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| DrDyno | Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Guru Newb
 
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Hi All,
I'm about four months into a '96 CE LT1. In that time, I have: 1. Had the engine resealed with new gaskets from the timing cover forward, and from the valve covers down to the pan gasket. 2. New MDS water pump 3. New OptiSpark (RPT GM05) 4. New Scorpion 1.6 Roller rockers with LT4 valve springs and hardware. I am considering the following and would appreciate input from those of you who have affected these mods and, suggested brands... 1. TPIS air flow streamliner for the stock 48mm throttle body or... 2. TPIS 52mm throttle body w/ air flow streamliner 3. New Double-Row radiator (for increased cooling here in Florida) 4. Unrestricted air filter cover for stock filter (I don't like K&N's) 5. Throttle body hot water bypass 6. Possible exhaust mods but... I don't want headers. 7. MAF replacement or mods. Also... does anyone sell an upgraded, short throw shifter for the 4L60e? Many thanks in advance of your input! |
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Posted on: 2014/4/4 18:38
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John G. St. Petersburg, FL "If it seems like you're in control... you're not going fast enough!" Mario Andretti |
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| bogus | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
 
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Considerations:
1. Don't bother. 2. Don't bother... save that for a 383 3. Yes, DeWitt's are the bomb. 4. Why don't you like K$N? 5. A pain with the later LT1 cooling routing. 6. Corsa is my suggestion 7. MAF experts will add comment Short shifter? No... but you can DIY it... |
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Posted on: 2014/4/4 18:42
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| Matatk | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Webmaster
 
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What are your goals? Are you spending money just to spend money? Repairs?
Best mod you can do now is headers IMHO. Being in Florida a Dewitt's rad is nice, figure $500 for the part. No real MAF mods to be done. Not sure what you mean by a short throw shifter for an automatic. |
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Posted on: 2014/4/4 23:34
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| bogus | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
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A fellow guru did a short shifter for the automatic.
cut the shaft down an inch or so. looked really trick. |
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Posted on: 2014/4/5 1:06
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| Matatk | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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I still plan on cutting mine as well. But I don't consider an automatic to have a "short throw" shifter like a manual.
http://www.corvetteguruforum.com/modu ... t&topic_id=11281&forum=21 http://www.corvetteguruforum.com/modu ... =&topic_id=12601&forum=21 |
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Posted on: 2014/4/5 1:45
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| DrDyno | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Guru Newb
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Quote:
GOALS: Good question! I'm not looking to turn my LT1 into an LT4. I'm just looking to get the best the engine has to offer without major upgrades. I doubt anything else will add as much to the performance as the 1.6 rockers and LT4 springs have with the possible exception of headers (which would be the obvious next step). However, I want this '96 CE to remain looking as stock as possible, including under the hood. I'm no so totally committed to it that I wouldn't consider selling it, some day, for perhaps a C6. Headers would just make it appear to be somebody else's hot rod and devalue the car. Given those parameters, air filter housing upgrade, TB hot water bypass and the TPIS air flow piece, all coming to less than $120.00, should be no-brainers. Past that, probably the radiator upgrade. Regarding the shifter, the throw is long and cumbersome for manual upshifting or down shifting. It's OK, it's just not "fun." |
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Posted on: 2014/4/5 17:18
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John G. St. Petersburg, FL "If it seems like you're in control... you're not going fast enough!" Mario Andretti |
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| Matatk | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Headers are reversible if you ever sell the car. There are kits that will adapt right up with your stock exhaust.
There is a guy on here Higgyburners who sells some nice CNC machined air filter covers if you are interested. I have the bypass because it makes it easier to work on my car. The airfoil is not necessary. If you decide to put it in, make sure you loctite the screw in so it doesn't back out and get ingested in your engine (has happened before!). |
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Posted on: 2014/4/5 22:40
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| DrDyno | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Guru Newb
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Quote:
Thanks, Matatk... good advice with the airfoil screw! I'll contact Higgyburners... sounds expensive. |
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Posted on: 2014/4/6 0:12
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John G. St. Petersburg, FL "If it seems like you're in control... you're not going fast enough!" Mario Andretti |
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| DrDyno | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Quote:
Tried to PM Higgyburners. PM function only let me scroll down to "Ahearrean." Help, please. |
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Posted on: 2014/4/6 0:18
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John G. St. Petersburg, FL "If it seems like you're in control... you're not going fast enough!" Mario Andretti |
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| DrDyno | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Quote:
I haven't found any direct-fit header kits. Can you recommend any? Also (previously posted) the PM feature won't scroll down past the A's to find Higgyburners. Any suggestions? Many thanks! |
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Posted on: 2014/4/6 2:39
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John G. St. Petersburg, FL "If it seems like you're in control... you're not going fast enough!" Mario Andretti |
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| Matatk | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Posted on: 2014/4/6 16:37
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| pianoguy | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Thanks for the reminder on Higgy's lid, Matt - I just ordered one.
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Posted on: 2014/4/7 0:46
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1996 LT4 �Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.�- Jack Handey |
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| BillH | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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The Stig Moderator
 
