Thinking about going Y-body

[DRD T-bone]

Hey all
Well, my Camaro has been giving me a lot of problems lately, so I'm going to sell it pretty soon. I'm debating between a 280Z with a small block swap, an LS1 Trans Am, or a 93-96 Vette. I'm not entirely sure how well they are supposed to perform because I've seen C4's go 15's at my track and 12's other times. I'm looking for a 6-speed car, and I plan to do the following mods to it:

Air Intake with K&N
Cut the exhaust off at the cats and just run some magnaflows or something and dump the exhaust before the rear axles (I like it loud)
100 Shot

I have a few questions however. I know how critical tuning is for the car, even on stock engines, is there Prom editing software for LT1's? What free mods are available? I have drag radials mounted on rims off of a 2000 Camaro, will the rims bolt onto a C4 vette? What air intake is moderately priced and flows well? How hard is it to put gears in these cars and what do people typically run (3.73, 4.11 etc)? What kind of times can I expect out of those mods?

Thanks so much for your patience
Tony

 

[Edmond]

I would suggest going with the LT4 Corvette, which was a 96' only model. They only come in 6 speeds and are underrated at 330HP. A good LT4 driver can run with the earlier C5 6 speeds and pretty much with auto C5's as well.

Bang for the buck wise, LT4's are hard to beat. They come stock with 3.45's so it's not too bad.

You didn't say how much you're willing to spend but I guess most LT4's are in the 18-21K range? At least that's what I've been seeing lately.

 

[onefast95vette]

I agree with Edmund, definitely go with the LT-4. My '95 has a stroked 383 LT-1 block, but I have ported/polished LT-4 heads and intake. For rear end gears, I'd suggest 3.75:1. I know it sounds goofy, but with the conversion kit from the stock 3:07, that's the way mine work out. Very fast, but still somewhat streetable. Also, if you want it loud (as I do), I'd recommend 3" Hooker long tubes, true dual with 2-stage Flowmasters. Some people like Magnaflows, but I had those and wasn't happy with the sound or performance. It's up to you. With the Flowmasters, I rattle the dishes next door and set off car alarms just idling down the street . BTW, if you can get away with it, cut off the cats, they'll suck about 6% of your horsepower. An engine has to breathe to make ponies.

You don't have to believe me on this, but I run 10.48@132 mph in the 1/4. Take it as you will, and good luck with your car.

Dan

 

[onefast95vette]

Also, (sorry I forgot about this in my last post) try running C.A.T.S. tuner, it's a great tool to program your OBD1 computer, and no, the Camaro rims won't fit on a Corvette. At least I don't think so, I haven't tried. My racing partners have '94 and '95 F-bodies and mine won't fit on theirs. Also, lose the drag radials, they're worthless unless you're racing a Yugo in the rain. Get Mickey Thompson or Bridgestone street slicks. You can still race in the pro-street class, but you hook up to the track a hell of a lot better

Dan

 

[DRD T-bone]

Haha, you dang Corvette guys, I forgot to mention that I'm a poor college student , so an LT4 Vette is out of the question, I'm looking at spending around 9500 on the car (not including mods). I suppose drag radials would kinda go up in smoke on your 10 second car, man that thing sounds like a beast! I'm just looking for high 12's off the bottle, so drag radials are still decent for that range, plus I already have them so what the heck right? I'll look into that C.A.T.S. software too. Why didn't you like the magnaflows? Too quiet? Bad tone? Is high 12's off the bottle reasonable for a 6-speed coupe with Air Intake, Cat back, Drag Radials and free mods?

Sorry for all the questions, this is one shiney big new world for me
Thanks a bunch!!!
Tony

 

[Moonunit 451]

High 12's shouldn't be difficult with a shot in what your looking for

 

[project C4]

datsun 350z

I love the 280z small block combo ! My cousin had one for about 3 years. Damm thing was a rocket ship ! endless street racing in that car. The car handled good too. Aluminum heads would have been even better. ran 12.50s with a 10:1 350, comp 280 cam, 186 heads, rpm intake and 650 dp carb. on 14" steet tires

 

[Rob]

Don't think. Just do.

 

[Vettelt193]

since you are going with a 100 shot, try to buy a 92-93 6-speed. the transmissions are much better in those years and should hold up better to the increase in power.

High 12's off the bottle with a few mods is going to be obtainable (depending on what track you run on). Basically, it is all about tuning and driving. The drag tires will vastly help as well.

The other good thing is these cars have been around for awhile now, so you can find used performace parts on eBay all the time for low $$$

 

[Edmond]

I'm sure one of the ZR1 guys would be willing to part with the Z for $9500:L:L:L

 

[DRD T-bone]

Yeah in my wet dreams!

 

[plainswolf]

I don't blame you concerning the 280 'hybridZ'. I have a 260 myself and work with a fellow that also has a 260 with an LT1 in it.. After the conversion it's at 2680lbs. and slightly over 300hp.. They run like a scalded dog! And they handle very well..50/50 weight, strong-fully independent rear end, etc..

But a Corvette IS a corvette... thats why I'm here. They are much safer, infinitely more stable at high speeds(stock Zcars will begin to float at around 100+mph)...

For the cost of modding a Zcar for a V8, you can already have an early C4 that's designed for one.. stronger chassis..etc.. and handles much better in stock trim. I'm saving my Z for a later swap... but for now, I've decided to go with an early C4.... MOST bang for the buck you can get right now..

And after all.... it IS a Corvette..

 

[project C4]

plainswolf......

I agree 100%. The z car is a scary ride past 100. scary ride anyway with 300+ hp. Every time i got out of that car when my cousin was driving,I was shaking and felt lucky to be alive. That car was gutted and he had it down to 2500 lbs. A c4 would be 100 times better. the 84's start out at 3100lbs so I think you could get one close to the weight of the z car but without a/c and stuff.

 

[Daryllawman]

Stay with the Vette........