C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

1993 Performance Chips

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Old Apr 21, 2015 | 09:31 AM
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Default 1993 Performance Chips

I have a stock 1993 40th anniversary corvette. I wanted to know what performnace chips I can install that is proven to boost horsepower. A lot of people I talk to say don't waste your money because alot of these aftermarket chips offer little to no performance enhancements. Anyone have any experience with these and if so what product/brand would you recommend?

Thanks
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Old Apr 21, 2015 | 09:50 AM
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Pretty much everyone here will tell you the same. No gains to be had there.
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Old Apr 21, 2015 | 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by JackDidley
Pretty much everyone here will tell you the same. No gains to be had there.
Thanks for the confirmation. Just double checking before I spend the $$
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Old Apr 21, 2015 | 10:40 AM
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The off-the-shelf chips really don't do much of anything to improve performance that you can feel. There are tuners who can create a custom tune that will provide some power gains, but it is a bit involved to do (computer, software, cable, and sending files back and forth so that the tuner can create a custom chip. There is lots of good information in the C4 Scan and Tune section about custom tuning.

You didn't say what sort of power levels you are after, but I suggest you start with a good cat-back exhaust system such as those from Magnaflo, Corsa, or Borla, While they can be pricey, you can figure on something like a 15-20HP gain from them, not to mention a much better sound.
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Old Apr 21, 2015 | 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by c4cruiser
The off-the-shelf chips really don't do much of anything to improve performance that you can feel. There are tuners who can create a custom tune that will provide some power gains, but it is a bit involved to do (computer, software, cable, and sending files back and forth so that the tuner can create a custom chip. There is lots of good information in the C4 Scan and Tune section about custom tuning.

You didn't say what sort of power levels you are after, but I suggest you start with a good cat-back exhaust system such as those from Magnaflo, Corsa, or Borla, While they can be pricey, you can figure on something like a 15-20HP gain from them, not to mention a much better sound.
Thanks for the reply. I find this forum very helpful in terms of getting the right information. I already do have a Corsa exhaust system on the car so I think I will leave things status quo.
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Old Apr 21, 2015 | 05:14 PM
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I had the hyper crap chip....made no difference....I keep in the box in my garage to remind me not to be so stupid all the time.....vader86 has a website that will tell you what works and what doesn't...really one simple rule with a L98....if it's a cheap fix, it doesn't work.....it takes money to do it right....
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Old Apr 21, 2015 | 06:40 PM
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The only real gain would be to reset fan on temps and delete cags if its a ZF6.
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Old Apr 21, 2015 | 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by c4cruiser
I suggest you start with a good cat-back exhaust system such as those from Magnaflo, Corsa, or Borla, While they can be pricey, you can figure on something like a 15-20HP gain from them, not to mention a much better sound.
Not on a stock LT1. Waste of money.
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Old Apr 29, 2015 | 03:33 PM
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You can gain a little power with a chip but the best way would be for the tuner to have the car, tune it with a wideband and datalog it.
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Old Apr 29, 2015 | 06:36 PM
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If you have a 1993 automatic, I would check which final drive ratio you have. If it's like lots of '93 autos (including mine) it comes with a 2.59 ratio in the rear... not a good choice for acceleration in response. If you have 2.59, unless you're a real fiend for mileage I would make this the first mod after exhaust.

If you swap to something like a 3.55 it will feel like like the car picked up 80 horsepower, not exaggerating.

If you have a 2.59, you have the D36 ratio & you may want to consider doing a whole rear-end swap with a D44 with a performance-oriented ratio. There are pages and pages and pages of the D36 vs. D44 , all I can say is do some research and make your own decision.
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Old May 1, 2015 | 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by psychodiagnostik
If you have 2.59, unless you're a real fiend for mileage I would make this the first mod after exhaust.
Check post # 8
Exhaust won't help in any meaningful way on a stock LT1 Waste of money. Gears would be the first mod, if he has a 2.59.
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