A few curiosity questions

[Aurora40]

Let me know if the incessent questions get annoying. I don't want to be a pain!

- In most photos I'd seen (I didn't start getting a lot of car mags until about 1990/91, I was like 16 then) the ET duct was painted the same color as the car. Was this only on custom painted cars, or only by request or something? I notice no one's engine shots here have that done.

- I noticed the Callaway "megaphone" exhaust replacement is $4,500! What on earth does it do for that price?! Plus, on the few picts, it looks like the megaphones are just flared out pipes in place of a real muffler which seems like it would be incredibly loud. Was the Callaway exhaust larger than stock? Would a Corsa work or would it bottle it up (I really love my Corsa sound, but they are obviously quite different cars)?

- The air intake seems the same as the stock one, or at least very similar (the ET part is quite different). Has anyone done one of those SLP cold air intakes or the ones that Lingenfelter has where it goes to the front license plate (on a non-aerobody)? Wouldn't something like that help a lot on a forced-induction car? Or do the turbos easily hit the boost peak early on such that it might not matter. I could see not wanting to chop up a B2K with some SLP part, though (you have to cut the radiator shroud, and also it blocks some air to the radiator).

Just curious!

 

[EricVonHa]

The "ET" was painted on later model year cars as a nice added touch. It wasn't done on earlier cars due to the nature in which the way the air bridge was constructed between the MAF and Ram's Horn.

Callaway's $4500.00 exhaust system is symbolic if it costs a lot... let's charge more! It is beautifully constructed of large diameter stainless steel with mandrel bends and hi-flo catalytic converters. However, it would take less than 12 hours of labor and less than $600 in materials to duplicate. Some of that cost is also attributed to a completely engineered solution in which Callaway can now duplicate the system with a minimum of test fitting. The guy that bought the prototype took the brunt of the costs up front for the rest of us

The Megaphone mufflers offer a verrry agressive sound that is like no other Vette on the planet. It's not too loud and it's not intrusive at all. In fact, cruising at 60mph is very comfortable. Only when you stand on it does the sound become ferocious. The new Callaway replacement exhaust system is larger than the factory issued L98 system and any other Corsa or other exhaust system would work with some fussing with the connection to the turbos... but it can be done. But, it would not be Callaway issue.

To answer your last question, any flow enhancement is gonna equal more hp (and sooner on a turbo car). One of the best things to do is open up the air filter lid on cars that have the standard rectangular air filter housing. For cars that duct the air from the pass side turn signal area a popular modification is to put in a large conical K&N filter. And then there is the Wonderbar replacement for the frame air inlet to the turbos.... someone else can type away on that one...

Keep the questions coming! It's good to see some outside interest in these cars!

 

[*89x2*]

- I noticed the Callaway "megaphone" exhaust replacement is $4,500! What on earth does it do for that price?! Plus, on the few picts, it looks like the megaphones are just flared out pipes in place of a real muffler which seems like it would be incredibly loud. Was the Callaway exhaust larger than stock? Would a Corsa work or would it bottle it up (I really love my Corsa sound, but they are obviously quite different cars)?

While I have not heard corsa's on a B2K, I have heard Magnaflows and they sound nice & powerful :eek The stock B2K's either had Megaphones in place of the mufflers on a variation of the stock exhaust (w/ different convertors) or, the high flow sport mufflers as part of SEO Z5G w/ the Callaway oval tips.

The $4500 exhaust is a complete and larger exhaust right off the turbos - it folows like a sewer pipe :eek
Callaway Cars also offers just the Megaphones, and I hope to be working with them soon to produce a "flange back" (since the cat location has changed on the B2K's) to include the Megaphones w/ a rear "Y" pipe
I have always wanted Meg's - the first B2K I heard thunder down the road wore them and I have been a fan ever since

- The air intake seems the same as the stock one, or at least very similar (the ET part is quite different). Has anyone done one of those SLP cold air intakes or the ones that Lingenfelter has where it goes to the front license plate (on a non-aerobody)? Wouldn't something like that help a lot on a forced-induction car? Or do the turbos easily hit the boost peak early on such that it might not matter. I could see not wanting to chop up a B2K with some SLP part, though (you have to cut the radiator shroud, and also it blocks some air to the radiator).

