Help! looking to boost up hp in my 88 what do i do ?

[my88]

I have been looking at different ideas of boosting my hp on a 1988 c4, been looking into different cams, cranks, supercharger/ turbo. If any body has any ideas/ links to help along in my journey, it will be much appreciated. I am not to good at the computer here and am really looking to get this project done thru the winter time. i have almsot rebuilt the entire suspension and did a reseal on the trans, replaced every relay, new rack and pinion set, rotors pads upgraded all the way around, etc. was looking into headers and stall kit but i do want to drive as a regular during summer.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Your stall speed on the factory torque converter is 2025rpm.
That being said, thats RIGHT in the middle of the torque curve.
Now, any modification to the engine will affect it.
My suggestions range with bolt ons, because you can CHANGE the torque curve to give you MORE horsepower and change the torque peak to a different point, instead of 3200 where it is stock.
Intake runners, lower manifold from Edelbrock. Larger diameter headers to the stock converter.
Thats where I would begin.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Edmond]

Do the exhaust from headers to mufflers.

The stock exhaust system on L98's don't flow as well as they could. You'll pick up seat of the pants difference as well as a more pleasant audible sound.

 

[my88]

i honestly am lost, i understand that lower manifold and headers, not sure bout the rest. i really am looking to get it up to around 480 hp, but yet being able to drive on highways if wanted. all the headers i was looking into were not acceptable for it. my original plan was change the crank, cam, pistons to a flat instead of dished, replace the injectors with a 22lb injector.... looking into a supercharger but very pricey. i have books upon books from edlebrock , comp cams, etc. i was told to basically go to a shop say what i am looking to get out of it and they would pick it out. i just want it to be a good car that im not worried about rebuilding every month but can still take out and ride the hek out of it. if you have any other ideas im really interested. thanks for your help thus far.

 

[Edmond]

Might want to consider these guys:

Chevy Fuel Injected Custom Built Performance Engines!

They're probably the route that I'm going to in the summer.

 

[Tobben]

Check out Air Flow Research for some powerful heads. Combined with roller rockers should give you 100+ hp at the flywheel

 

[Hib Halverson]

i honestly am lost, i understand that lower manifold and headers, not sure bout the rest. i really am looking to get it up to around 480 hp, but yet being able to drive on highways if wanted. all the headers i was looking into were not acceptable for it. my original plan was change the crank, cam, pistons to a flat instead of dished, replace the injectors with a 22lb injector.... looking into a supercharger but very pricey. i have books upon books from edlebrock , comp cams, etc. i was told to basically go to a shop say what i am looking to get out of it and they would pick it out. i just want it to be a good car that im not worried about rebuilding every month but can still take out and ride the hek out of it. if you have any other ideas im really interested. thanks for your help thus far.

If you're considering changing the camshaft, upping the compression a bit and going to 22 lbs injectors, you're looking at 300-hp, perhaps.

If you want 480-hp, you need the supercharger.

 

[my88]

thanks for everybodies imput on this, now i have lots more info than before. i will be doing my little project over winter here and will most likely be asking for more help along the way. thanks for everything thus far and have a good holiday season.

 

[Edmond]

Here is another option for you:

GM Performance Engines | ZZ383 | Chevy Crate Engine | GM Crate Motor | GM Crate Engine

 

[rmagee7]

your best bet is to look into a crate motor. guy in our club has a 69 went from 285 horse to over 450 for less than 6000.00 and he's really happy with it. stock output on my L-98 is 245 with less than 1000.00 dollars got it up to about 310 horse and thats just with high output dist. by D.U.I with the accel manifold and intake runners,and chip. havent quite saved up the 1000.00 dollars for the headers but thats comming. only thing is big HP cost and in order to maintaine driveabilty it's a fine line between a drive only on weekend garage queen and something you can go to the autocross or the strip or to your inlaws that live 3 states away.just be careful and dont get the bigeye and take your time good luck and keep i shiny