L98 goals for 88. Doable?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,461
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
Ive been on the hunt for a vette. Ive been watching for a very nice body in the right colors and getting impatient. Ive only given it about a month but Ive been looking hard coast to coast.. Currently Im about to go look at a one owner 88 with 90k on it. Is at a dealer so not sure how they can say one owner so Im hopefull a one owner car means someone really loved the car. Miles on it would indicate a summer weekend car.
Anyway.. this is a sunny day weekend car for me... important to note... so a blend of race fuel is absolutely an option and we dont have testing of any sort here.
Engine goals:
Id like to have enough power to spin the tires with a limited slip. (will the 88 come with ls?) All I really care about is low RPM torque. I want to go fast from 10-60mph. anything more than that gets me in trouble and Ive seen enough trouble for the rest of my life.
I want a very nice sounding idle and exhaust note.. the kind that only long tube headers and a nicely tuned cam will get you. Basically, a nasty v8.
Needs to be street drive able comfortably and has to be automatic trans.
So, with an 88 how do I get there, best bang for the buck? I figure it might be a combo of engine and rear end?
Cost? Id like to keep it under $5k and I probably wont be doing the work. Pipe dream?
Would I be better off spending more on a 93-96?
thanks in advance for any advice.
Anyway.. this is a sunny day weekend car for me... important to note... so a blend of race fuel is absolutely an option and we dont have testing of any sort here.
Engine goals:
Id like to have enough power to spin the tires with a limited slip. (will the 88 come with ls?) All I really care about is low RPM torque. I want to go fast from 10-60mph. anything more than that gets me in trouble and Ive seen enough trouble for the rest of my life.
I want a very nice sounding idle and exhaust note.. the kind that only long tube headers and a nicely tuned cam will get you. Basically, a nasty v8.
Needs to be street drive able comfortably and has to be automatic trans.
So, with an 88 how do I get there, best bang for the buck? I figure it might be a combo of engine and rear end?
Cost? Id like to keep it under $5k and I probably wont be doing the work. Pipe dream?
Would I be better off spending more on a 93-96?
thanks in advance for any advice.
Why do you need race fuel? If it pings, do you want that hidden? I wouldn't.
Wanna bet? You jump on the car off the line at a stop light in front of a cop and not hit the speed limit and see what happens. You can still get a ticket for unnecessary acceleration. Ask me how I know.
Whether the cam will get along with the intake is a question. If not, you might have issues. Still, you will need tuning unless you get something close to stock which negates the lumpiness you want.
It's very possible to keep the mods ONLY under $5000 especially if you are willing to accept used headers and intakes and exhaust.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,461
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,575
Likes: 961
From: Communist Colorado
So many misinformed people who have no real understanding of a carbuerated engine... carbs are so friggin easy to diagnose, pull off and rebuild... No computer to mess with, no high pressure pumps or lines... Easy to rebuild and about 50 bux for a rebuild kit...
There are a ton of cars with carbs that run just fine and will right on into the future.... There is nothing wrong with carburetors and they have their place on top of all the 60's muscle cars that were very respectable cars....
I mean, who would ever let this pile of carbuerated trash live in their garage unless it was to flip?
There are a ton of cars with carbs that run just fine and will right on into the future.... There is nothing wrong with carburetors and they have their place on top of all the 60's muscle cars that were very respectable cars....
I mean, who would ever let this pile of carbuerated trash live in their garage unless it was to flip?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I think that you might benefit greatly by doing two things:
1) Invest $20.00 and buy a copy of Mike Antonick's Corvette Black Book. Look page by page at what items changed from year to year to get a better idea of what you might want. Also makes it easier to see what optional equipment became standard in later years.
2) Don't be in such a rush so that you get a chance to drive a few so that you can feel the difference between years and between a well maintained car and ones that are not.
Do also keep in mind that unless you're buying a garage queen and you intend to keep it as a garage queen .... you are going to get paint chips on the big beautiful hood.
I flew 1000 miles to get my first vette a dozen years ago my son and I drove it home over a weekend. Take your time and you can still find good ones.
1) Invest $20.00 and buy a copy of Mike Antonick's Corvette Black Book. Look page by page at what items changed from year to year to get a better idea of what you might want. Also makes it easier to see what optional equipment became standard in later years.
2) Don't be in such a rush so that you get a chance to drive a few so that you can feel the difference between years and between a well maintained car and ones that are not.
Do also keep in mind that unless you're buying a garage queen and you intend to keep it as a garage queen .... you are going to get paint chips on the big beautiful hood.
