L98 Mods

[90coupe]

Happy New Year Everyone!

I need some advice. I have a really nice six speed L98. 80,000 miles but looks and runs like new. But guess what? I want more power.

Looks like miniram, fuel rails and computer prom from TPIS is good for 45 - 90 H.P. on a otherwise stock L98. Cost about $2,000 (I can do the labor no problem) Anyone have this setup? Any feedback appreciated. Also, would a LT1 intake and fuel rails fit? TPIS says that is the major diff L98 to LT1.

I just don't want to end up with lots more in the car then what it's worth.

Thanks for any advice/input!

Ron

 

[vette1985]

I spoke with TPIS as well. They are very knowledgable on L98 mods. I choose to use the Accel base, as seems to flow more. I used SLP runners and a ported upper. Horsepower is close and without the major cost to upgrade. Hooker makes long tube headers and Y-pipe to fit this application. Runs about 650 plus shipping. I am using a random cat and custom bent exhaust with flowmaster mufflers. These mods along with some others( long list ) I was able to net a real 331.7HP. Not bad and I was able to save some money looking for deals to accomplish other mods on the car. Hope this helps. Just remember that in the end it is your money and your choice. Spend it wisely. Bob

 

[tntcorvette]

Happy New Year Everyone!

I need some advice. I have a really nice six speed L98. 80,000 miles but looks and runs like new. But guess what? I want more power.

Looks like miniram, fuel rails and computer prom from TPIS is good for 45 - 90 H.P. on a otherwise stock L98. Cost about $2,000 (I can do the labor no problem) Anyone have this setup? Any feedback appreciated. Also, would a LT1 intake and fuel rails fit? TPIS says that is the major diff L98 to LT1.

I just don't want to end up with lots more in the car then what it's worth.

Thanks for any advice/input!

Ron

As much as I like the MiniRam, I would not install one without swapping the cam & doing head work also. If you want to free up some upper rpm power and spend about $2K then i'de get:

1. Accel SuperRam plenum, runners and lower intake. I'de go used off ebay or search around for one
2. Hooker 2149 long tube headers.
3. K&N air filter and cut the air filter lid
4. Adj. fuel pressure regulator (maybe a TPIS FastPack which will include item #3, but as a tpis air filter)
5. A chip from hypertech or such
6. If it is in the budget, a set of 1.6 roller rockers with new springs. You will have to notch the oil drip tabs on the o.e.m. valve covers for the rocker arms to clear.

This should all be under $2K if you install it yourself. If you get the headers you will need to get the hooker y-pipe or have a exhaust shop fab one up to your o.e.m. converter.

Also, there is a LT1 intake manifold conversion available too. I forget the website but it is out there.

 

[-=Jeff=-]

Re: Re: L98 Mods

As much as I like the MiniRam, I would not install one without swapping the cam & doing head work also. If you want to free up some upper rpm power and spend about $2K then i'de get:

1. Accel SuperRam plenum, runners and lower intake. I'de go used off ebay or search around for one
2. Hooker 2149 long tube headers.
3. K&N air filter and cut the air filter lid
4. Adj. fuel pressure regulator (maybe a TPIS FastPack which will include item #3, but as a tpis air filter)
5. A chip from hypertech or such
6. If it is in the budget, a set of 1.6 roller rockers with new springs. You will have to notch the oil drip tabs on the o.e.m. valve covers for the rocker arms to clear.

This should all be under $2K if you install it yourself. If you get the headers you will need to get the hooker y-pipe or have a exhaust shop fab one up to your o.e.m. converter.

Also, there is a LT1 intake manifold conversion available too. I forget the website but it is out there.

I agree with TNT, that if you do the Miniram you should do Heads and Cam as well.

Check out my website for my mods list for the motor (you would not need to build a short block, I did but needed to)
http://www.vettextc.net/89_engine.htm

I would not suggest a Hypertech Chip, I do them for vettes as well, and i believe i am cheaper then Hypertech and I have not had any complaints on the ones I have sold.

As for the Miniram, I would not run it with stock heads and cam, I would use the ZZ9 or ZZ409 cam with the miniram on a stock cubed motor.

Heads, I have had great luck with my Heads from CNC Heads in Pinellas Park FL. My car still needs some tuning but my best is 12.55@111.69 and I feel it has atleast .10 to .20 left in it.

