96 LT4 Upgrade Questions
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
96 LT4 Upgrade Questions
I've been checking things out and getting ready to do some upgrades/mods to my 96 for a little more go. Couple of questions:
I see Dana 36 and Dana 44 rears. I want to go from 3:45 to 4:10 or 4.11. What's the different between the 36 and 44.
Also, I can do the work, but where to get the following at reasonable prices. And if anybody has alternatve suggestions on any items, let me know.
Dana 36/44
Corsa Power Pulse Exhaust
BBK 52mm Throttle Body
Vortex Ram Air
Hyptertech Coil
Adjustable Fuel Regulator
Is a Mass Air Flow Sensor upgrade worth it witht eh above combo?
I'm also thinking of doing a Cam, but really don't want to do that type of surgery at this point. Others have had mixed results with an LT4 Hot Cam upgrade. Should I seriously consider doing this now with the above mods?
Thanks...
:smash: :smash: :smash:
I see Dana 36 and Dana 44 rears. I want to go from 3:45 to 4:10 or 4.11. What's the different between the 36 and 44.
Also, I can do the work, but where to get the following at reasonable prices. And if anybody has alternatve suggestions on any items, let me know.
Dana 36/44
Corsa Power Pulse Exhaust
BBK 52mm Throttle Body
Vortex Ram Air
Hyptertech Coil
Adjustable Fuel Regulator
Is a Mass Air Flow Sensor upgrade worth it witht eh above combo?
I'm also thinking of doing a Cam, but really don't want to do that type of surgery at this point. Others have had mixed results with an LT4 Hot Cam upgrade. Should I seriously consider doing this now with the above mods?
Thanks...
:smash: :smash: :smash:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 0
From: Amateur driver on open course.
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (78Vette-SA)
Joe, Your 96 has the Dana 44. All 6-speeds came with the 44 and auto's came with the 36. The 44 is a beefier rear. Read my mod list, you can do similar. I am sure there is a performence difference when everything is combined. I did all my mods pretty much at the same time, except for gears, and saw a big difference in performance. My latest mod (gears)was going from 2.59's to 3.54's. What an incredible kick in the pants!!!!!!!!! 3.45's are pretty agressive as they are, but with a gear change you WILL notice a difference!!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 744
Likes: 1
From: Houston Tx
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (78Vette-SA)
If you want bang for your buck , gears , a pulley , and exhaust mods are your best place to start. I would not worry about the MAF or the TB until you get into some more power, they wont make much of a difference.
A set of long tube headers, high flow cats (if needed for emissions in your state) and a good catback will yeild at least 20+ rwhp. The next best mod is a cam (GM HotCam is a good choice on mild combos) and it will yeild another 25+ rwhp. A pulley is only $200 and will give 5 rwhp. "Working" the intake manifold and getting the correct LT4 gasket may yeild another 5+ rwhp for little $. These mods would get you 55+ rhwp ........
A good custom tune is another good bang for the buck item. Hope that helps and good luck. :seeya
A set of long tube headers, high flow cats (if needed for emissions in your state) and a good catback will yeild at least 20+ rwhp. The next best mod is a cam (GM HotCam is a good choice on mild combos) and it will yeild another 25+ rwhp. A pulley is only $200 and will give 5 rwhp. "Working" the intake manifold and getting the correct LT4 gasket may yeild another 5+ rwhp for little $. These mods would get you 55+ rhwp ........
A good custom tune is another good bang for the buck item. Hope that helps and good luck. :seeya
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
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (78Vette-SA)
You already have the D44, just get some 4.10s.
Longtube headers and exhaust.
52mm might not be helpful at all, not unless you have more cubes.
Ram-Air is ok.
Remove the screens in your current MAF sensor.
Then, when you feel like surgery, port your current heads and install the hotcam.
Longtube headers and exhaust.
52mm might not be helpful at all, not unless you have more cubes.
Ram-Air is ok.
Remove the screens in your current MAF sensor.
Then, when you feel like surgery, port your current heads and install the hotcam.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (Shriker)
1st mod I'd do would be 4.10s. You exchange top speed for overall driveability. The car is simply a kick to drive with 4.10s installed. I've had mine installed for over 2 years and love 'em :smash:
I've preformed the following additional mods...
