Want to improve performance of an 1985

[JayD]

I'm sure people ask this all the time, but I can't find answers.

I just bought a 1985. I want to spend a couple hundred dollars and get the most bang for my buck.

Possibilities include:
StreetRunner Hypertech powerchip or Ed Wrights FastChip
MAT Sensor relocation
Open Air lid
Cold Air Intake
Throttle body flow booster (but I have heard bad things)


Any help is very appreciated

 

[Edmond]

Hi Jay, welcome to the Corvette Action Center!

The open air filter lid is a great thing to do. It's actually something that you can do yourself for free and it only takes 15 minutes to do. Just cut the center out until you just have the outer frame left.

Get yourself a K&N air filter to go along with that. K&N's are usually $50-60.

Throttle body flow booster? I'm assuming that you're talking about the air foils that smooths out the air going into the throttle body. It's debatable whether those give you any improvements or not but you can buy them off eBay for $30 or so. For $30, I would take the chance.

As for the chip, Hypertech is pretty much junk. Don't know about Ed Wright though. All Hypertech does is turn the fan on earlier.

Have you considered a catback exhaust system? You can definitely feel the difference and you can hear it as well!

 

[BigRed]

Here I go again LOL.

I have installed a WHACK of couple hundred buck style performance parts and the ONLY one I've felt a very noticable difference is....Aftermarket ignition.

Im a MSD fan myself but everyone seems to have one now. The MSD 6A is a good choice in that it delivers 60% more spark and hits the plugs 3 time each stroke. This means every ounce of fuel is burned therefore giving you more power not to mention fuel mileage.....THATS RIGHT!! Better on gas performance parts LOL

The 6A is the right model for you (I have one in my 85 and love it) The 6AL is the same but has a rev limiter for 100 bucks more..Nah I don't plan on bouncing off a limiter so why have one. (Im not a everyday racer here)

Next in line to the Ignition would be a computer chip of SOME type I have no favorites nor alot of experience but I do know its the right way to go to have them custom done because no 2 motors are alike especially after mods. So how can Hypertech possibly offer the RIGHT chip..They can't hence they get the junk name from alot of people.

IMHO of Course

 

[fast.asleep]

The MSD 6A is a good choice in that it delivers 60% more spark...

where did you mount it?

 

[rbyrne]

GM made a performance chip for the '85 only. The Challange car thing had something to do with this. Anyways you need to get in touch with a GOOD GM parts person to help you find it. It has a GM part# and makes a world of difference for about $50. Good Luck.

 

[WhalePirot]

where did you mount MSD?

I don't use it and got rid of it, believing my Corvette expert ("HEI works fine for normally aspirated engines under 7000rpm"), BUT......

I mounted a 6AL in the well under the left headlight. It fit nicely after rotating the rack holding the tree relays to horizontal (drilled one small hole.
mike

 

[Willycool]

85 to 89 ecm upgrade

You may want to upgrade your 85 ecm to a much faster 89 ecm.

It seems that the 89 is not only faster, but more reliable.

The 89 sysyem also does away with the burn off mod. (real expensive to replace)

I am about to do the swap in my buddys 85.

You will need an 89 ecm and wiring harness.

If you wish to follow my progress...e mail me at

peter.mercado@sympatico.ca

Willycool