Bought an 84 C4 for my first Corvette and I have roughly 5 grand to put into it. It is wintertime here in New York, so I cannot work on car outside right now, so I am trying to buy everything for the car soon and when spring comes, I want to finish the car up before summer starts. What is a decent set of headers that I can put on with no fabrications? and maybe give me a few more horsepower. I don't have a wielder at home so I would like to get a complete bolt on exhaust system for it until I can get it down to the garage and tack it up. I don't want to go cheap nor expensive, but I put 1k in interior already. probably do 1k for all new suspension. 1500 on rims and tires and another 1500 on performance upgrades if I could get some ideas, I have a note pad out and putting everything on paper so I could shop around. when the car is complete, I might add another 1k down the road but for now sticking to 1500 bucks in performance. I want new exhaust because car has been sitting for years so I would like a new one for sound and power with a catalytic converter on it.

 

What will headers and a cam do for a crossfire? - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

 

Hey Thanks! Ill just keep the stock manifold then and just get a new exhaust. it needs a new system anyways car is 30 years old and cat are probably clogged from sitting so long. would you know a good cheap exhaust that's not stock that would make it sound better basically get a new cat then get a cat back exhaust. Thats not too load but makes the car sound good

 

Before you go too far I would be very sure that the Corvette is able to "Stop" reliably just the way she sits without any modifications. I love tinkering with Corvettes have been a passion for a couple decades. I love going fast but more importantly I like knowing the brake system is "fully Operational/Fully Functional". Be sure to get either a hard copy of the Factory Service Manuals or a set on DVD's from Rockauto. You will NEED to get a set of Factory Service Manuals for you to fully understand and work on the Corvette you just bought.

I bought my First, a 1968 BB Convertible with the 4 speed (30 years ago). I spent a whole weekend getting the rear Parking/Emergency Brake to work. I had the new stainless Parking brakes and new Brake pads and everything finally worked.
I wanted a Brake system that could Stop just as fast as the engine/drive-line could Go.

Being your First Corvette I strongly suggest that you take your time and get to know the Corvette. I would make a list and then fix things based on safely. I did this with my second Corvette and drove it until I knew what needed to get fixed first and so on. Then I ordered the parts and put it up in the air and went to town replacing the bushings and other rear end suspension modifications. I was able to get the best out of both worlds by having a list and then saving some money ordering the parts at your and their leisure to save some money. Anytime you are in a hurry it seems like parts cost more so take your time. Corvettes can be expensive to take care of and if you are planning this to be your Daily driver then you have some work to do.

The 1984 Corvette is a very unique and with the special Crossfire Engine you have your work cut out for you. It is a great combination but needs specific care from an experienced Crossfire Forum member. There are some really nice 1984 Corvette's owned by fellow Forum members. Using their knowledge and the time you might be able to get things at a better price since you are not in any hurry.

I hope that you find the kind of help you are looking for to get that 1984 running its best!
Those early C4 Corvettes impressed a lot of folks after we waited and heard but the 1984 was revolutionary when it came out. Being one myself who was waiting patiently for the replacement of the C3 to show up.

 

For part of your performance budget, make sure you do yourself a favor and replace the waterpump and while you have that off....I would definitely replace the timing chain and gears! The original camshaft gear has nylon teeth that are pushing 40 years old if original! Good advice above, get everything functioning properly and freshen the "consumables" (fluids, belt, battery, thermostat, waterpump, gaskets, etc) you'll read/hear it a million times....the intake is the limiting factor for performance and must be addressed before any other bolt-ons/upgrades will reach their full potential! Buccaneer and Tom400CFI are two of the guys who I would listen to when they give advice on the CFI SBC! Good luck, absolutely nothing wrong with an '84, I love mine!!!!!👍

 

If you have $5k to put into the car to be honest the sky's the limit. The new motor I'm putting in my 84 right now will give me 650hp to the wheels and I have way less than $5k in it. I made a video about the car a while back. The crossfire small block is a good reliable engine but it's not worth putting money into for any kind of power gains. For under $5k I have touch screen fuel management, a 4L80e with a 3600 stall converter and a new motor.


Also check out my build thread.

here