Open Air Filter Lid
Hooker Shorty Headers (mostly for cosmetics)
Flowmaster cat-back exhaust
52mm throttle body
Ported intake
Stock dyno was 300 rwhp. With the above mods I dyno'd 331.
Here's a link to some LT4 dyno runs (including mine)... http://www.hashmarks.com/dyno_page.htm
Someone mentioned pulleys....The LT4 is different than the LT1. The crankshaft pulley on the LT4 contains balance weights.
I'd leave the MAF sensor alone as well. Unlike earlier years, the '94 & up MAF isn't an issue until you're way beyond bolt-on horsepower levels. A review of the various Forum and other archives indicates that removing the screens may cause low rpm driveability issues.
Just my $0.02
:seeya
Jim Mason
'96 Grand Sport #007
I've preformed the following additional mods...
Open Air Filter Lid
Hooker Shorty Headers (mostly for cosmetics)
Flowmaster cat-back exhaust
52mm throttle body
Ported intake
Stock dyno was 300 rwhp. With the above mods I dyno'd 331.
Here's a link to some LT4 dyno runs (including mine)... http://www.hashmarks.com/dyno_page.htm
Someone mentioned pulleys....The LT4 is different than the LT1. The crankshaft pulley on the LT4 contains balance weights.
I'd leave the MAF sensor alone as well. Unlike earlier years, the '94 & up MAF isn't an issue until you're way beyond bolt-on horsepower levels. A review of the various Forum and other archives indicates that removing the screens may cause low rpm driveability issues.
Just my $0.02
:seeya
Jim Mason
'96 Grand Sport #007
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 480
Likes: 1
From: Ham Lake, MN
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (96GS#007)
You can see my mods/results in my sig. Mine dynoed about 294rwhp when it was bone stock.
My next mod will probably be 4.10 gears as Jim recommends. I've never heard of anyone being disappointed with this change.
Good luck!
My next mod will probably be 4.10 gears as Jim recommends. I've never heard of anyone being disappointed with this change.
Good luck!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,096
Likes: 153
From: "Atlanta" Ga.
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (Shriker)
"Working" the intake manifold and getting the correct LT4 gasket may yeild another 5+ rwhp for little $
Hey a couple quesions, What do you mean by the correct LT4 gasket?
Also GS470. I see your hae TPIS long tube headers with the corsa cat back. i also have and LT4 with the corsa catback, can I add the Long tube headerswithout removing the cats? and what would I get?
Thanks
Gonzo
Hey a couple quesions, What do you mean by the correct LT4 gasket?
Also GS470. I see your hae TPIS long tube headers with the corsa cat back. i also have and LT4 with the corsa catback, can I add the Long tube headerswithout removing the cats? and what would I get?
Thanks
Gonzo
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (95AquaC4)
Read my mod list, you can do similar.
Glad to see you here on the forum. And thanks for the info. I'll probably be at Advance Auto's (North Plank Rd.) on Sat. Night. If you around, cruise by.
[Modified by 78Vette-SA, 6:39 PM 6/25/2002]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (vader86)
You already have the D44, just get some 4.10s.
Longtube headers and exhaust.
Longtube headers and exhaust.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 0
From: Amateur driver on open course.
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (78Vette-SA)
Read my mod list, you can do similar.
Believe it or not, we've met. I was talking to you down at Bear Mt. (Romar Discussion) and then at the Vette/Viper Show. Does this look familiar, or do I have you confused with someone else?
Glad to see you here on the forum. And thanks for the info. I'll probably be at Advance Auto's (North Plank Rd.) on Sat. Night. If you around, cruise by.
[Modified by 78Vette-SA, 6:39 PM 6/25/2002]
Believe it or not, we've met. I was talking to you down at Bear Mt. (Romar Discussion) and then at the Vette/Viper Show. Does this look familiar, or do I have you confused with someone else?
Glad to see you here on the forum. And thanks for the info. I'll probably be at Advance Auto's (North Plank Rd.) on Sat. Night. If you around, cruise by.
[Modified by 78Vette-SA, 6:39 PM 6/25/2002]
That's me!!! Great pic!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (78Vette-SA)
Adding the Corsa picked me up 17 RWHP on a conservative dyno.
Adding the HOT cam picked me up another 26 RWHP on the same dyno.
Those two added 43 RWHP with next to zero negatives.
