Hello everyone, I am new to the mod/upgrade scene and am looking for some guidance. I have a wonderful 1992 automatic LT1 that I am looking to make a bit more fearsome. Where is a good place for me to begin? I would obviously shoot for more horsepower, better torque, a better power band, and a stronger growl. Track racing is a bit more attractive to me than drag racing, though quick times are always a plus. Any help on specific parts or research or any other starting place would be greatly appreciated!

 

Hey, welcome, nice to have you on the Forum. I'm a bit biased as you'll see from my avatar - but since you've asked I'll give you the benefit of my 8-year experience with my '92 coupe in the same regard. I also wanted "more horsepower, better torque, a better power band, and a stronger growl" - and I occasionally do a bit of auto-x as well, so this is what I've done. Now, before I list it all, you've got to know that damn near anything's possible provided that you're willing to spend enough time & money & provided that you don't mind modding your car. I wanted the same improvements that you do but I wasn't prepared to go hog-wild with internal engine mods and I wanted my car to remain (largely) stock. So, with that in mind, here's what I suggest: (1.) Start by reading. Read a lot. This will help you understand your car, what works (and what doesn't), why it works, what it's going to take to get the job done and how much it's going to cost. In short, it helps you to get a plan together. A good place to start is with the book "101 Projects for your Corvette 1984 - 1996" by Richard Newton. Richard's an authority on these cars and he's occasionally here on this forum. This book is worth it's weight in gold for all it's practical information and it's written by an informed enthusiast who drives a C4. (2.) Engines are air pumps; the faster you can get the air in and out, the better your engine will run and the more HP you'll make. Cut the air lid and open it up to let more air in. Then get a K&N air filter. (3.) Cut off your mufflers and add muffler eliminators. You won't break the bank, you'll get a nice growl and, if you make sure that the tailpipes extend a couple of inches beyond the underside of the back bumper you won't get too much resonance. You'll also shave a whole lot of weight of the back of the car and you'll eliminate a lot of back-pressure which will free-up HP. (4.) Relocate the Intake Air Temperature Sensor into the intake tube. This is where the GM engineers originally wanted to place it because it provides a much more accurate reading of the intake air temperature. You'll get slightly better power and better throttle response because your engine won't be so quick to retard the timing. (5.) Upgrade your spark plug wires to 8mm the next time you change your plugs. If you need a new Opti &/or a new water pump, do this all at the same time. (And if you need an Opti, make sure that it's a vented model!) (6.) If you don't already have 3:07 rear gears, consider swapping to them. This was the factory's performance rear axle ratio and it's a good choice for a car that's going to get driven both on the street and on the track. (7.) If you're going to track the car or do auto-x, you're going to want to look into the J55 brakes as well as the correct sway bars for your application and poly bushings. You may also want to look into getting a X-bar like the factory convertibles used - as well as an RD Racing Camber Brace (if you can still find one as the company has gone under). RD Racing also made a decent X-bar although it's generally accepted that the factory convertible ones were better. (8.) Springs, shocks, brake pads and tires are all subjective but each can make a significant improvement to the experience your car delivers. (9.) Want more HP? Willing to tear into your engine and spend some money? Get the GM Hotcam for the LT4 along with 1.6:1 roller rockers. And if you're going to do that, you might as well go get some long-tube headers (but don't bother with shorties). Finally, just know that nothing comes easy with these cars. If you change one thing, you're bound to gain in one area at the expense of others. That's why it's a good idea to do your research first. It'll save you a lot of money and a lot of aggravation. (10.) Last little bit of info: have fun! (Hope this helps.)

 

-Heads (AFR 195, AI Cylinder heads, LLoyd Elliot porting)
-1 3/4" Headers
-Cam (Hot cam, Comp Cam 503, or larger if you wish)
-1.6 Roller rockers
-Electric water pump
-Stall converter (2600 or more depending on cam)
-Gears (3.54, or 3.73)
-Dana 44
-Stroke to 383, or 396

http://home.insightbb.com/~nathan.pl..._corvette.html

http://home.insightbb.com/~nathan.pl...rformance.html

http://www.viperclub.org/howto/faqs/...-gear-swap.php

 

Start by clarifying your Budget and goals.

Pretty hard to give any meaningful advice when we don't know that.