The air filter assembly is indeed stock Corvette on the 1987 and 1991 cars that direct the air down to the Wonderbar :cool
I have seen open lids on those years, and on the 1988-1990 cars with the Callaway specific airbox, many folks remove that box and install an open cone type filter, such as a K&N...
re: the other options you mentioned, I personally would not use, or do those modifications on my B2K. To me, unless the part is "blessed by Old Lyme", I really am not into it - with few exceptions.

Let me know if the incessent questions get annoying. I don't want to be a pain!

Without questions such as yours, you may never find out the answers to what you are looking for - Keep 'em coming

 

[Aurora40]

So did only 1987 and 1991 B2K's have the wonderbar? Are they the only ones with the ET pipe? I guess it figures that most pictures are from 1987 and 1991, which is why I've only seen that one stock-looking air filter housing. Don't be surprised when I want to see all the nuances of your cars at Carlisle. Were megaphones an option, or just standard only for certain years?

I was reading my Road & Track 1991 Corvette special issue (basically a compilation of Corvette articles from the regular magazine) again, and there were some interesting tidbits on the Callaway. They drove #032, a yellow aerobody coupe (they mention the aerobody became standard for 1991). They also mention the change to speed density from MAF for 1990 and that it required a lot of rework by Callaway and the elimination of the automatic (the cats wouldn't fit apparently). It also mentions the interest in using a Valeo electronic clutch, though apparently that never came to be.

They also have an article on that green tt speedster. They mention several interesting things, one being that the hood blisters improve cooling to the intercoolers by 190%. If that and the air intake were improved for 1991 (via the ET/wonderbar), then it seems odd there was such a small power gain (13hp). Was Callaway pretty conservative with the output numbers? I saw at least 1 stock 1987 dyno run listed here, but the rest of you seem to have dyno sheets from "enhanced" cars, not stock. Just curious. The other interesting thing was Reeves talking about the microfueler. He mentions they are able to do more and more with the main ECM, which helped to achieve the optional 450hp the Speedster had. He says there are limits to the extra injectors because it's two fuel systems that aren't interacting. He mentioned through the years they were able to do more and more and could now access code level stuff on the ECM. So perhaps this explains the use of the microfueler in the first place. It implies they didn't have the capability to do this when they started.

I also thought about the 100+hp intake option a few of you mentioned, and thought it odd that they would go to such work then with different pistons and programming and such for 450hp when there was a 500hp intake package. Did that intake not meet federal requirements, or dramatically change the shape of the power curve or something? I imagine if it improved hp via an intake change, it probably hurt torque as the L98's long intake runners are part of what gives it such monstrous low end torque and also such crappy upper end power (well, not crappy for the time, but you know what I mean).

Anyway, it's all very interesting and I'm loving learning more and more about these cars.

Oh, heheh, and something occured to me that might have me looking for a 1990 instead. The 1990 coupe still had the 3rd brake light at the top of the car. For 1991, it was in the bumper. I much prefer the ZR-1/L98 style with it up top. That and I'm interested in the newer dash, though I always liked the usefulness of my 1987's dash. The LCD seemed so much richer/costlier than a typical LED dash (like on a Z24 or something). When you see it in the sun, the numbers look like yellow plastic rather than getting washed out. Very cool...

 

[SurfnSun]

Since Im at work I can't reply to all...but regarding power outputs and conservative ratings. Yes they are very conservative in my opinion. My stock 88 w/ the second design wonderbar and no cats made 406rwhp/536rwtq. A tad more than its rated Now I have since added a 2.75" true dual exhaust and it made 425rwhp/575rwtq. My fuel curves need adjusting a bit, and once it gets richened up a bit my torque number will hit 600. The funny thing about dynoing a b2k...the intercoolers get blazing hot and there is no way to move air over them. So in reality the power youre making on the dyno is going to be considerably less than what you'll make driving down the road.

