Alright, I’ve had it! My car has been too slow, for too long, and I should have modified it years ago. I kicked around the idea of doing a 6.0 LS swap, but it’s just going to be too much for me, on several different levels, so I’m left with working with the original small-block. I know that you guys go through the recommendation questions a lot and seems like a broken record, but I’m looking for a “power package” recommendation. What better group to ask than the people that actually own and work on the things.

Here’s the car, 1990 coupe, speed density L-98, 6-speed ZF manual tranny, Z-51 car, Dana 44 rear with 3.33 gears. Other than the “free mods” and a Flowmaster Force II cat-back exhaust (2.25”), the car is factory stock. Here’s the application, driven daily, reliable enough for me to drive it back and forth to California (I live in VA) if I want, and will make an occasional trip to the dragstrip to get my speed fix. I want it to sound good and healthy, and I want to stay ahead of the typical punk in his non-M BMW who thinks he’s fast.

Budget, I’m going to say $5,000. Not totally sure what all that’s going to get me, but here’s a run down on what I’m thinking. I’m planning to use the factory bottom end, it’s seen nothing but 5w-30 synthetic oil, and has lived a semi-charmed life. I want to change the cam and valvetrain, heads, injectors, entire induction system, including the throttle body. I know that I’m going to need send the computer away to get totally re-mapped for this combination, and I’ll need to make some ignition modifications (MSD 6A or equivalent) to get it to perform at its peak potential.

I also want to do the exhaust, full length headers, true 2.5” dual exhaust with balance tube/x-pipe, and am planning to use Corsa or Magneflow mufflers. The car is registered as an antique, doesn’t go through inspection anymore, so I can get away with this. I know all about the “C4 drone” and would like to avoid that if I can. I’m definitely open to suggestions here as well.

I’m not opposed to changing the rear gears, but I don’t see a huge gain by stepping up to 3.54 gears. I could see 3.73, but will the car have traction problems at that point? That’s all I’ve got on it, what do you guys think? What have I missed? Any help will be greatly appreciated, and sorry for the long post; I just wanted to give you guys a complete picture to make recommendations against.

 

u are probably going to get told cam, heads, headers, corsa.

lets see!

so for 5k, added to what you get for the car, could you simply sell it and get an lt4 or lt1 based car? ive seen very high mile zr-1’s even go for 12kusd

 

With a M6, I'd definitely lean to a Miniram, LT4 hotcam, 1.6RR, AFR 190 heads, and then i'd think about 4.10s in the rear. That cam would keep the good drivability you want.

You could have your factory heads ported and worked over and save some money that the AFRs will soak up, but you'll lose some top end power that the big 190 ports would give. Its up to you, this and the cam kinda depends on whether you have a specific power goal in mind or just want to liven the car up. You can certainly go with other head brands.

 

Funny you should say that; I was bench racing with my best friend last night he recommended selling it and buying an '03 or '04 Z-06, which I didn't think was a bad idea

 

My advice would also be selling and buying a C5 Z05, way better bang for the bucks.

 

I originally bought the car to autocross with, which I've done once in 18 years of ownership. I wound up running it at the dragstrip way more, and had a lot more fun doing that because the dragstrip was where all my friends were. I should have spent a little more money a bought a used C5, I would have been way further ahead.

 

You still can.

 

Back in '03, when I bought the car, I could have done that a lot more easily. You know, single, no responsibilities, and a pocket full of personality. Now, married, 4 kids, that's not as easy as it used to be....

 

I don't think $5K will cover all that. Corsa is $1500. Not sure how much a miniram is going for used (maybe $500 to $1000) then that is tuning for the cam and other "while I am there" stuff. Coated LT headers are probably another $1000. Cam and heads, well..... Then there is the tuning part. Dyno tuning is probably north of $500 and not sure where to get it since many don't deal with the old stuff anymore.

 

i know the story

 

May be easier than spending months under the hood in the garage and writing dozens of checks with box after box showing up at the door while the wife’s honey-do list grows longer and longer and her patience grows shorter. Kids have ball. Bday parties. Yata yata.
Maybe one check. A few weeks shopping and test driving. Done. Quick. Asphalt smoking C5 in driveway!
😀

 

Or C6. Might as well get hell for something more worthwhile?

 

I’m still an old flip-up light guy.
Buddy has a 2013 600hp+ ground shaking C6 in orange. Incredible car. If they only had flip lights!!!!
I cannot accept the slim tail lights of the later cars. Round, oval, or rounded-squares only for me!

OP - good luck with your journey. Why not post a photo of your 90?

 

The biggest problem is the intake...

All the other stuff is standard hot rod stuff, but the TPI just chokes the life out of any motor past 4500 rpm.

Then, when you want to replace it, nothing normal fits under the hood... So... $1300 on a TPIS Miniram (whose runners are too short) or something else, which I still haven't worked out.

Traction: My near stock 85 4+3 has no problems smoking up 315 Nittos. It'll spin them when cold on a 15-20 mph rolling hit. That's on a 3.07 rear... Gearing may not be worth the investment right now.

 

Holley Stealth Ram works BUT you have to cut a hole in the hood.

 

If you have to cut a hole then it's either look 100% ghetto... Pay for a cowl to be glassed in ($X plus paint)... Or buy a cowl'd hood ($2000 plus repaint).

 

I cut a hole and put a Greenwood hood scoop on it. Front opens up and is where the air filter is. The conical one on the TB, that is.

 

or cut the HSR

 

Have you ever done that? I think I have seen pictures of it done and I would say it is easier to cut a hole, put a hood scoop and paint the hood, labor wise. Especially on this old a car where the hood has scratches and chips, you can repair it all at once. IDK about you but I am not a good welder and certainly not in that class that can do it.

 

You've hit the nail on the head with the "honey-do" list, it's never ending and there's always something that takes priority over the C4.