I'm new to the Corvette world, just bought a '92 6-spd. It has 100k and runs nicely, but I'm assuming after that many miles there are things that should be replaced which haven't broken... yet.
I'm not very familiar with working on cars, but I was reading about installing Bosch III fuel injectors and that didn't look too difficult. Are there any other things I could do (relatively easy) to get the factory horsepower back?
Btw, the optispark and water pump were replaced by the previous owner at 85k

 

If its been taken care of for the 100K you still have close to factory HP.

Do you know when the previous owner changed the fuel filter?
If not change it.
A set of injectors is less then $200 and takes maybe an hour (if the clips are still on your orginal injectors, you won't need them when you put on the new injectors). Its remove the covers, take out the 4 bolts holding the fuel rails to the intake, remove the clips (hardest part of the job), remove injectors, put a little vaseline on the o-rings of the new injectors, pur them in the rails and tighten the 4 bolts.

 

If I told you what I changed, everyone here would ATTACK ME!!(for over-spending) I did the BoschIII 22's and the regulator. When I took my regulator out, it was almost ripped through. As far as releasing HP, I was more concerned with removing any "weak-link" that may have lead to a break-down first. I basically changed everything on my car and saved the old parts as spares.

 

It is a very well taken care of car, but I have no idea when the fuel filter was replaced. Is that a hard job to do yourself?
I read the DIY thread about installing the injectors, and the results look pretty good.
How about the OEM air filter?

 

Your filter is easy, you don't want to do one on a convertible though, it took me almost 2 hours. I did all my relays ,fuel pump and filter and went with a basic Fram or Purilator filter from the R&N that was in there. I think you can run the R&N though because I don't think your car has the same MAF as mine. Some people cut open the air-box for more air flow, maybe bump the timing up to 8 degrees. You really have to start doing some bolt-ons like exshaust stuff.

 

Keep in mind that some of caddyboy84's comments are valid, some are not as you have a LT1 engine not a L98.

I would make sure all the maintenance items are up to date on the car. Plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter, hoses, belts, etc...make sure everything is working and on the up and up. Change the coolant as well. It would not hurt to flush out the old power steering fluid either.

No such thing as free, easy HP. The LT1 is well designed all the components are matched to each other. No restriction in the intake/exhuast that impedes the engine. The intake manifold, heads, cam, etc....all work very well together.

Not to say things won't give you more HP but are they cost effective modifications?

If you plan on keeping the HP levels near stock just make sure the maintenance is done. The LT1 is VERY durable the engine can go 200K+ and not need a rebuild as long as it is maintained.

If you want more HP, plan on spending some $$$ to get cost effective modification like headers, cam, head work, etc....

FYI, transmission, rear end fluids should be changed as well if not already done. Also, invest in a Factory Service Manual (the red ones) they are worth their weight in gold. Very informative. As always feel free to search and ask questions here.

Also, on the injectors unless there is an issue, no reason to get new ones. Unless, you want to, it won't hurt anything. Mine are fine in my 93 at 58K, I make enough HP STOCK to run 13.38 @105 in the 1/4 mile.

 

Congrats on what sounds like a real nice car! One of the best things you can learn here is to separate fact from fiction when getting advice. This is a great forum and can be a terrific resource; or it can be misleading sometimes.

 

Convertible is easy also. At least on an LT1. Undo it just behind the filter and all the way at the end in the engine coompartment with a lisle fuel line tool. One bracket in the middle and pull the whole thing out with the line. Should only take a few minutes.

 

I had to drop the "X" brace under my car and I just had enough room to raise the front. I don't see it possible to do the filter on my car (on the floor) any quicker than an hour or more, depending on how fast you wanna move

 

Hmmmm

Easy way to release horsepower? Yep, I know one.....

Open wallet

 

 

I pulled my engine at 110K miles cause I thought it was tired
NOT!
I had a 383 I wanted to drop in. So the 383 decided to jack itself up with a lifter into the cam sprocket. So I pulled both engines apart.

The Original LT1 while showed signs of wear on the cam and the main bearings it was very light. The cylinders still have most of the factory crosshatchin and if I wanted to I could have the block cleaned, new bearings, new rings and gaskets and drop it right back in a daily driver.

Not gonna do that - my car only sees a road race track so the original motor will be reborne as a 355 or 383

 

I wish I had only 100,000 miles on my car. I have about 140,000 miles and wanted to rebuild my engine. My thinking was just like yours. What do I need to do to have about the same power as when new. Many people on this forum , now including me, will tell you that the LT1 can still put out as much power as new. The engine can last for a long time. However, necessary maintenance is required when our cars have high mileage. I changed my spark plugs, plug wires, fuel filter, alternator, 2 wheel hubs, installed a new muffler eliminator exhaust, changed my oil, changed transmission fluid and filter, changed air filter, and fixed fuel sending unit. I did all of this as soon as I got the car. Now I need to change all of my weatherstripping and change the fuel injectors. As you can see, nothing will be changed with the original LT1 engine but regular maintenance is a must and will keep your LT1 "healthy".

 

basically this right here...

your car wont lose hp for the most part until the engine blows.

best,

Tony

 

...... OR ..... Just tickle the floor board with the toes on your right foot ... Unleash the Beast ..........

 

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$

 

You can also open up the floorboard and run like the Flintstones.