 

[90coupe]

l98 modifications

Thanks for all the information guys. It will really help make a decision to modify or sell. I find it hard to stop once I open an engine, valve seals lead to springs and roller rockers, might as well replace the intake, now all I need is headers...You get the drift so, this time I'm going to plan for the modifications and come up with a budget. The car is real nice so I'm not adverse to spending $ but if it costs $2,000 - $3,500 I can buy a really nice LT1 and come close to an LT4.

You've given me lots to consider, thanks again and happy Vetting!

Ron

 

[rrubel]

If you're going with the SuperRam, you really should also get the 74219 cam (which is matched to this intake), 1.6 full roller rockers, and dual-coil springs.

This is the way I'm going, though if I had it to do again I might have considered an LT1 intake which is, according to 69MyWay, fairly close to the MiniRam II at a fraction of the cost.
[RICHR]

 

[90coupe]

Thanks for the info. Whose part number is the cam? Do you have any more info on the LT1 intake? I've heard it is close to the super ram and you can bet a used one is much less expensive.

Ron

 

[rrubel]

The cam is actually numbered 74219 and Lingenfelter and Accel sell it (Accel makes it). I've got a cam card around here somewhere if you want the specs. You can also probably find other places that sell it. Lingenfelter had some on eBay a couple weeks ago for about $250, so they may be clearing out stock.

The LT1 intake is closer to the Miniram than the SuperRam. It doesn't have separate runners, opting for very short cast-in ones for high-end HP instead of low-end torque. I'd go with an LT4 Hot Cam if you installed the LT1 intake. The 74219 is designed optimally for the SuperRam.

Those LT1 intakes are CHEAP! I've seen two in the last couple days under $50 each. There's a web site, I think www.lt1intake.com, that lists all the steps you need to take to convert one over.

[RICHR]

 

[90coupe]

Thanks so much for all your help. I've still got lots to learn about these plastic cars.

Ron

 

[vette1985]

Hey, I talked with a man named Merle at Exotic Muscle. Don't know his reputation, however take a look at the website: exoticmuscle.com and call him if you choose. He seems to be open about giving info. He sells ported intakes for the L98 motors as well as other stuff. Check it out- can't hurt.

 

[90coupe]

Thanks again for all the info. Please keep it coming.

Ron

 

[blactopballr]

jeff what type chips could u put together for an 86alluminum head L-98 4+3 and also
i know the 4+3 overdrive unit doesnt downshift above 2300rpm in 4th gear could u raise it to 2500; or better yet what would u recommend as well as howwould it change the temps for the fans, i already hae the 160degree stat.

 

[Moonunit 451]

Hey Ron if you're still out there and thinking of going with a mini ram or an LT1 conversion I don't think the 74219 cam is what your going to want. A lot of people use something like the ZZ9 cam with that intake. The 219 is matched for the super ram setup.

BTW I have a nice powdercoated LT1 conversion complete that I'd sell if you decide to go that way. It would save you a bundle over a new mini ram and free up cash for the other mods. I decided to go with the SR and the 74219 for the auto after buying the LT1 conversion, never used it.

 

[Moonunit 451]

Ron, hope you found what you needed cause it seems the LT1 conversion has found a new home

 

[90coupe]

Hey Ron if you're still out there and thinking of going with a mini ram or an LT1 conversion I don't think the 74219 cam is what your going to want. A lot of people use something like the ZZ9 cam with that intake. The 219 is matched for the super ram setup.

BTW I have a nice powdercoated LT1 conversion complete that I'd sell if you decide to go that way. It would save you a bundle over a new mini ram and free up cash for the other mods. I decided to go with the SR and the 74219 for the auto after buying the LT1 conversion, never used it.

Sounds like I'm to late but thanks for letting me know. If it isn't sold, email me with all the particulars please. rjohnso7@msn.com

Thanks!

Ron

 

[90coupe]

Hi Rich,

Still working on what exactly to do but wanted to say thanks for the LT1 intake info. They have a good website with lots of info.

Ron (90coupe)

 

[Moonunit 451]

Sounds like I'm to late but thanks for letting me know. If it isn't sold, email me with all the particulars please. rjohnso7@msn.com

Thanks!

Ron

If it falls through I will let you know. Should be certain today or tomorrow. Sorry, but I got PM'd shortly after posting. I hadn't really tried to sell it on the boards or anything.