92 LT-1 Exhaust
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 244
Likes: 26
From: Carmel, Indiana
92 LT-1 Exhaust
I noticed the mufflers have rusted where the integral clamps are and the mufflers are welded to the exhaust pipes. So I'm thinking about putting new headers on and all new exhaust system keeping the same kind of mufflers which are Walker super turbo's (I know but I like the sound). Any info all y'all can provide would be appreciated?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 914
Likes: 277
From: St. Petersburg FL
I noticed the mufflers have rusted where the integral clamps are and the mufflers are welded to the exhaust pipes. So I'm thinking about putting new headers on and all new exhaust system keeping the same kind of mufflers which are Walker super turbo's (I know but I like the sound). Any info all y'all can provide would be appreciated?
You will be VERY happy with the results!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 244
Likes: 26
From: Carmel, Indiana
92 LT-1 Exhaust
DrDyno, thanks for the information now you force me to do more research. Now I have to weigh headers vs LT4 heads.
I'm probably going to catch a lot of flack for what I'm about to suggest but, in the interest of your getting the most bang for your buck... start from the back and work forward. Replace your mufflers with a set of Muffler Eliminators (I recommend Allen Stainless Chambered). If your car is no longer required to pass emissions in your state, replace the cats with straight pipes. Take the money you saved from purchasing headers (which will probably only add five or six horsepower at this point) and invest it in 1.6 Roller Rockers and LT4 valve springs.
You will be VERY happy with the results!
You will be VERY happy with the results!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 914
Likes: 277
From: St. Petersburg FL
Heads are expensive and, if you go with LT4 heads, you'll want to port your LT1 intake, etc. I am simply suggesting a set of 1.6 Roller Rockers (I used Scorpions from Summit racing, about $280.00) and a set of LT4 valve springs and hardware, about another $70.00. I had our local Corvette Guru install and adjust all the hardware for $400.00, which put me at just about $750.00 for the upgrade. That, and a set of Allen Stainless Chambered Exhaust Eliminators (about $200.00) and another $60 or so to my local muffler shop and my '96 is like a different car!
Another Mod you can do for practically free is to open up your front license plate filler and create a Cool Air passage to your intake. By drilling out the six rivets on your air filter air horn and turning it around (facing front) you'll pick up the advantage of cooler air and a denser charge. If your state requires a front license plate (Florida doesn't), you can always fabricate a bracket to move it to one side.
I have to run, now, but I'll post some links for you, this afternoon.
Last edited by DrDyno; Oct 18, 2014 at 04:17 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 914
Likes: 277
From: St. Petersburg FL
Some links for you...
1.6 Roller Rockers w/LT4 springs and hardware...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...4-springs.html
Cool Air Intake...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ir-intake.html
Allen Stainless Chambered Muffler Eliminatore...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ps-w-pics.html
Reducing Exhaust System Resonance...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ol-w-pics.html
1.6 Roller Rockers w/LT4 springs and hardware...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...4-springs.html
Cool Air Intake...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ir-intake.html
Allen Stainless Chambered Muffler Eliminatore...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ps-w-pics.html
Reducing Exhaust System Resonance...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ol-w-pics.html
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 241
Likes: 3
From: Tampa FL
I have to agree with the good doctor. It set me on the right path also when doing upgrades. I didn't follow to a tee but I am going down the same road.
I am adding an x pipe keeping the stock mufflers. Cajun did a video and post on his x pipe. I really love the sound of the throatier exhaust.
I will also being doing the 1.6 roller rockers. Just saving the funds its a large investment. the parts are ok but the labor- is crazy, but well worth it. Also if you do the rockers make sure to do the springs and purchase new seals!! Plus with the labor dr were you charged about 6 hours to install? Did they replace the wires and plugs when they had them out?
Also if you don't want to do the removal of the front plate look at the air box mod. easy to do and fun for the whole family.
Stay away from the corvette stores and the easy bolt on items. they don't really work and some can be dangerous like the air foil.
I am adding an x pipe keeping the stock mufflers. Cajun did a video and post on his x pipe. I really love the sound of the throatier exhaust.
I will also being doing the 1.6 roller rockers. Just saving the funds its a large investment. the parts are ok but the labor- is crazy, but well worth it. Also if you do the rockers make sure to do the springs and purchase new seals!! Plus with the labor dr were you charged about 6 hours to install? Did they replace the wires and plugs when they had them out?
Also if you don't want to do the removal of the front plate look at the air box mod. easy to do and fun for the whole family.
