'92 LT1 Performance Upgrade Impossible?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 968
Likes: 14
'92 LT1 Performance Upgrade Impossible?
I have a 6 sp 1992 Corvette with a stock 350-300 engine. When it needs repairs, (CCM followed by Optispark 4 months later) I take it to a local Corvette shop which has a stellar reputation in the area.
In the past, I have asked them if there are any lower cost mods that can be done to my car to increase horsepower, such as possibly a cold air intake, minor engine work, exhaust mods etc.
What they have told me is that it is very hard to re-tune or adjust my engine to take advantage of any mods I might do, such as increased air flow from CAI, etc, so it is better to just leave the engine stock. Any hp increase would be minor at best.
Does this make any sense to those of you more knowledgeable than me? I wouldn't mind bumping the car up to 325 - 350 hp, but if it is not feasible without major work, I guess I will just forget it and enjoy it as is.
In the past, I have asked them if there are any lower cost mods that can be done to my car to increase horsepower, such as possibly a cold air intake, minor engine work, exhaust mods etc.
What they have told me is that it is very hard to re-tune or adjust my engine to take advantage of any mods I might do, such as increased air flow from CAI, etc, so it is better to just leave the engine stock. Any hp increase would be minor at best.
Does this make any sense to those of you more knowledgeable than me? I wouldn't mind bumping the car up to 325 - 350 hp, but if it is not feasible without major work, I guess I will just forget it and enjoy it as is.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
Pretty true. They are telling you this like they have no personal attachment to the car.
1. There will be people arguing this even though I am not making points of argument.
2. I agree, for the money invested in the items you mentioned you will not a return.
3. A tune would help but costs money and can be a long road with the wrong people.
4. your exhaust is "pretty good" from the factory.
5. It would cost you a lot to make 25-30 real hp in that car.
6. Gears are expensive but best bang for buck and feel like a lot more than 25-50hp.
1. There will be people arguing this even though I am not making points of argument.
2. I agree, for the money invested in the items you mentioned you will not a return.
3. A tune would help but costs money and can be a long road with the wrong people.
4. your exhaust is "pretty good" from the factory.
5. It would cost you a lot to make 25-30 real hp in that car.
6. Gears are expensive but best bang for buck and feel like a lot more than 25-50hp.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 324
From: Mid Ohio
If your looking for simple bolt ons I'd suggest 1.6 ratio roller rockers, full exhaust system (full length headers), maintenance on everything (all fluids and checking for brake drag), then a custom tune. With only those mods a mail order tune would be ok. Can't beat a custom dyno tune on a mustang dyno though.
From there it's going to start to cost $$. Heads, cam, rear end gear, stall convertor, ect...
btw, I've been taking measurements of the stock filter vs a K&N panel w/open face. Its an amazingly cool area. Even in the summer heat and slow speed driving I've been surprised at how cool that area stays. IMO w/a stock engine a K&N panel w/opened face (and outerwears prefilter) would be plenty good.
From there it's going to start to cost $$. Heads, cam, rear end gear, stall convertor, ect...
btw, I've been taking measurements of the stock filter vs a K&N panel w/open face. Its an amazingly cool area. Even in the summer heat and slow speed driving I've been surprised at how cool that area stays. IMO w/a stock engine a K&N panel w/opened face (and outerwears prefilter) would be plenty good.
