Modding for mileage and emissions...

[craig0ry]

I have an '86 4+3 and it is plenty fast for me stock. However it came with an aftermarket, pieced together exhaust with shot mufflers. I replaced those but the whole exhaust system is going to need to be replaced eventually.

Now 230 hp is plenty for me, I autocross infrequently and that is pretty much the extent of my need for speed. I do however enjoy dumping money into my car and was wondering what mods I can get away with and not need to re-burn the ECU or worry about emissions. On top of that I would rather not have to compromise my gas mileage or driveability.

I have no screens on the AFM and ordered a K&N. I would like some recommendations on what else I can do to help this engine breath. I don't know if I want headers or 1.6 rr's as I don't know how they will affect my emissions testing or my ECM.

What do you guys recommend I purchase?

I am also curious if anyone here recommends a baffled oil pan and a crank scraper.

Thanks in advance,
-Craig

 

[Vettefan87]

I just put headers on, and am kind of disappointed in the performance gains I got. I know I will be pretty upset when I gtech the car later this week. I would do it today, but it is muggy and 83 degrees out.

1.6 RR's would not need you to reprogram the ECM or anything like that, or at least to my knowledge, and will probably give you 5-10 hp.

I am not sure what you mean by no screens on your AFM?? Do you mean MAF? You could also put breathless ram air on, or cut your stock lid. I like ram air because it goes underneath the car, and breathes better, although it is pretty expensive.

I have no experience with baffled oil pans or a crank scraper.

 

[craig0ry]

The baffled oil pan wouldn't give me any power, but it would make me feel a lot more confident slamming the car through corners. The crank scraper might pick up a few ponies, I have never put one on a SBC so I don't know...?

And I thought AFM and MAF were acronyms for the same thing?

Also if you don't mind, what size were your headers? Thanks for the response!

*EDIT: also I have never seen this "breathless ram air"... anyone got a link?

 

[Vettefan87]

The headers are from TPIS, and come with 1 3/4 primaries into 3 inch collectors over the stock primary size which is 1 1/8". They are pricey, but the coated ones have a deacent coating on them from what I could tell.

The Ram Air is actually called vortex ram air, but I thought my sticker said "Breathless" on it somewhere. Here is a link from Mid America who is a supporting vendor here http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=3.724

 

[fast.asleep]

IMHO - if your happy with the performance you've got, keep it as is and spend teh money elsewhere.

if this is an emissions car, long tube headers aren't an option.

Breathe better?: that's opening a can of worms because as soon as you make one thing breathe better, your bottleneck will be the next thing down the line.

If I was in your place I'd spend my money on urethane bushings, grippy tires, larger rims and new brakes. (some of these things might bump you to a higher autocross class - check first)

 

[craig0ry]

Trust me, I know I will have a lot more fun modding the suspension. But the previous owner just replaced all the shocks and springs and tires and I can't justify replacing them if they are almost brand new... In a few years, hell yes

Thanks though!

 

[Vettefan87]

Yeah, you should do all the basic mods like, cut open your lid on your air cleaner housing. You have already descreened the MAF, I would also bypass the TB from the coolant lines. Maybe play with your timing and try to advance it without getting any knock problems, but then if you advance it you will probably have to always run premium if you do not know. I also purchased an Air Foil, you probably wont see any mods, but it is cheap and every little bit helps. You could also port the ridges off the plenum right behind the TB, Run good Accel wires possibly, with ACDelco Rapidfires. If you are keeping the cats, you could get muffler eliminators since you already have enough back pressure, and what not with the three cats.

 

[fast.asleep]

Trust me, I know I will have a lot more fun modding the suspension. But the previous owner just replaced all the shocks and springs and tires and I can't justify replacing them if they are almost brand new... In a few years, hell yes

Thanks though!

sounds good. I have a hard time replacing perfectly good parts as well. (probably why I'm still running the original 16" rims)

do you have urethane bushings? It was the most satisfying mod I've done. The car handles sooo much better. If the car is a daily driver don't change the rear bushings or it will be too hard on the kidneys

 

[WhalePirot]

I replaced all the rear rubber with Heim joints in the rear, with poly bushing everywhere else. For a street car, the poly everywhere is probably a better choice. The increase in handling precision is quite noticeable from a 'rubberized' Corvette.

I have had headers on my car (second set, now) with all the emissions equipment. I have never had a problem with emission testing in SoCalif., which includes a visual inspection. many aftermarket products are certified as 49 state only, as th3e certification process to get a California E.O. number is very expensive for a small-run product.

The stock chip handled it just fine. I was quite pleased with the increase in power.

Check IL law for restrictions and/or with TPIS. Theirs are relatively easy to install and the coated ones are very good quality. You can order a head to tailpipe system, if you like.