Stay away from the corvette stores and the easy bolt on items. they don't really work and some can be dangerous like the air foil.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 914
Likes: 277
From: St. Petersburg FL
I have to agree with the good doctor. It set me on the right path also when doing upgrades. I didn't follow to a tee but I am going down the same road.
I am adding an x pipe keeping the stock mufflers. Cajun did a video and post on his x pipe. I really love the sound of the throatier exhaust.
I will also being doing the 1.6 roller rockers. Just saving the funds its a large investment. the parts are ok but the labor- is crazy, but well worth it. Also if you do the rockers make sure to do the springs and purchase new seals!! Plus with the labor dr were you charged about 6 hours to install? Did they replace the wires and plugs when they had them out?
Also if you don't want to do the removal of the front plate look at the air box mod. easy to do and fun for the whole family.
Stay away from the corvette stores and the easy bolt on items. they don't really work and some can be dangerous like the air foil.
I am adding an x pipe keeping the stock mufflers. Cajun did a video and post on his x pipe. I really love the sound of the throatier exhaust.
I will also being doing the 1.6 roller rockers. Just saving the funds its a large investment. the parts are ok but the labor- is crazy, but well worth it. Also if you do the rockers make sure to do the springs and purchase new seals!! Plus with the labor dr were you charged about 6 hours to install? Did they replace the wires and plugs when they had them out?
Also if you don't want to do the removal of the front plate look at the air box mod. easy to do and fun for the whole family.
Stay away from the corvette stores and the easy bolt on items. they don't really work and some can be dangerous like the air foil.
The labor was a flat rate charge but, as you suggest, it works out to about six hours. The plugs and wires were checked and found to be in almost new condition so, we left them alone.
I looked at modifying the air box/shroud. I rejected it because I didn't want the A/C condenser, the radiator and the throttle body to all compete for the same air flow. Additionally and, what got me started down that path is... I thought the C4 needed some sort of grill, like its ancestors.
One comment about the throttle body air foil. I, too, was encouraged to ignore it as flash rather than substance. However, if, at high RPM its aerodynamics allow for just one more HP, I felt it was $25.00 well spent. Installed with Loctite Red on the threads, it's never going to loosen up or lose the bolt.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 914
Likes: 277
From: St. Petersburg FL
By the way, Rappini, BucfanTitan reminded me of something else in another post. My car is an A4 and came with the 3.07 gearing ("Performance Gear Ratio"). If yours is an M6, it will have 3.45 gears. However, if it's an A4 and has the standard 2.59 gears, that should be your first expense toward improving your acceleration.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 244
Likes: 26
From: Carmel, Indiana
92 LT-1 Exhaust
Thanks BT.
I have to agree with the good doctor. It set me on the right path also when doing upgrades. I didn't follow to a tee but I am going down the same road.
I am adding an x pipe keeping the stock mufflers. Cajun did a video and post on his x pipe. I really love the sound of the throatier exhaust.
I will also being doing the 1.6 roller rockers. Just saving the funds its a large investment. the parts are ok but the labor- is crazy, but well worth it. Also if you do the rockers make sure to do the springs and purchase new seals!! Plus with the labor dr were you charged about 6 hours to install? Did they replace the wires and plugs when they had them out?
Also if you don't want to do the removal of the front plate look at the air box mod. easy to do and fun for the whole family.
Stay away from the corvette stores and the easy bolt on items. they don't really work and some can be dangerous like the air foil.
I am adding an x pipe keeping the stock mufflers. Cajun did a video and post on his x pipe. I really love the sound of the throatier exhaust.
I will also being doing the 1.6 roller rockers. Just saving the funds its a large investment. the parts are ok but the labor- is crazy, but well worth it. Also if you do the rockers make sure to do the springs and purchase new seals!! Plus with the labor dr were you charged about 6 hours to install? Did they replace the wires and plugs when they had them out?
Also if you don't want to do the removal of the front plate look at the air box mod. easy to do and fun for the whole family.
Stay away from the corvette stores and the easy bolt on items. they don't really work and some can be dangerous like the air foil.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 244
Likes: 26
From: Carmel, Indiana
92 LT-1 Exhaust
DrD, mine is an A4 Standard 2.59 if I elect to change out the rear gears I'll probably go with the 3.73. You guys have been a great help it's comforting to know when a concern crops up you can go somewhere to get the correct answers. I have plenty to think about especially at my age.
By the way, Rappini, BucfanTitan reminded me of something else in another post. My car is an A4 and came with the 3.07 gearing ("Performance Gear Ratio"). If yours is an M6, it will have 3.45 gears. However, if it's an A4 and has the standard 2.59 gears, that should be your first expense toward improving your acceleration.