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Almost right Matt. The airfoil is a total waste of your money. |
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Posted on: 2014/4/7 3:19
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Every man dies but not every man lives. |
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| Matatk | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Quote:
 OK, if you got one for free you could put it on. Or give it away. Wouldn't make much difference. But I wouldn't purchase one, personally. |
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Posted on: 2014/4/7 12:45
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| rklessdriver | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Senior Guru
 
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Quote:
It's a great mod... when the bolt falls out and goes thru the engine it gives him an excuse to build a 383.... Will |
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Posted on: 2014/4/7 14:07
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1984 Corvette. 434 SBC with a Powerglide. Best pass - 8.48@160MPH 1.23 60ft on MT 275/60R15 Radials. 1972 Corvette. LS5 454 BBC with M20 4 speed. Best Pass - Doing good to just pass a gas station. |
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| bogus | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
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yea... memo: blue threadlock.
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Posted on: 2014/4/9 15:53
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| Matatk | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Quote:
Quote:
 *ahem* [clears throat] Quote:
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Posted on: 2014/4/9 22:03
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| bogus | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
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we know... geez...
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Posted on: 2014/4/9 23:01
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| Matatk | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Quote:
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Posted on: 2014/4/10 2:46
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| DrDyno | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Guru Newb
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Thank you all for your suggestions. Air foil is out!
What I've decided on from your input and other C4 owners is the following: 1. Free flowing air filter cover 2. Bosch III Injectors from FIC 3. Aeromotive adjustable fuel pressure regulator 4. New O2 sensors 5. 1.6 Roller Rockers (already installed) Headers are a possibility for the future. I recognize I'm leaving HP on the table but I'd rather not for several reasons: A. Cost B. Heat C. Constant maintenance D. Hard to reverse for eventual resale Again, many thanks for your input! |
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Posted on: 2014/4/11 11:47
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John G. St. Petersburg, FL "If it seems like you're in control... you're not going fast enough!" Mario Andretti |
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| Matatk | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Quote:
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Posted on: 2014/4/12 11:47
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| DrDyno | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Guru Newb
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Quote:
Hi Matatk, Thank you for your response. "Klyde" from another Corvette Forum shared that the single biggest performance gain on his '96 LT1 came from a combination of FIC's Bosch III injectors, Aero fuel pressure regulator (set to 47psi) and new O2 sensors. (He does not have headers or 1.6 RR's.) However, when asked, he offered that he installed all three items at the same time so it's possible that one or two made the larger difference for him. Here's a list of his mods from which the above made the most difference: OBX Cat-back Exhaust Continental Extreme Contact Tires O2 sensors (All four) Fuel Injectors (Bosch III’s) Fuel Pressure Regulator (Aeromotive Adjustable set for 47psi) Fuel Rail (C4 Stainless Steel) Fuel Filter NGK Iridium Spark Plugs PCV Valve PCV Connection Hose Belt Tensioner Tensioner Pulley Idler Pulley Belt Air Filter A search of FIC injectors on YouTube will bring up several interesting videos of the Bosch III's compared to the Multitecs. I think you'll agree the Bosch III's are an improvement. Again, concerning headers, a decent set of coated headers will cost at least a grand installed.And, if I want it reversed, it'll probably cost another $200-$300 dollars. The "maintenance" I referred to is from my past experience with headers on C3 Corvettes. They were constantly needing tightening. I never knew when I got in and started the car if I was going to have an exhaust leak or not. And, being as anal as I am, they did have the proper hardware and torque. If that's no longer the case, I'd be happy to learn of it. |
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Posted on: 2014/4/14 3:41
Edited by DrDyno on 2014/4/14 4:08:41 |
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John G. St. Petersburg, FL "If it seems like you're in control... you're not going fast enough!" Mario Andretti |
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| Matatk | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Everything on that list are maintenance items. There is not one performance item on there. So just saying "I did a tune up and my performance is great" has nothing to do with adding performance.
I will not agree Bosch IIIs are an improvement just because of a Youtube video. Trust me, I have watched the same videos. I personally installed the Bosch III replacement injectors in my 89. The gas mileage went down. Many people have problems with BLMs (the fuel/air mix in basic terms) once they install them and scan the car. They are not designed for our cars. They are modified for them, but not originally intended that way. People tout them as the holy grail and it's just not true. You have better/more durable injectors in your 96 than came in the 89. I bet there is nothing wrong with them. Send them out to be cleaned/tested if you are that concerned. It's a 20 minute job to remove them and costs $100 for a rebuild. If Klyde got a huge improvement from o2 sensors and a fuel pressure regulator with injectors, then those components were faulty or failing on his car. As far as the headers, cost is relative. You just spent $400 on roller rockers. Was that too expensive? So what's $1000? Why would you have to remove them when you sell? It will be the first mod 50% of your buyers put on. I have headers and have never had to tighten the flange bolts to the head beside the initial break in period. Use good gaskets and good bolts. I used Percy gaskets and stainless steel allen cap bolts. Just some food for thought. Matthew |
