Forum Members-
I'm doing a little market research.

The idea is a technical, instructional book on C5 Corvette performance enhancement. This book would be about 150 pages, 8.5x11-in in size, soft-bound and all-color.

Everything in the book would be aimed mostly at do-it-yourselfers interested in improving the performance of their street high-performance, street/track or street/strip 97-04 Vettes. The book would have little or no material on race-only cars.

Most mods in the book would be bolt-ons but some would not be, however, non-bolt-ons would be streetable and, for the most part, DIY tasks.

The book would limit itself almost entirely to engine, transmission, rear axle, suspension and brake subjects. There would be little or nothing on bodywork, paint, vehicle electronics other than chassis and powertrain, car care, interior enhancement other than for performance or appearance items.

I'm interested to know what kinds of modifications, parts or other coverage the C5 gearheads on the CAC would like to see covered in such a book. Please, confine your suggestions or comments to the above general guidelines.

TIA for any suggestions you might have for a book such as above.

 

Would love to see info on what to do with PCM parameters and when PCM will self adapt to new mods (like headers).

Book should have an appendix with all the common C5 problems (pwr window fail, rocking seat, column lock, etc) and repair actions too.

 

Hib

I would like to see a book that details various popular modifications and the ACTUAL result. Such as the following-

Exhaust systems – headers, and cat back systems.
Air intake systems, such as the vara-ram and the simple K&N filter with open lid.
Head work and cam changes.
Rear end gear ratio changes.
Thermostat and temperature control modification.

Any combinations of the above.

Most important would be the gains derived from the various modifications.

I like to watch all of those “Horsepower TV shows” where two guys will modify a late model vehicle and spend countless thousands of dollars on part or project. They always do a before and after on the dyno jet. Some projects produce a minimal amount of increase for a large amount invested. I would love to know how much power a certain Corvette mod would produce, but not the vendor’s numbers!

 

Thought I had recognized the name!!!
Would include section on which of the "hand held" programmers work and what their particular limitations are.

Cost structuring as it relates to what order mods are done or in what combinations. Example: If you are going to do differential change then maybe it is wise to do torque converter change to save cost of labor.

What "pitfalls" or unexpected results may occur if you do a mod. Such as radical cam change that requires constant adustment of valve springs or replacement of the valve springs. Or: if you put on exhaust system with x pipe then you should think about future application of headers. If you are doing headers later you will probably end up with an extra x pipe and extra cost.

What changes in tire and wheel size will mean in terms of performance and drivability.

What effects MAF and throttle body changes have on performance.

What changes in suspension are really good and cost effective.

Hanzel's new soft cover has some great LS1 stuff in it now.

 

Great idea! Hope it works out. I'll buy one.

 

An honest long tube header comparison using a stock car and modded car with all the popular brands. From installation to dyno runs with backing 1/4 mi info.

Same thing for the most popular Heads on the market.

A professional explanation of CLB and the affects on the system.

LS1 edit secrets. How to interpret AFR ratios for the street.

The pros and cons of Roller Rockers for LSx engines.

The good, the bad, the ugly for clutches.

The making of a 427.

 

on the PCM tuning

PCM tuning is magic to alot of us who only have experience tuning and adjusting carburetor cars

 

On the other board I voted for PCM tuning, and I'll vote again for it here. If you decide you want to do something on common problems, you're more than welcome to use the Sticky in C5 General. I can't really claim all the information in that thread, but you're welcome to use whatever contributions I made to it.

It'd also be nice to get higher quality pictures from the website where the highest quality wouldn't be feasible to put in the book.

 

Deffinatly should show befor / after dyno results. and or e.t's. you should also cover 60' times with different tires.

 

 

I'd definitely buy one!

 

I agree. I'd love to see a book where someone installed a set of Kooks on a stock vette and gave before/after rear wheel hp dyno figures, then pulled them off and installed something like a Halltech Stinger and gave the same sort of numbers. Obviously, that's the tough part, getting the numbers on each individual component rather than cummulative information. Who wants to install a set of headers and then pull them off again?

 

Just wanted you CFers to know that I'm tracking these repsonses.

Keep 'em coming.

 

that would be great if it included exact shoping lists and put it in order from easiest to toughest or performance wise a progression so that one mod would run into the next.
IE intake upgrade then supercharger rather then vice versa.
Hope that made sense, I am a Marine so I hope I get a little slack, I just have to pull a trigger for a living!!

 

You can't pull that on us. We know you have to run a whole bunch and put up with sand fleas BEFORE you get to pull the trigger. Thanks for being there gunny!

 

runamuk - I owe you one for the fuel line clip ( I needed a clip and NO ONE, including dealers, could come up with a fuel line clip or a part #. After I posted about acquiring one runamuk sent me one - FREE! He did not know me!! )
I know a little about tuning and would be happy to return your favor. Seriously, anytime you have a question, or questions, give me a buzz.

You have mail.

 

so what your saying is you are going to reword all of the things that are said and shared on this forum for free and then turn around and try to make a buck off everyone?

Nice

get lost is my opinion

 

I don't think I've ever said that.

Thanks for your input. You do the same.

 

Hib

There has always been a lot of debate over drag race and road race set ups as well. A drag race set up may not be ideal for road racing or High Performance Drivers Education ( track time ) and vis versa.

Looking at those differences as well.

I believe that dyno tuning can get a lot more out of a motor and computer then most ppl can realize. Even though you are looking at a DIY book, some things need a professional and are really not that expeinsive.

The difference between bling mods and real performance modificatons.

Last thought would be to please stay impartial, dont endorse product X, Y, or Z.

Good Luck with the book

 

Great idea! Hope it works out. I'll buy one.