I am a new member with a very interesting question. I have a .030" over 1970 LT1 block with all the right goodies, 8 to 1 pistons and will most likely use AFR heads. The turbo system is Gale Banks, old style with carburetor.
The question is, what year Corvette should I put it in. I'm Thinking of a 1991 convert. (because it is the last year of the L98) with a 6 speed, because of the torque. Since today's technology is superior to carburetors, are there years that make more sense as far as tweaking the computer to do it's job properly. Whatever engine comes with the car, will most likely find a home in another one of my toys. Mechanical issues aren't a real problem for me, but the computer thing is.
I will buy the year Corvette that makes the most sense.
Thank you for any advice that you may have.
Ralph
(steelman) It's from my steel framing business
well.. the gale banks system isn't gonna work.. you're going to have to make a one off custom system for a C4, or perhaps ditch everything except the bare necessity accessories and do some hood clearancing for anything Banks has to offer. not sure if you have been under the hood of a C4 much, but the space limitations are kind of cramped and the low pro hood is not turbo friendly. do a search here and on the web for turbo C4 corvettes... they are a rarety. I am building one, and it is nothing short of an all inclusive project from start to finish, the engine bay will have barely anything where it originally was when I am done, but keeping accessories was a high priority on my list of goals, and making great power form the system also was so I took a good long while making sure I met both of those! good luck searching!
Thanks guys. I guess I will consider some fiberglass work or scrap the idea. However, I would like someone to address the computer situation while I take some measurements. You know nothing is impossible.
Thanks again.
Ralph
you are correct, nothing is impossible.. just takes some determination and alot of money...lol I do ALL my own work including welding, have a jobber discount on most parts needed, and installation, designing, implementation etc.. and it is still costong me a fortune to complete this project, but it is what I wanted to do, So I say go for it, however instead of a banks system perhaps you would be interested in having one built for you that is made just for the C4 corvette? shoot me a PM if you would be interested in further discussing it.
as for the computer.... if you are going with corvette and are going to pull the motor anyways to put in something else... the LT1 is a much easier transplant in my opinion and the ECM/Harness can be built on a bench or purchase one to run speed density for a hot rod or other project car. either way if you are serious about making great power reliably, I would recommend using an after market engine management system that reads boost and can utilize a wideband O2 sensor. if you are going strictly carburated blow thru, then you will need a carb setup for boost which starts to get fairly expensive as well and will also need some ignition retard system device that reads boost.. either way you start adding up coins and you will loose alot of potential of part throttle operation and starting as well as fuel economy which if you plan on upping boost will hurt the ole pocket when you start purchasing race fuel for the octane to run big boost big power. not trying to thwart you ideas, but add other viable avenues for you to further explore.
Thanks, Chris
It sounds to me that the Corvette fuel injection may not be the way to go. The Banks system came with everything on the intake and exhaust, adjustable waste gates, headers, 800 cfm Holley, brackets, tubes and pressure relief unit over the carburetor. It did not have an intercooler, which would be a good idea.
I would be satisfied with 12 to 15# boost, since I want it road worthy.
I just want a powerful road car and since I bought the system new quite a few years ago, I would love to finally use it.
Do the serpentine belts etc. interchange with the earlier blocks?
Corvette Store
Twin turbo with L98 type block