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Posted on: 2014/4/14 11:40
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| DrDyno | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Guru Newb
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Thanks Matatk... I'm going to take your words to heart and do some more research.
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Posted on: 2014/4/15 0:39
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John G. St. Petersburg, FL "If it seems like you're in control... you're not going fast enough!" Mario Andretti |
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| DrDyno | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Guru Newb
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Quote:
Hi Matthew, I've done some additional research and offer up the following thread from CorvetteForum.com. This thread runs to twelve pages and contains literally dozens of C4 owners with FIC Bosch III injectors installed. Every single install resulted in accolades to FIC for increased smoothness, increased power and overall drivability, with zero complaints. It's possible, as you suggest, that these engines needed their injectors rebuilt anyway. As concerns my engine, it feels very strong but does have a small lope at idle. After some 18 years and 53K miles and in the face of all those recommendations, I'm going to try the Bosch III's and I'll report back. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-te ... videos-and-questions.html Regards, |
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Posted on: 2014/4/15 3:40
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John G. St. Petersburg, FL "If it seems like you're in control... you're not going fast enough!" Mario Andretti |
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| Matatk | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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John, as long as you are happy in the end, that's all that matters.
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Posted on: 2014/4/15 13:15
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| DrDyno | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Guru Newb
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So... I installed a match set of Bosch III injectors from FIC, along with an Aeromotive adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator (set to 44 psi, per FIC's recommendation). It was a relatively easy job and took an hour and a half from start to finish. This was my first foray into fuel injection of any sort (having been a professional wrench back in the Carbeurated 70's). I'm amazed the damn system works, given the electronics and minute timing required!
The first thing I noticed after re-connecting the battery and starting it up was the idle... it had definitely smoothed out. After giving the ECM some time to figure things out, I went for a drive to try the acceleration. Honestly, it felt no different to me. My next (and final) engine mod was to have four new O2 sensors installed. I had Vern Carmack of Vern's Chevy Service in Clearwater, FL, handle that for me. It's a good thing I did because the old O2 sensors were a bear to remove and no way could I have done it on my back. Again, I gave the ECM some time to figure things out and then took it through the gears. This time, with the combination of the new injectors and the new O2 sensors, there was a noticeable difference in power. It wasn't as much as the 1.6 roller rockers and LT4 springs provided but, overall, a very satisfying conclusion to my low-bucks LT1 shenanigans! It's possible the new O2 sensors, alone, allowed the ECM to retune the proper mixture and the new injectors were superfluous. However, the engine definitely runs smoother from idle to red line and that, I believe, came from the Bosch III's. Anyway, regarding all of the various mods (listed below) my LT1 runs considerably stronger than it did when I first took possession, some five months ago. I had asked Vern to take it out and run it through the gears for his opinion and his response was it ran extremely strong for a C4. I believe his exact phrasing was "damn strong!" (he didn't designate LT1 or LT4). I'm happy with the results and would do each mod again. 1.6 Scorpion roller rocker arms LT4 valve springs, retainers and keys Higgyburner's open-air air filter cover (eBay) Throttle Body Air Foil ($25-bucks, what the heck?) Bosch III 24# injectors Aeromotive adjustable FPR Four new O2 sensors New gas filter I also flushed the cooling system and now run a 25% Dex Cool / 75% softened water mixture with No-Rosion Hyper Kuhl corrosion inhibitor and new 180° degree thermostat. My engine now runs 7-10 degrees cooler and rarely sees 205° even in stop 'n go Florida traffic... Definitely recommended! Thanks to all of you whose input proved so valuable! |
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Posted on: 2014/5/12 0:32
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John G. St. Petersburg, FL "If it seems like you're in control... you're not going fast enough!" Mario Andretti |
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| jonszr1 | Re: Next Mods... Suggestions | ||
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Senior Guru
 
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if you do decide to do headers heres an old speedway trick. get a set of the old mister gasket white pressed paper gaskets . put them in a bucket of water the night before you install the headers. put them on and tighten the bolts . then start the motor an watch them expand effectively locking the headers to the gasket forever . tighten the bolts one more time and your good to go .I have used this trick on 15 different cars over the years and it has worked every time .
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Posted on: 2014/5/12 1:09
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i have a blast playing with my 4 babies 2 zr1s and 2 mustangs 68 coupe with a jon bennit 408 art car fully rollered c4 with a gearvendors over drive .88 mustang built by my kids with a ported lt5 and a bill boudreau blue printed zf 6 spd. with these 4 ... |
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