelbrok 52mm I bought for it. QUESTION: If I get a cold air kit like the SLP, will that enhance/expedite the air more than the stock..??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 196
From: folsom california
I've done a lot of reading on the subject and there seems to be little that can be done to the air inlet system. Even K&N filter systems showed little, if any gain, over a stock, clean, air filter.
The one exception that showed documented gains, as advertised, was an enlarged MAF such as Granatelli sells; the housing is larger, reputedly able to flow 1,000 cfm, and deletes the stock screen. Essentially it is very similiar to the later C5 MAF. Most aftermarket vendors sell them.
If someone here on the forum has had experience with these MAFs, could they be kind enough to relate their experiences and thoughts on the matter ?
The one exception that showed documented gains, as advertised, was an enlarged MAF such as Granatelli sells; the housing is larger, reputedly able to flow 1,000 cfm, and deletes the stock screen. Essentially it is very similiar to the later C5 MAF. Most aftermarket vendors sell them.
If someone here on the forum has had experience with these MAFs, could they be kind enough to relate their experiences and thoughts on the matter ?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I've done a lot of reading on the subject and there seems to be little that can be done to the air inlet system. Even K&N filter systems showed little, if any gain, over a stock, clean, air filter.
The one exception that showed documented gains, as advertised, was an enlarged MAF such as Granatelli sells; the housing is larger, rputedly able to flow 1,000 cfm, and deletes the stock screen. Essentially it is very similiar to the later C5 MAF. Most aftermarket vendors sell them.
If someone here on the forum has had experience with these MAFs, could they be kind enough to relate their experiences and thoughts on the matter ?
The one exception that showed documented gains, as advertised, was an enlarged MAF such as Granatelli sells; the housing is larger, rputedly able to flow 1,000 cfm, and deletes the stock screen. Essentially it is very similiar to the later C5 MAF. Most aftermarket vendors sell them.
If someone here on the forum has had experience with these MAFs, could they be kind enough to relate their experiences and thoughts on the matter ?
Hello again..
My mechanic has now completed the install of my MSD distributor, MSD coil, new water pump, Magnaflow 3" tubes with 4 - 4" pipes/tips, new Edelbrock 52mm TB, new 8mm plug wires and performance plugs.. I am considering getting the Graneli MAF and the SLP cold air kit (three tubes). Is it worth the money to spend for "optimal air" in..??
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 18
From: Henderson NV
If your seriously going to change your ignition and are tired of opti problems I would not recomend the MSD box and parts , as some mentioned , problems will have you cussing.
There is another route you can go it is the Delteq direct application , check out the website below.
http://www.delteq.com/opti_pricing.htm
There is another route you can go it is the Delteq direct application , check out the website below.
http://www.delteq.com/opti_pricing.htm
Last edited by Pizzano; Nov 27, 2010 at 01:47 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,413
Likes: 9
From: The Old Dominion
FYI, you can test this easily instead of throwing more money at questionable modifications.
Hook a scan tool up to your car (you could buy one for less money than the SLP air filter). Note the MAP pressure reading to determine the ambient pressure that day.
Go drive your car, a 3rd gear pull is ideal because it lets the engine more gradually increase speed. So put it in 3rd from like 10mph on a long clear straight stretch of road, and drop the hammer. Keep it at WOT, and note the MAP pressure through the RPM range. If you don't see a significant pressure drop, then everything from the TB to the air filter is flowing enough.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Just a couple of comments on my behalf. 1. If you were looking for more performance, I would have put a hotcam in there while you had the opti out. 2. Instead of a new exhaust system, I would have gone long tube headers, and kept the stock exhaust. Then put a little money into a mail order tune such as pcmforless. Most all of the major tuners have done so many hotcam tunes that they are very accurate by mail. (IMHO)
And fwiw, I have had a 6AL for a long time with no problems. I really cant say it helps performance, but it sure has alot safer rev limiter then the factory rev limiter.
And fwiw, I have had a 6AL for a long time with no problems. I really cant say it helps performance, but it sure has alot safer rev limiter then the factory rev limiter.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 18
From: Henderson NV
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UPDATE: My mechanic has now installed the magnaflow exhaust, the MSD distributor, the 8mm plug wires, and is about to install the Edelbrok 52mm I bought for it. QUESTION: If I get a cold air kit like the SLP, will that enhance/expedite the air more than the stock..??
UPDATE: My mechanic has now installed the magnaflow exhaust, the MSD distributor, the 8mm plug wires, and is about to install the Edelbrok 52mm I bought for it. QUESTION: If I get a cold air kit like the SLP, will that enhance/expedite the air more than the stock..??
As far as the SLP 3 tube, it flows no more air then a open air box modification if anything less, read the tests.
You want real HP power gains, Heads, Cam, 58mm throttle body port matched to the LT4 intake,LT1 edit combo is the way to go, Remember you can try to pump as much air into your intake all you want but if your heads and your valves are still restricted, your waisting your time.
Trust me, Ive been there done that bolt on routine many years ago, now that I have the setup I have now I am happy, yes there is always someone out there faster then you.
Good luck