 

[Aurora40]

Now I have since added a 2.75" true dual exhaust and it made 425rwhp/575rwtq.

:eek

That's a lot of power! If you figure even just 15% driveline losses, that's a ridiculous 675 lb-ft of torque! That's insane! What's impressive is the hp from an L98, though. Since they are such poor revvers, it's hard to get a big power number, but you're getting 500hp from it at least. If you made that 675 lb-ft closer to 6,000 rpm, you'd be talking about 750+hp. Of course, big low-down torque is what the L98 is all about!

When you mention tuning the fuel curves, will you be taking it to Callaway? Or is there some way to do this stock like messing with the fuel pressure or going to bigger injectors, or is the microfueler "tuneable"?

Oh, since I'm asking a million questions already, did any of you see (right, like you all wouldn't be aware of a Callaway for sale) the 1989? B2K convertible automatic aerobody car that was in AutoWeek several months back? It was asking $39k. When I saw that ad, that is what made me realize a B2K would actually be a car that I could own. From then on I had Callaway on the brain again. As a kid, they were always larger-than-life in power, style, and cost. It was always a cool dream car but didn't really stay on the brain since I just knew they'd never be affordable for me. I loved seeing them at car shows like Carlisle, though. Sadly I've never seen one on the road. Anyway, was just curious what that car sold for and if there was an interesting story with it.

 

[EricVonHa]

The Wonderbar and Megaphone mufflers were extra options that could be purchased at the time the car was built. Typically, the wonder bar could only be fitted to the '88 and later cars. The turbos in the '87 model year were exclusive for that year and had different geometries from the '88 and newer cars. So, if a person wanted a Wonderbar upgrade to an '87 they'd have to update the turbos first. The base turbo air inlet frame piece was somewhat restrictive hence the upgraded wonderbar which smoothed out the air flow and had a larger CFM air throughput.

The Microfueler controller for the supplementary injectors was designed and incorporated into the "package" for a variety of reasons. The B2k program was envisioned prior to the hay day of high end p.c. driven fuel injection systems. There was some stuff out back then but it was very crude compared to today's DFI and F.A.S.T. systems. Also, it allowed Callaway to leave the entire wiring, emissions and feature sets of the factory ECM fully intact. Basically, the Microfueler is a completely separate system. The only thing it shares in common with the factory ECM is 12vdc, vacuum and tach signals (though, from separate pickup points). The microfueler's output to drive the injectors is adjustable based upon boost and rpm. There are a number of different potentiometers inside that little guy to tweak the duty cycle and "turn-on" parameters.

 

[*89x2*]

Your questions are great one's for a true enthusiast - now you are ready to go buy one

So did only 1987 and 1991 B2K's have the wonderbar? Are they the only ones with the ET pipe? I guess it figures that most pictures are from 1987 and 1991, which is why I've only seen that one stock-looking air filter housing. Don't be surprised when I want to see all the nuances of your cars at Carlisle. Were megaphones an option, or just standard only for certain years?

Meg's were avail. onthe 1987's and I know of one 1989 with them from Old Lyme and was the last car "factory fitted" with them They are one BAD exhaust (muffler replacement) :eek

I was reading my Road & Track 1991 Corvette special issue (basically a compilation of Corvette articles from the regular magazine) again, and there were some interesting tidbits on the Callaway. They drove #032, a yellow aerobody coupe (they mention the aerobody became standard for 1991).

Small scoops on the hoods were standard in 1991, AeroBody was not - while a popular item, some cars wore the standard body that year Eric Von Ha hit it right on when he said it was an aggressive sound - not annoying, but really powerful and definate

I also thought about the 100+hp intake option a few of you mentioned, and thought it odd that they would go to such work then with different pistons and programming and such for 450hp when there was a 500hp intake package. Did that intake not meet federal requirements, or dramatically change the shape of the power curve or something?