I flew 1000 miles to get my first vette a dozen years ago my son and I drove it home over a weekend. Take your time and you can still find good ones.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 80
From: Fort Mill, SC
I think that you might benefit greatly by doing two things:
1) Invest $20.00 and buy a copy of Mike Antonick's Corvette Black Book. Look page by page at what items changed from year to year to get a better idea of what you might want. Also makes it easier to see what optional equipment became standard in later years.
2) Don't be in such a rush so that you get a chance to drive a few so that you can feel the difference between years and between a well maintained car and ones that are not.
Do also keep in mind that unless you're buying a garage queen and you intend to keep it as a garage queen .... you are going to get paint chips on the big beautiful hood.
I flew 1000 miles to get my first vette a dozen years ago my son and I drove it home over a weekend. Take your time and you can still find good ones.
1) Invest $20.00 and buy a copy of Mike Antonick's Corvette Black Book. Look page by page at what items changed from year to year to get a better idea of what you might want. Also makes it easier to see what optional equipment became standard in later years.
2) Don't be in such a rush so that you get a chance to drive a few so that you can feel the difference between years and between a well maintained car and ones that are not.
Do also keep in mind that unless you're buying a garage queen and you intend to keep it as a garage queen .... you are going to get paint chips on the big beautiful hood.
I flew 1000 miles to get my first vette a dozen years ago my son and I drove it home over a weekend. Take your time and you can still find good ones.
does the book you mention that is not oddly available on Amazon direct from Amazon have more information in it than https://www.corvsport.com/? Ive found this website very helpful. I hope its accurate.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
wow you're right it's not available on Amz that's where I bought mine years ago. But if you google it you will find it at Barns & Noble.
You know I just saw the Corvsport link and tried it myself and it is very informative but I think that the BB is even better and for me having it in print format is much easier to work with and use as a reference.
Drive as many as you can. Drive used ones at dealers then find a long term owner with lots of maintenance receipts.
You know I just saw the Corvsport link and tried it myself and it is very informative but I think that the BB is even better and for me having it in print format is much easier to work with and use as a reference.
Drive as many as you can. Drive used ones at dealers then find a long term owner with lots of maintenance receipts.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 80
From: Fort Mill, SC
wow you're right it's not available on Amz that's where I bought mine years ago. But if you google it you will find it at Barns & Noble.
You know I just saw the Corvsport link and tried it myself and it is very informative but I think that the BB is even better and for me having it in print format is much easier to work with and use as a reference.
Drive as many as you can. Drive used ones at dealers then find a long term owner with lots of maintenance receipts.
You know I just saw the Corvsport link and tried it myself and it is very informative but I think that the BB is even better and for me having it in print format is much easier to work with and use as a reference.
Drive as many as you can. Drive used ones at dealers then find a long term owner with lots of maintenance receipts.
Last edited by barchetta1; Dec 19, 2017 at 08:25 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,461
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
So many misinformed people who have no real understanding of a carbuerated engine... carbs are so friggin easy to diagnose, pull off and rebuild... No computer to mess with, no high pressure pumps or lines... Easy to rebuild and about 50 bux for a rebuild kit...
There are a ton of cars with carbs that run just fine and will right on into the future.... There is nothing wrong with carburetors and they have their place on top of all the 60's muscle cars that were very respectable cars....
I mean, who would ever let this pile of carbuerated trash live in their garage unless it was to flip?
There are a ton of cars with carbs that run just fine and will right on into the future.... There is nothing wrong with carburetors and they have their place on top of all the 60's muscle cars that were very respectable cars....
I mean, who would ever let this pile of carbuerated trash live in their garage unless it was to flip?
Perhaps so but doesn't mean I like them either.
I wouldn't but that's me.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,575
Likes: 961
From: Communist Colorado
Yes, I do equate understanding to not liking something.... I don't know if you are quite old enough to remember a time when everyone hated EFI.... it wasn't because they didn't realize it wasn't actually better... it was because they didn't understand it yet....
I gave you 5 reasons in the first sentence to help you understand my point. Never in any post at any time today or in the past did I say that EFI wasn't superior to carburetor in fuel economy or performance.
What I do stand by is that carbs have their uses and have sat atop many a great muscle car in pairs of 4bbl's as well as triple 2bbl's. and I believe you would change your mind if I gave you any one of the cars in the pic I posted......at least I would hope so....
I gave you 5 reasons in the first sentence to help you understand my point. Never in any post at any time today or in the past did I say that EFI wasn't superior to carburetor in fuel economy or performance.
