Hi corvette freaks, this is Swampboy and i just got the vette fever. Got a 1995 LT1. Think it is stock. Clean car, runs great. Hit 140 mhp in the cool desert air. Radiator started to leak top right. Zip sent me a new aluminum Dewitt radiator and all the associated components, thermostat, hoses, overflow tank, cap, etc.. My question is should I replace water pump, optispark, coil, wires and plugs. 90,000 miles but runs great. new corsa or borla exhaust in spring. any suggestions would help. happy holidays. any other performance upgrades?

 

If you would like to change them while you have everything apart, then by all means go for it. Optispark units commonly fail, so a brand new one might last you a long time. Just remember not to get it wet. I suggest installing an aftermarket performance camshaft, and a set of headers. If it is a manual, I would install a set of 3.73s in the rear.

I read one time that the LT1 does not have enough power to pull passed 160ish mph, and will stay at an RPM way under redline in 6th gear, if you get 3.73s, it will still allow you to obtain that speed, just at a higher RPM, and with better acceleration.

I would also recommend for another upgrade, the Corsa cat back exhaust system. I think that will sound awesome on that car.

 

Thank you. Will definitely go with new optispark and water pump. I'll do some research on cams and headers, seems like if i do any of that i should have heads worked. Corsa cat back the coming this spring. Lots of talk about gears, mine is auto trans with 3:07s.

 

Hey PLRX,
This is one you need to handle,,,,,,,, unless it gets locked first.

 

Do the maintenance items first...

Then get used to the car and plan an upgrade route.

Exhaust is an easy item easily done in the garage with jack stands...

Engine mods are not quite so simple...and unless you do your own tuning you'll need someone's help to get the car running right after major engine component changes. When you pull the trigger...do it all at once so you aren't going back time & time again to retune the ECM. Do heads/intake/cam together and get it over with.

JMHO...

 

Don't know how anyone can give any advice on "performance upgrades" when you haven't yet stated any goals or budget. What are your goals and what is your budget?

Do you feel the car even needs performance upgrades?? I bet the most effective performance upgrade you could buy right now is seat time/driving lessons, but I could be wrong...

 

Well said, only have had the car for a few months. Maintenance come after holidays, have all parts. Also got new weatherstripping. Lots to do. Did some header and cat back exhaust research. not sure if i want the car to sound like a Harley. I like driving around town and on these awesome western highways with my lady. Will headers and cat back be super loud in the interior. I also understand professional computer tuning is necessary after performance upgrades. First forum and the responses are very helpful. Now I want a 1995 ZR1. The fever is high.

 

Nice comment. Budget open, not an issue. Driving time as often as possible it handles much better than older Corvettes i have driven, i was shocked at how fun it is to drive, but my 1955 Buick Century has to be driven, 1949 MG TC needs road time, My 2012 Maserati Granturismo MC is a blast to drive. Just got my first Vette and I am chatting with other enthusiastic Corvette owners for positive input. Obviously i like performance. So do you have specific suggestions. Hope I don't sound pretentious. Sincerely just a car enthusiast.

 

We all know you meant 140 at the track. The forum looks down on folks street racing or generally hauling azz on the open road. They will lock down the thread and no-one likes that. Now not sure how fast my vette is, but pretty sure she will go 140 on the track also..
its said that headers for the LT1 does little to improve an already great exhaust system. Otherwise, what works with the old works with the new. Welcome to the forum.

 

Thank you for your kind words. I understand. Sounds like i should take care of the basics and just enjoy the ride.

 

I suggest doing some HPDE's/track days, auto cross, drag track...and build a relationship w/the car as it is now. Doing the above will clarify what the car "needs", to you. The car is already very fun to drive as you pointed out. I feel that it is one of the most fun cars. If you want more "fun", I'd recommend more torque, more exhaust noise, and more stereo. If you want better performance (numbers) then that would be different and more specific.

Otherwise, there is no limit to what you could do to the car. If you have no budgetary constraints, and no goals for the car, and you ask "What should I do?" I'd say, put in a new 9.0L Mercury 1350 engine, F1 car suspension and brakes, a sound system from Mark Levinson himself and a frame from a C7. That should tune 'er up a little.

Now I'm being a little sarcastic above...not to be a PITA, but to make a point. Hard to give advice when the goal is non existent.

 

BAH! tear that thing apart mod it and become broke & miserable like the rest of us


So whats your budget?

 

Well said. Just a beginner at this forum stuff. Your initial suggestions are more in line with my goals at this point. I realize i can essentially build a monster of a car. I enjoy being push back against the seats, high speeds on the (track). This car is very beautiful. Artic White with black tinted roof panel and hatch. Immaculate interior, stock sound system. I love my music loud and clear so stereo upgrade a must, exhaust a must, but does that need to include headers and Corsa or just stock manifold and Corsa. Lots of discussion on air induction, some confusing. Realizing one of three essential components to the +- 200 year old combustion engine, i find MAF sensors can be damaged from those after market air cleaner which use oil. Again there's a new topic I have to learn more about and that's all the various sensors. I have looked in to purchasing a scanner ( big bucks for the right one ). I have years of car fiddling, rebuild, adjusting valves, SU, Weber, Holy carburetors. I leave my new high end cars alone due to warranty issues, plus they preform as assumed. 48 years old and ready to play with my new toy. Not a restoration project. Just plain old fun improvements. So to narrow down, not ready to open up the heads, bore the cylinders. Thanks for all the feed back. Just started posting and I feel the Corvette love.

 

That's a decent gear for a stock A4.

 

Pics are required and while you are at it pics of your super cars would be nice

Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup

 

Lots of anger on the site. Start by re-reading my first post and you may understand the Maserati throw back. I'm a fortunate one with humble characteristics. Not trying to one up any one. Peace. I will post some pics ASAP.

 

I understand your position a little better now.

Cold Air Induction = waste of money on a C4 'Vette. First, nearly all CAI kits are not cold air. They're really hot air intakes, and most draw their air from the same location as the factory intake -in front of the radiator housing. Second, the factory filter, housing and ducting is capable of supplying enough air for an engine beyond 400 hp, so it's not a meaningful restriction. In short most C4 "CAI's" suck more money, than cold air.

As for long tubes, probably not necessary on a stockish LT1, as the stock manifolds are good. If you want headers for future mods, or for looks, or just b/c you like having headers (psychological reasons) get some...but for the price, the power gains on a stock or stockish motor probably aren't worth the money IMO.

I think if you did an exhaust, cam and a tune, you'd probably be pretty impressed with it.

 

Welcome to the forum.
One quick tip when you change the rad: Getting the shroud off is not easy. There are three small hidden bolts on either side that are hard to spot. You'll have to remove the air pump on the driver side to get at those. Pass side is much easier. When you reinstall, you don't need all three bolts....two per side will do just fine.
Also, FYI, the AC lines do not have to be disconnected to get the shroud off, but there is some fanagiling required. And beer.

 

perk, BEER? someone say beer? you have my attention.

 

Now that is the help I've been looking for thanks guys.