Anyway, it's all very interesting and I'm loving learning more and more about these cars.

100+ was more than just an intake... In addition to the intake, it included new fuel rails, modified regulator for fuel, 52mm throttle body, cyl. heads, camshaft, and an E.C.M Chip. There were a few other parts that went hand in hand, such as gaskets, etc.
It was not designated for highway use

So did only 1987 and 1991 B2K's have the wonderbar? Are they the only ones with the ET pipe? I guess it figures that most pictures are from 1987 and 1991, which is why I've only seen that one stock-looking air filter housing. /QUOTE]

WonderBar is a term coined for the boxed crossmemeber sealed to take air in from the filter and direct it to the turbos :cool
Its design was crafty and well thought out - the upgraded WonderBars are similar, but more efficient

Callaway lists an upgrade for 1987 cars and also for 1988 - 1990 cars
The E.T. style bar used on the 1991's was unique to that year and flowed plenty by design
here is a product sheet illustrating them

***Note the car used inthe megaphone exhaust, features Callaway4Fun's test car :cool

 

[*89x2*]

Oh, since I'm asking a million questions already, did any of you see (right, like you all wouldn't be aware of a Callaway for sale) the 1989? B2K convertible automatic aerobody car that was in AutoWeek several months back? It was asking $39k. When I saw that ad, that is what made me realize a B2K would actually be a car that I could own. From then on I had Callaway on the brain again. As a kid, they were always larger-than-life in power, style, and cost. It was always a cool dream car but didn't really stay on the brain since I just knew they'd never be affordable for me. I loved seeing them at car shows like Carlisle, though. Sadly I've never seen one on the road. Anyway, was just curious what that car sold for and if there was an interesting story with it.

...this car???

As I understand, the seller took it off the market - decided to keep her
[size=+4]1988[/size][size=+4] [/size][size=+4]Corvette[/size][size=+3] Callaway Roadster[/size] Chevrolet Corvette Callaway Aero Body Roadster. Dark Red Metallic with tan interior and top. New Dymags, tires, and I have an extra set of Dymags to match the car. The car also has the rare automatic transmission conversion to the turbo 400. This was a factory converstion. 375 horse power, with 560 lbs of torque. Adult driven, well maintained, everything works, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, power windows, power seats, AM/FM. Number 94, never raced, 12,000 miles. Excellent condition. Price - $36,500.


[size=+1]Tell-A-Friend
[/size][size=-1]Notify a friend about this vehicle for sale
Click Here for automatic referral form.[/size][size=+1]Call [/size][size=+2](612) 554-0500
[/size]or email: mkarch@cpinternet.com
[size=+1]Minnetrista, Minnesota[/size]

 

[SurfnSun]

:eek

That's a lot of power! If you figure even just 15% driveline losses, that's a ridiculous 675 lb-ft of torque! That's insane! What's impressive is the hp from an L98, though. Since they are such poor revvers, it's hard to get a big power number, but you're getting 500hp from it at least. If you made that 675 lb-ft closer to 6,000 rpm, you'd be talking about 750+hp. Of course, big low-down torque is what the L98 is all about!

When you mention tuning the fuel curves, will you be taking it to Callaway? Or is there some way to do this stock like messing with the fuel pressure or going to bigger injectors, or is the microfueler "tuneable"?

No the car won't be going to Callaway for the tune since I live in FL, unless I hit the lottery I want to have a tech 1 scanner put on the car to see where are and where I might get some more fuel. It runs a little bit lean at the torque peak, we wont see anymore hp but the torque should come up about 25-30lbft. We might have to do larger injectors but won't know until we scan the car. Thats a slated project for this fall. I already have an AFPR on the car with the fuel pressure bumped up considerably. Yes, the microfueler is slightly adjustable, but not enough to make significant impact on the air-fuel ratio.

