New corvette owner
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
New corvette owner
Hello all! I recently purchased a 1985 corvette and just have a quick question for all you experts out there. I'll be the first to say that I'm no major mechanic but I know a little something about engines. I noticed that the car definitely has a lot of pick up and go to it but would you guys know of any inexpensive and quick ways to make it go faster? Thanks for all the help to anyone who responds!
- Mike
- Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
The 85's heads suck. You can gain much with exhaust modifications.
Do a search on forum member Vader86 and check his home page. He has a wealth of information on what works and what does not.
Welcome to the Forum.
Do a search on forum member Vader86 and check his home page. He has a wealth of information on what works and what does not.
Welcome to the Forum.
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee Wisconsin
I have a 86 and I took off all the pollution junk. I also put in a bigger cam bored .030 over with some headers with Borla dual exhaust. I also put some roller lifters and now it goes pretty good. You also have change the computer. I also put in bigger injectors.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
welcome...always like to see 85 guys....vader86's website is what you want...I changed the heads/ roller rockers...took off smog/egr... headers....a real tire smoker now....of course, don't live in CA.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
horsepower = $$$. What do you mean be "faster"? A better quarter mile time, a higher top speed, quicker time through a road course? Bottom line is anything that really improves any of those things takes money. (Cheapest things for "seat-of-the-pants" feel might be rear end gears, but I'm not sure what you have now).
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
I'm looking for a better 1/4 mile really but don't want to break the bank. From what I know, the only thing that isn't stock on the car is the exhaust. And I'll be sure to check out vader86's profile soon!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
If your looking for 1/4 mile only. Then mod the exhaust and pull the cat and replace it with a straight thru pipe. The cat in the 85 is a bolt in and out, so easy.....relatively so to remove. The air tube to the cat is the difficult part but can be modified to easily go in and out with the use of 1/2" compression fittings.
I replace the cat with the straight thru tube and installed March under drive pulleys at the same time. (Note I had the AFR heads and SR installed, no cam). I dropped from 14.1 at the track to 13.6 with the automatic (no mods to the trans) and 3.07 gears.
I replace the cat with the straight thru tube and installed March under drive pulleys at the same time. (Note I had the AFR heads and SR installed, no cam). I dropped from 14.1 at the track to 13.6 with the automatic (no mods to the trans) and 3.07 gears.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
if you have a auto tranny, check the rpo codes...G44 is the code for 3.07 rear end....most common....or if it's a z51.....it would have an extra fan infront of the a'/c condenser......it will tell you more about your car...
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
RPO = Regular Production Option (or Order). Here's a list:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...o/8496rpo.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...o/8496rpo.html
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
If 13s are good enough for you its within reach for not too much money
Want to really go fast dont waste your time with the TPI....intakes arent great, rest of the motor isnt anything to write home about.
Whats your budget, and realistic goals, usage?
Want to really go fast dont waste your time with the TPI....intakes arent great, rest of the motor isnt anything to write home about.
Whats your budget, and realistic goals, usage?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI