Mods to an 88.. Suggestions...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 496
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From: Katmandu
Mods to an 88.. Suggestions...
I have only done mods to ZR-1s. Last weekend, a friend asked me about doing his L98/4+3 convertable. He wanted to know what would be the best upgrade and if I would do it.
So, my questions are these:
1. Rebuild or get a crate motor drop-in? I favored a crate motor but wouldn't it require a new wiring harness? Should I keep the intake or go with a LT1 intake system?
2. Transmission replacemnet? Would you keep the 4+3 or go with something like a Richmond or even a ZF?
There are a ton more questions I could have but perhaps this will get it going
Thnaks in advance!
So, my questions are these:
1. Rebuild or get a crate motor drop-in? I favored a crate motor but wouldn't it require a new wiring harness? Should I keep the intake or go with a LT1 intake system?
2. Transmission replacemnet? Would you keep the 4+3 or go with something like a Richmond or even a ZF?
There are a ton more questions I could have but perhaps this will get it going
Thnaks in advance!
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Re: Mods to an 88.. Suggestions... (The Lurker)
4+3 can handle the power output from heavily modded engines, but if he doesnt like the tranny itself its ok to change to ZF or richmond. They can handle the power too.
I would do a rebuild, depending on how much power he wants out of the motor, he could do a 383 for nearly the same price as a crate zz4.
I would ditch the intake if he wants more than say, 350hp. There is a modified LT1 intake that will work for us, or use Miniram, Superram, or Stealthram. The choice between those depends on how much power he wants, his budget constraints, emissions, and what rpm range he wants the power and how far he wants to spin it.
I would do a rebuild, depending on how much power he wants out of the motor, he could do a 383 for nearly the same price as a crate zz4.
I would ditch the intake if he wants more than say, 350hp. There is a modified LT1 intake that will work for us, or use Miniram, Superram, or Stealthram. The choice between those depends on how much power he wants, his budget constraints, emissions, and what rpm range he wants the power and how far he wants to spin it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 496
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From: Katmandu
Re: Mods to an 88.. Suggestions... (chucks88)
His budget is almost unlimited. He just wants more power. I had thought of a 383 with a supercharger to give him the power. I quickly ditched the BB conversion becuase of the shear magnitude of frame changes needed. The crate was a quick and dirty fix but if I can get as much with a rebuild I will definately consider that route. My concerns were air flow at higher RPM levels. If a miniram or the like will compensate for that then all is well.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 496
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From: Katmandu
Re: Mods to an 88.. Suggestions... (Red 90 L98 Coupe)
I am sure a nice 450 hp will work nicely. Like I said, my main concern was the limited airflow of the L98. I wanted this thing to breathe and not start weezing at 5200..
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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Re: Mods to an 88.. Suggestions... (The Lurker)
Id look at TPiS.com engine development page for some numbers on their MR and a couple cams they use. If the miniram/LT1 intake is what he really wants.
Superram, 219 cam, ported heads, 383 gets about 440hp at the crank by Lingenfelter's book.
Superram, 219 cam, ported heads, 383 gets about 440hp at the crank by Lingenfelter's book.
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Re: Mods to an 88.. Suggestions... (The Lurker)
A basic 383 with a new intake, headers and exhaust would get you around that power level.
I'd would look at the SR or MR as they are proven combos and all the homework has already been done. The Stealthram has some great potential but you will need to do some more homework on cams to suit etc while the SR & MR are already supported with off the shelf bits that give a proven result. Whether you go for the miniram or the superram would depend on how he is going to drive it, where he wants the power to be at and whether he needs emissions hookups on the intake (stealthram and miniram have no egr provision as far as I know).
http://www.cruzinperformance.com is probably worth getting in touch with if your friend winds up going via the SR route.
BTW, I though the 4+3's overdrive unit was a weak point when making big power. Perhaps Scorp or someone elese can verify one way or another?
[Modified by Red 90 L98 Coupe, 5:37 PM 8/28/2003]
I'd would look at the SR or MR as they are proven combos and all the homework has already been done. The Stealthram has some great potential but you will need to do some more homework on cams to suit etc while the SR & MR are already supported with off the shelf bits that give a proven result. Whether you go for the miniram or the superram would depend on how he is going to drive it, where he wants the power to be at and whether he needs emissions hookups on the intake (stealthram and miniram have no egr provision as far as I know).
http://www.cruzinperformance.com is probably worth getting in touch with if your friend winds up going via the SR route.
BTW, I though the 4+3's overdrive unit was a weak point when making big power. Perhaps Scorp or someone elese can verify one way or another?
[Modified by Red 90 L98 Coupe, 5:37 PM 8/28/2003]