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I have a completely factory original 1987 with 32k and looking to possibly swap computer chip. However, I've heard that the "Hyperchips etc." are pretty much junk and wondered if anyone knows of something that would yield some performance gains. Thanks.
I have a completely factory original 1987 with 32k and looking to possibly swap computer chip. However, I've heard that the "Hyperchips etc." are pretty much junk and wondered if anyone knows of something that would yield some performance gains. Thanks.
Just an idea....LT1 exhaust manifolds(around $100, you can see the difference vs L98 manifolds), larger diameter Y-pipe($125 +), maybe hi-flow cat.
Its all about air in & air out....air in on a L98 can get pricey, because of that air out (above suggestion) it might not add more, but I'll let others chime in.
The biggest bang for the buck on my 85 was my TPIS headers. I got a used set for $450 and was the best money I ever spent on this car even if I had to pay full price.
I put a set of headers, an x pipe and two "cherry bombs"....ran 'em out the back with muffler eliminators....made quite a difference......of course, your neighbors will know when you go down the street...
no cat backs, no converters....check your state for emissions
Last edited by playsdixie; Nov 11, 2020 at 08:21 AM.
I aslo am goign to go with exhasut as a first step, but you have to do the headers. A Cat-Back won't do much as the restriction on an L98 is upfront.
If I acquired a stock L98, assuming you have an auto, I would do headers, converter, rear gear before anything else. Then install and EBL and do my own tuning and dial it in. From there you are set up to keep building.
I have a completely factory original 1987 with 32k and looking to possibly swap computer chip. However, I've heard that the "Hyperchips etc." are pretty much junk and wondered if anyone knows of something that would yield some performance gains. Thanks.
No chips, all off the shelf is junk. Custom only and then only once you're done with a lot of modifications.
Budget, what can you do yourself, what are your goals here? Answer those questions first.
I aslo am goign to go with exhasut as a first step, but you have to do the headers. A Cat-Back won't do much as the restriction on an L98 is upfront.
My Kart is making 240 RWHP with stock manifolds and home made dual exhaust. Not saying that OP (or anyone) shouldn't do headers -they should if they can afford 'em, but just pointing out that there are meaningful gains aft of the manifolds. Not pretty...but pretty effective:
Last edited by Tom400CFI; Nov 11, 2020 at 11:32 AM.
My Kart is making 240 RWHP with stock manifolds and home made dual exhaust. Not saying that OP (or anyone) shouldn't do headers -they should if they can afford 'em, but just pointing out that there are meaningful gains aft of the manifolds. Not pretty...but pretty effective:
Thats all fine and dandy but... it's well known in the TPI community that the factory manifolds, well suck. If you are claiming that you can make power without going to headers, thats fine, you can... but what are you leaving on the table? Until you dyno your Kart before/after you can't quantify how much they are holding your combo back, or any combo.
If it is a price thing, it is unfortunate that there are not $200-$400 mild steel units still available for the C4. However, I stand by my statement. If I acquired an stock L98 anything: headers, gear, converter, and an EBL would be the first things to set my platform up for whatever comes next and to get the most out of it the way it sits.
I wish I had a picture side by side of the LT1 and L98 manifolds, there is a difference. Maybe not long tube header category, but if the OP doesn't plan any mods like cam or heads, LT are overkill in my opinion.
I wish I had a picture side by side of the LT1 and L98 manifolds, there is a difference. Maybe not long tube header category, but if the OP doesn't plan any mods like cam or heads, LT are overkill in my opinion.
Thats all fine and dandy but... it's well known in the TPI community that the factory manifolds, well suck. If you are claiming that you can make power without going to headers, thats fine, you can... but what are you leaving on the table? Until you dyno your Kart before/after you can't quantify how much they are holding your combo back, or any combo.
That is exactly what I was showing. Note that I made no comment about what you or I am leaving on the table w/o headers. I'm sure it's substanital....but headers cost $$$. I actually have a set of ARH headers for the Kart. I haven't put them on yet b/c I specifically want to do a before/after, but I'm doing an intake first, so the headers sit, unused. But the OP may not have $$$ for exhaust AND headers. Note that in my first post, I simply said to the OP; "Exhaust"...which includes ALL of it....from the head to the tail pipe, depending on what the OP can afford. You posted, so I posted to show that you can get a big gain from manifolds back....so the OP knows his options -this could be helpful information for say, swapping to an LT1 take-off exhaust, for example. Or having an exhaust shop fab an exhaust similar to mine. Of course headers are better. Of course they also cost more money. What is the OP up for? We don't know, so lets share as much info as we can, so he can make an informed decision...what do you say?
Originally Posted by KyleF
If it is a price thing, it is unfortunate that there are not $200-$400 mild steel units still available for the C4. However, I stand by my statement. If I acquired an stock L98 anything: headers, gear, converter, and an EBL would be the first things to set my platform up for whatever comes next and to get the most out of it the way it sits.
Of course. All of us would probably like that as an "L98 starter kit". Does the OP? can he afford it? IDK. We don't know, so I was simply providing cheap options that showed pretty big results.
OP...there is a pair of shorty headers in the for sale section for $100.
Aaand there is a complete LT1 exhaust on there too, right HERE. $375. With the listing ^you're^ talking about, you could build an entire system for <$500.
EDIT: Oops....I just used my eyeballs and saw that you already posted about the exhaust. Sorry.
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Last edited by Tom400CFI; Nov 12, 2020 at 10:18 AM.
Modest performance boost 1987 L98
