Best Mods to do with $1500??

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May 21, 2003 | 12:38 AM
  #1  
Question I have $1500 to put under the hood and wanted to know what to do. I've seen the question asked for other engines, but not too many early L98s.

It's an 86 L98. On the car when I bought it were Borla mufflers, TB Bypass & TB Foil. I've added an open air cover and K&N Filter. What should I do to get the best bang for the buck? Keep in mind, I'll need to pass emmisions. (thanks in advance for any advice)


[Modified by DelcoVette, 12:56 AM 5/21/2003]


[Modified by DelcoVette, 1:09 AM 5/21/2003]
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May 21, 2003 | 12:51 AM
  #2  
Re: Best Mods to do with $1500?? (DelcoVette)
Welcome to the forum! This gets asked quite a bit, and the answers are usually always gears and nitrous. If you have 1500 bucks, you can do both if you do the work yourself. If you can't do the work, then you'll need to decide what's best for your car.
Mileage and the condition of the rings would govern my choice if it was my car. I've done both, and I can say I like each as well as the other. Good luck!!
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May 21, 2003 | 12:54 AM
  #3  
Re: Best Mods to do with $1500?? (DelcoVette)
No gears, No juice

Id put the money into exhaust, for a stock vette thats the best place to get good gains. Hooker 2149 headers and a good catback muffler setup.

Or, you can buy a Superram and maybe youll have money leftover for a bigger cam to go with it. You would need a hydraulic roller conversion for the standard 219 cam.

Or, you can replace the stock heads, which suck. But $1500 isnt enough for AFR 190s, it is enough for 88-91 vette heads which are pretty good.

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May 21, 2003 | 01:32 AM
  #4  
Re: Best Mods to do on 86 L98 with $1500?? (DelcoVette)
Some worthwhile mods for a L98 are:
-cut back spark plug electrodes - free
-increase TPS base setting to .65Vdc - free
-increase base timing till just before knock retard - free
-160 deg stat & fan switch - $20.
-AFPR & FP gauge are - $80 (don't do a chip change).
-Random Technology cat - $225.
-2 1/2" mandrel-bent front Y - $200; OR TPIS LT headers - $750
-1.6:1 self aligning RRs, springs, seals & locks - $400

These mods will add 35-40hp and still leave enough to install a TransGo shift kit.

BTW, do you have Al or iron heads?
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May 21, 2003 | 09:57 AM
  #5  
Re: Best Mods to do on 86 L98 with $1500?? (65Z01)
Exhaust, Torque convertor and Drag Radials.

Vic

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May 21, 2003 | 10:07 AM
  #6  
Re: Best Mods to do on 86 L98 with $1500?? (Vic'89)
Get work done to your heads,bore your intake and a new header to full exhaust..

All this will open up your car for anything in the future you might afford.. Plus get some good gains on the way..

Rob
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May 22, 2003 | 02:23 AM
  #7  
Re: Best Mods to do on 86 L98 with $1500?? (Tolofou)
if its an auto. gotta go for a 2800 vigilante or yank style converter.awsome lowend. thats only a lil' thing for 1500 bucks if u can do work your self
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