New to the game!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
New to the game!
I just inherited a 94 C4 and can't wait to begin. Here's my question; where should I start with upgrading performance? Exhaust (y-pipe and mufflers), programmer, chip or cold air intake? I can only do 1 at a time, please help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 202
From: Trinity FL
Forget the chip or cold air intake. There is no y-pipe on the LT1. The factory exhaust is already pretty free flowing, albeit very quiet. If you want performance you need to look into gears, heads, cam, long tubes, and a dyno tune.
Congrats on the C4. If you take care of it, it will take care of you!
Congrats on the C4. If you take care of it, it will take care of you!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
BIG THANKS!
So would I entertain the LT1 Hotcam info I've been reading about? Or the LT4 kit I've seen in some forums? Kinda confusing because I see some folks saying its not worth it., but I do know don't believe everything you hear. I've street/ track raced for years, but it was always early to mid 70s small block/ big blocks. No computer stuff except MSD 6AL, know what I mean? New to the LT1 world.
So would I entertain the LT1 Hotcam info I've been reading about? Or the LT4 kit I've seen in some forums? Kinda confusing because I see some folks saying its not worth it., but I do know don't believe everything you hear. I've street/ track raced for years, but it was always early to mid 70s small block/ big blocks. No computer stuff except MSD 6AL, know what I mean? New to the LT1 world.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 80
From: Hawaii
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 202
From: Trinity FL
BIG THANKS!
So would I entertain the LT1 Hotcam info I've been reading about? Or the LT4 kit I've seen in some forums? Kinda confusing because I see some folks saying its not worth it., but I do know don't believe everything you hear. I've street/ track raced for years, but it was always early to mid 70s small block/ big blocks. No computer stuff except MSD 6AL, know what I mean? New to the LT1 world.
So would I entertain the LT1 Hotcam info I've been reading about? Or the LT4 kit I've seen in some forums? Kinda confusing because I see some folks saying its not worth it., but I do know don't believe everything you hear. I've street/ track raced for years, but it was always early to mid 70s small block/ big blocks. No computer stuff except MSD 6AL, know what I mean? New to the LT1 world.
For what its worth, I ran the "Muffler Eliminators" for a while. Loved the way it sounded, but hated the way it droned while cruising on the interstate. Welded the factory mufflers back in and replaced the center resonator with an X-Pipe. Much better IMO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaW8KqRNNT8
Goodluck with whatever route you go!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
FYI
The chip in a 94 is not a replaceable unit. It has to be re-programmed thru the serial bus with a computer connection. The programming is tuned for the exhaust, O2s, cam, fuel injectors, etc for the engine. If you start changing parts the tuning has to be changed also to get the benefit from the mods. The PCM for the engine is OBD1 but has an OBD2 connector. You will learn more of this in the future.
However before making any mods, I would find a dyno shop who can tune you OBD1 car and has experience doing the flash programming. If programming is not done properly, the engine will run poorly with bad mileage. I only say this because if you have limited computer assets and limited experience tuning this kind of tune, you will do yourself no good trying to do it yourself and will not enjoy to full effect from your part changes.
The chip in a 94 is not a replaceable unit. It has to be re-programmed thru the serial bus with a computer connection. The programming is tuned for the exhaust, O2s, cam, fuel injectors, etc for the engine. If you start changing parts the tuning has to be changed also to get the benefit from the mods. The PCM for the engine is OBD1 but has an OBD2 connector. You will learn more of this in the future.
However before making any mods, I would find a dyno shop who can tune you OBD1 car and has experience doing the flash programming. If programming is not done properly, the engine will run poorly with bad mileage. I only say this because if you have limited computer assets and limited experience tuning this kind of tune, you will do yourself no good trying to do it yourself and will not enjoy to full effect from your part changes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 64
From: Mystic CT
Personally I would drive it for 6 months and fix every little thing that it might need so when you do mod it you are starting with a car everything works to begin with. Possibly spend the time and money doing all the defreed maintainence items like changing all fluids flushing brakes etc. fresh hoses belts filters etc. fresh oil in the rear end with the proper ls additive. Most of these cars spend a lot of time sitting and waiting for a warm day to be driven so don't have a lot of miles on them but all this stuff ages out with time as well as miles.
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 208
Likes: 1
From: Lawrenceville GA
Personally I would drive it for 6 months and fix every little thing that it might need so when you do mod it you are starting with a car everything works to begin with. Possibly spend the time and money doing all the defreed maintainence items like changing all fluids flushing brakes etc. fresh hoses belts filters etc. fresh oil in the rear end with the proper ls additive. Most of these cars spend a lot of time sitting and waiting for a warm day to be driven so don't have a lot of miles on them but all this stuff ages out with time as well as miles.
4 more years!!