lets get some feed back on what needs to be done to get the vette to run

Grumpy

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.
Staff member
I get a good many questions concerning the modifications that will need to be done
to make the average C4 corvette faster that stock.
many people fail to realize that the basics always apply,now you have some known limitations such as the stock differential only has gear ratios up to 3.54:1 and 3.73:1 to replace the stock 2.87:1-3.07:1 ratios and the stock transmissions are all limited to handling about 400 ft lbs of torque in the O.E.M. form (keep in mind, the tires spinning act as a safety fuse so your unlikely to break the transmission or drive train with stock street tires unless you drive like a total jerk and do standing start 3500 rpm launches or drop it from neutral into drive.
obviously changes like a cam upgrade and better flowing heads, long tube headers and a 3000 rpm stall converter will noticeably improve performance
theres a good deal more related info in the lower posted links, but the most common and well proven route to noticeably better performance is a multi level approach where you install better flowing heads, (generally in the 180cc-200cc port size that flow at least 250 cfm at .500 lift, a cam in the 225-235 duration, and .520-.580 lift range, a 377-406 displacement short block, a much better intake manifold thats less restrictive and larger flow rated injectors, to match the intended air flow rate increases, all these mods coupled with a higher flow, less restrictive exhaust can really wake up the performance on what from the factory was a good looking and decent handling car that was a bit under powered.
changing the car that originally was a mid 15 second 1/4 mile performance in most cases to a low 13 to mid 12 second performance in most cases.
obviously if your checking account balance can handle the potential strain a little research can show you how to improve all aspects of the cars performance even more!



related info


If your serious about building better power you can be darn sure the engine you use needs better heads,cam, intake, higher compression,and most likely larger displacement


http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/sellecting-cylinder-heads.796/


http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ive-are-the-stock-tpi-engine-components.1509/

ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/replacing-a-c-4-fuel-pump.33/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/how-big-a-fuel-pump-do-you-need.1939/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ive-are-the-stock-tpi-engine-components.1509/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/calculate-fuel-injector-size.1200/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/can-you-get-there-with-tpi.10494/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/setting-up-your-fuel-system.211/

BETTER COOLING
if you add more horsepower youll by default need better cooling as any engine that makes more horse power generates more heat
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/cooling-off-that-c4-corvette.3954/

GETTING THE VALVE TRAIN SET UP CORRECTLY
the one are I see most guys screw up is getting the cam duration and lift and lsa matching the engine displacement and compression ratio and the cars drive train gearing.
the other real common mistake is not verifying all the engine clearances and valve train geometry

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...e-springs-and-setting-up-the-valve-train.181/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/valve-train-clearances-and-problems.528/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/checking-piston-to-valve-clearances.399/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/valve-seat-angles-and-air-flow.8460/


BETTER SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/upgrading-your-c4-to-c5-brakes.13/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/suspension-upgrade.11385/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/upgrading-the-suspension-on-a-c-4.483/


ADEQUATE LUBRACATION
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/building-a-custom-wet-sump-oil-pan.65/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/oil-system-mods-that-help.2187/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/whats-a-windage-tray-do.64/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...g-up-oil-feed-holes-in-bearings-shells.10750/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ng-clearances-engine-builders-magazine.11965/

 
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I will look tonight at your Links Grumpy.

Your links are always good.

Piece of advice, young guys like a few pictures....a teaser....they should read more then.
 
Since the majority of C4 Corvettes were built with automatic transmissions,
Manual trans C4 Vettes accounted for about 18% of total production run of all C4's made 1984-1996.
I agree 4L80E swap is best. Most guys don't have the funds present to do so.

The weak link is the 700R4 - 4L60E trans (1994-1996).
I can build either or to Race level (450-500 HP)
Problem is I never photo documented my own 700R4 Transmission Blueprint build in my 87 C4 Vert.
I did it in 2010.
I was not here yet or on Digital Corvette.
I was on Corvette Forum still.
I took about 10 photos only building the trans.
The economy has been so bad since I have not had the opportunity to build another for a Corvette Guy.
I finished & installed the Level 5-level 6 700R4 into my own car 2 days before my boy Nicky was born.
No issues ever since. Race transmission in a street car.

The Dana 36 rear is not really an issue till you bolt slicks on or drag radials.
Or a Big Block Chevy.
Will take any SBC stroker can deliver in street form if its in good shape still.
Stock for stock they are superior to any stock C3 Iron Diff .
 
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If you think like Richard does,
What is the Resale Value after its done ?

Most often lost out $$$$$.
Part of the problem.
Like Richard said a few days ago, C4, C5, & C6 prices are stagnant & dropping.

The guys with money are NOT Racing.
So the entire scene is dead yet.
 
Looked around DC Today Grumpy.
Pretty Quiet except for Newsroom.
Republicans leading & winning again.

Thinking...
What's needed is a ground breaking Street Race Corvette build.
Start with the lowest cost to purchase.
A C4 vette.
Very few are left that actually understand all its Attributes other than you and me.
Pizzaz styling & Fancy crap is out.
Does nothing to Win Races.

Nothing still delivers dollar per dollar Value like a Big Block.
Turbocharge to bring it 2016 Street Outlaw Fun.
 
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