 

[Aurora40]

I didn't mean the intake was just like an intake, but that's interesting it included cams and a TB and ECM change. I imagine that definitely pushed the power curve up then, and I would guess low-end torque wasn't quite as train-like? Not being for on-road use explains the messing around with 8.2:1 compression and the intake upgrade and such for the 50hp. Plus maybe retaining all that torque.

I think that 1988 was the car I saw. The AutoWeek ad was much shorter, and that sideshot on the grass was very small, but I would bet that's it. $36.5k seems to ring a bell. It's a beauty, but I wouldn't want an auto. It looks like it has fuzzy seat covers or something.

It figures Road & Track was wrong about the aerobody being standard. Magazines are always wrong about the little stuff like that, it almost makes you wonder if they are real car-guys or just writer-guys (sometimes comparos reinforce that questioning). They also mentioned the hood blisters on the Speedster increased airflow 190% over the coupe, but the coupe that year had the same blisters, I'd guess they really meant an increase over the 1990 hood.

That underbody shot of the megaphones is really cool! Don't any of you have sound clips of your exhaust? I'll bring my digicam to Carlisle and to that NOVA meet if anyone wants me to capture one... The best way is usually to give me the keys so I can, ehem, stage everything properly....

Surf, that's cool you can tweak that stuff locally. Do you need a Tech-I, or would any good OBD-I scanner work? Will you be making fuel map changes with the Tech-I or using it for scan only?

 

[*89x2*]

I didn't mean the intake was just like an intake...QUOTE]

No prob, I wasn't sure if you had heard about the rest of the package

I too have noticed a few errors over the years in some magazines - A good one to read, that has had a lot of correct Callaway info is Corvette Enthusuast magazine :cool their Callaway articles of recent have been written by a true enthusiast

That underbody shot of the megaphones is really cool! Don't any of you have sound clips of your exhaust? I'll bring my digicam to Carlisle and to that NOVA meet if anyone wants me to capture one... The best way is usually to give me the keys so I can, ehem, stage everything properly....

I have about 5 minutes of video of different Callaways - B2K's w/ Meg's, some w/ other stock and other exhausts, even the (only) B2K race car :eek
SuperNaturals are also on there

Hope this helps

 

[SurfnSun]

Ive got a guy here locally with a Tech1, hes been the only other person to work on the car besides Mike Norris. He owns 3 vettes of his own. I just haven't had time to get the car to him and he's been swamped.

 

[*89x2*]

I'll bring my digicam to Carlisle and to that NOVA meet if anyone wants me to capture one... The best way is usually to give me the keys so I can, ehem, stage everything properly....

We met your friend Mike w/ the 350z, hung out and watched Callaway Video's (Sledgehammer, Top-Gun, etc.)
A couple owners hammered it leaving the show - sorry we missed you...

 

[Aurora40]

Oh really? Man... When was this? What time did he show up? Did he actually park his car in with the 'vettes? Seems like something he'd do. You have Callaway videos? And a TV there? dangit! :cry

I asked him last week if he was going to go, he said he'd see but it didn't sound like it. I'll have to meet up with him on Monday and see what I missed out on.

 

[*89x2*]

Oh really? Man... When was this? What time did he show up? Did he actually park his car in with the 'vettes? Seems like something he'd do. You have Callaway videos? And a TV there? dangit! :cry

I asked him last week if he was going to go, he said he'd see but it didn't sound like it. I'll have to meet up with him on Monday and see what I missed out on.

He came by before we went to lunch, then again at about 7:30 pm.
No TV, we watched the vid's on my laptop however, I don't have the sound running through the car stereo like mike does in his z w/ his laptop :eek

 

[Aurora40]

I've never seen him play his laptop through the stereo. He did talk about getting a kit that would allow him to play DVD's on the nav screen, but I don't think he's done that yet. Lately he's talking about how he wants to pull all that stuff out of the interior, carpet, stereo, passenger seat, basically anything he can remove, and put in a full roll cage. I hope he doesn't do that as he's never even autocrossed the thing, but I think he's into the whole race look. He's also been talking about twin-turboing the car which would be cool (once he's got a second car, that is).