What I do stand by is that carbs have their uses and have sat atop many a great muscle car in pairs of 4bbl's as well as triple 2bbl's. and I believe you would change your mind if I gave you any one of the cars in the pic I posted......at least I would hope so....
Last edited by 81c3; Dec 19, 2017 at 09:36 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,461
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
Yes, I do equate understanding to not liking something.... I don't know if you are quite old enough to remember a time when everyone hated EFI.... it wasn't because they didn't realize it wasn't actually better... it was because they didn't understand it yet....
I gave you 5 reasons in the first sentence to help you understand my point. Never in any post at any time today or in the past did I say that EFI wasn't superior to carburetor in fuel economy or performance.
What I do stand by is that carbs have their uses and have sat atop many a great muscle car in pairs of 4bbl's as well as triple 2bbl's. and I believe you would change your mind if I gave you any one of the cars in the pic I posted......at least I would hope so....
I gave you 5 reasons in the first sentence to help you understand my point. Never in any post at any time today or in the past did I say that EFI wasn't superior to carburetor in fuel economy or performance.
What I do stand by is that carbs have their uses and have sat atop many a great muscle car in pairs of 4bbl's as well as triple 2bbl's. and I believe you would change your mind if I gave you any one of the cars in the pic I posted......at least I would hope so....
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,461
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
I was hoping to hear how you would tell me how enjoyable the carb was when I had to rejet it for a different altitude in my ATVs and yet again because that changed. I was also hoping to hear how fun it was to have to start something with a choke and feather it till it was warmed up. Just to name a couple.
Look, I don't know about you but when I hear "classic" or "antique", I think "Obsoleted Junk". Unlike you, I don't have any interest in the past. I am more interested in the future. I hold on to old technology only because it isn't economically feasible to toss it for a newer one.
Look, I don't know about you but when I hear "classic" or "antique", I think "Obsoleted Junk". Unlike you, I don't have any interest in the past. I am more interested in the future. I hold on to old technology only because it isn't economically feasible to toss it for a newer one.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 80
From: Fort Mill, SC
Actually 73k miles not 78. Really nice garaged example. The only wish I would have had was for a 3.07 rear end. Still plenty fast, I will likely opt for that option myself soon. Needs tires badly.. they are extremely loud and look to be dried out.
As for the price. Id rather not say as I may advertise it on here one day..
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,461
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI
Actually 73k miles not 78. Really nice garaged example. The only wish I would have had was for a 3.07 rear end. Still plenty fast, I will likely opt for that option myself soon. Needs tires badly.. they are extremely loud and look to be dried out.
As for the price. Id rather not say as I may advertise it on here one day..
As for the price. Id rather not say as I may advertise it on here one day..
Won't matter either way. If you mod it, it's hard to say other than you won't get your money back unless you have someone that desperately wants that combination. If you don't mod, I wouldn't care what you paid for it either. Just because I got away paying $1000 for a $10000 car doesn't mean you will get that lucky with me. Also, just because you paid $20000 for a $10000 car doesn't mean I will be that foolish and pay you more than it is worth. Again, with sentimentality, all bets are off.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 80
From: Fort Mill, SC
I wouldn't drive it till you have new tires. Dad found out the hard way that just because it has low miles for a 10 year old tire doesn't mean it is good. Almost cost him his life to learn that.
Won't matter either way. If you mod it, it's hard to say other than you won't get your money back unless you have someone that desperately wants that combination. If you don't mod, I wouldn't care what you paid for it either. Just because I got away paying $1000 for a $10000 car doesn't mean you will get that lucky with me. Also, just because you paid $20000 for a $10000 car doesn't mean I will be that foolish and pay you more than it is worth. Again, with sentimentality, all bets are off.
Won't matter either way. If you mod it, it's hard to say other than you won't get your money back unless you have someone that desperately wants that combination. If you don't mod, I wouldn't care what you paid for it either. Just because I got away paying $1000 for a $10000 car doesn't mean you will get that lucky with me. Also, just because you paid $20000 for a $10000 car doesn't mean I will be that foolish and pay you more than it is worth. Again, with sentimentality, all bets are off.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 204
Likes: 45
From: Central Iowa
Actually 73k miles not 78. Really nice garaged example. The only wish I would have had was for a 3.07 rear end. Still plenty fast, I will likely opt for that option myself soon. Needs tires badly.. they are extremely loud and look to be dried out.
As for the price. Id rather not say as I may advertise it on here one day..
As for the price. Id rather not say as I may advertise it on here one day..
Very nice looking!
Congratulations!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,461
Likes: 3,288
From: Hartford WI