I would skip the TB, especially one by BBK due to all the quality problems as well as the coil as the ignition works quite well on the later C4's except when they die (optispark).
The regulator is another questionable mod as the 96 has OBDII system which some have stated that any change in fuel pressure (via a regulator) will be defeated in short time by the computer 'correcting' the fuel trims. I don't have any experience with that so will leave it with that statement. Besides you only use one of those if your fuel mixture is slightly out of whack...and mine with the above mods is now just right on as it runs leaner now and the factory's setting was rich to start.
If you do the gears (use Vipers gears) then the computer will need to be recalibrated. If you use Ed Wright for that ($350) he can also do a custom tune (some report gain of 15 RWHP on stock LT4), delete your skip shift and change you cooling fans on and off setting among some other things.
The engine responds favorably, you might say, to modifications.
:)
Adding the HOT cam picked me up another 26 RWHP on the same dyno.
Those two added 43 RWHP with next to zero negatives.
I would skip the TB, especially one by BBK due to all the quality problems as well as the coil as the ignition works quite well on the later C4's except when they die (optispark).
The regulator is another questionable mod as the 96 has OBDII system which some have stated that any change in fuel pressure (via a regulator) will be defeated in short time by the computer 'correcting' the fuel trims. I don't have any experience with that so will leave it with that statement. Besides you only use one of those if your fuel mixture is slightly out of whack...and mine with the above mods is now just right on as it runs leaner now and the factory's setting was rich to start.
If you do the gears (use Vipers gears) then the computer will need to be recalibrated. If you use Ed Wright for that ($350) he can also do a custom tune (some report gain of 15 RWHP on stock LT4), delete your skip shift and change you cooling fans on and off setting among some other things.
The engine responds favorably, you might say, to modifications.
:)
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 744
Likes: 1
From: Houston Tx
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (Gonzo)
Gonzo, some folks with LT4's have reportedly found that upon removal of their intake manifolds , the incorrect LT1 gasket was used from the factory and inhibits air flow in the most important part of the port. I dont know if this is a wide spread thing or only on early cars or what.....anyway....... :seeya
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (No Go)
"If you do the gears (use Vipers gears) then the computer will need to be recalibrated. If you use Ed Wright for that ($350) he can also do a custom tune (some report gain of 15 RWHP on stock LT4), delete your skip shift and change you cooling fans on and off setting among some other things"
I've seen reference to Ed Wright before. Who/what is Ed Wright and where is he located. I'm in NY.
I was gonna get a skip-shift by-pass. This can be done through the computer?
Thanks to everyone!!! :chevy :chevy
I've seen reference to Ed Wright before. Who/what is Ed Wright and where is he located. I'm in NY.
I was gonna get a skip-shift by-pass. This can be done through the computer?
Thanks to everyone!!! :chevy :chevy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,339
Likes: 137
From: WilkesBarre PA
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (78Vette-SA)
I've seen reference to Ed Wright before. Who/what is Ed Wright and where is he located. I'm in NY.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Greenville TX
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (Shriker)
Gonzo, some folks with LT4's have reportedly found that upon removal of their intake manifolds , the incorrect LT1 gasket was used from the factory and inhibits air flow in the most important part of the port. I dont know if this is a wide spread thing or only on early cars or what.....anyway....... :seeya
I got the 7777 gaskets and thought about porting the intake to match the exhaust, but when I got it opened up I saw that the difference wasn't as dramatic as some people have seen. I have heard up to 3/8" difference, mine was more like 1/8" and that was only at the center. (The roof of the port on the head has an irregular shape.)
I didn't mess with it because somewhere down the road I will probably get my heads and intake ported and matched and I didn't want to screw that up with my ham-handed attempts.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 480
Likes: 1
From: Ham Lake, MN
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (Gonzo)
Also GS470. I see your hae TPIS long tube headers with the corsa cat back. i also have and LT4 with the corsa catback, can I add the Long tube headerswithout removing the cats? and what would I get?
[Modified by GS470, 6:48 AM 6/27/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Re: 96 LT4 Upgrade Questions (Shriker)
On mine, the factory gaskets covered ~1/4" of the cylinder head port at the top. Here's a pic (or at least a link ;) ) of the "77" style gaskets 
Jim Mason
'96 Grand Sport #007
Jim Mason
'96 Grand Sport #007