Intro Mods

[fast.asleep]

Hello all,

I was hoping someone could help me with a problem I'm having. I want to improve the performance of my stock '87 (automatic) but retain reasonable drivability.
I've done the basics (chip, K&N filter) but I want more get up and go. Should I be looking at changing the gears in the rear end? A shift kit? Both?
Does anyone know how much the gear switch will cost me at the pump?

thanks for the help!

 

[vader86]

A gear switch is NOT necessary on a stock or near stock L98. It will actually hurt ETs if you go too low, because youre out of the powerband too fast.

3.07 is the perfect gearing for L98s, preferably in a D44 carrier if you run alot at the strip. 6speeds can handle more, but 87s dont have that.

The best thing you can do is exhaust and intake work, real HP costs money and this is not cheap.
Longtube headers and catback exhaust should bring you 20-25hp.
Superram and Miniram intakes are basically unlimited in the power they can make, with the right cam and heads. You have to decide which route to go on the intakes, from the power goals you want.

 

[Edmond]

The mini ram would run him roughly $1,000 with another $500 for the fuel rails. That would solve the high end problem of the L98. But with an auto tranny, he may not get into that higher end where the power of the mini ram would be effective.

You could do the heads and cam thing.

Exhaust would probably be the most physically noticeable mod because of the beauty in the rumble!

 

[fast.asleep]

thanks for the tip guys.
I've had people recommend a high performance torque converter or should I be messing with
my tranny at all?
Would my money be better spent by switching to a custom prom?

thanks for helping the new guy!

 

[vader86]

No custom prom necessary for minor mods, only cam changes and the like. If you get someone to burn you one cheap, to make the fans come on earlier, thats ok; otherwise no.

Dont expect appreciable hp gains from a chip unless you do something to the engine to help it out.

With a stock/near stock 87, I think a 2000-2200 stall TC would be helpful with ETs. A shift kit is more of a feel thing, in my opinion. It lets you feel the shifts better but isnt really going to make you faster.

 

[oldace84]

Get yourself an March Pulley set......helps a little, and looks kinda' cool...
tony

 

[oldace84]

Oh yeah....get the AMP 3 pulley system....about $250.00...
tony

 

[vettedoc]

Get a nice flow-thru exhaust, but be prepared for a lot more noise in the 1100-2000 rpm range. Good luck

 

[sothpaw]

coolant bypass?

Did you try that? My LT1 loved that, I was about .3s faster with this and a new
fuel filter. Also, I launched the car at a lower temp. than before. Keep the car running
cool with a cool thermostat, fans, and coolant bypass.

If that is not enough, exhaust is said to help a lot more with the L98 than with the LT1.

 

[fast.asleep]

I've heard of it but I don't think it would be a good idea up here. On the other hand, I don't drive the car in temps below 30 degrees. Will this mod help as much with an L98 as an LT1?

I'm leaning towards true dual exhaust and flowmaster's. Unfortunately, I don't have deep enough pockets for the miniram.

 

[vader86]

the TB bypass will help the L98 more, because the L98 needs it more

But you are right to be suspicious of doing it in Canada, especially if youre forced to drive it in near or sub-zero temps.

Ive driven mine in temps as low as 20F, no problems. Just get in the car and go, dont let it idle until it gets hot. The slower the air moves across the TB plates, the more likely it is to freeze them.

 

[fast.asleep]

Thanks Vader, I'll give it a shot. My only other concern is will the TB warp on a hot day since no coolant will be running through it anymore?

It's about time to change the fuel filter as well. I heard this was an easy job but after trying a few things myself I realized "easy" is relative. Will an incompetent "do it yourself' type like me be able to pull this off? If not, should a pro be able to finish this in 1/2 hour?

;stupid

 

[vader86]

TB wont warp, and the fuel filter is doable, just have a manual beside you.

 

[fast.asleep]

Thanks again Vader, :BOW

fuel filter was fairly simple and took me about 45 min. (including the 10 minutes it took to find the right size wrench and 5 minutes of dancing around after scraping my nose on the bottom edge)

 

[Heyspike]

(5 minutes of dancing around after scraping my nose on the bottom edge) Now that's funny!:L
It reminds me of when I changing the oil on my new 1983 Z28. I got the drain bolt loose and that hot oil hit my hand, so I pulled my hand out so fast, I ripped the top of it open--still have the scar. That was about a forty five minute oil change:duh

 

[Edmond]

That's nothing! One time, motor oil actually dripped in my eye! I went inside immediately and flushed it out. I can still see so I guess nothing happened.