Alan777

Hey guys, my name is Alan, I'm 18, and my father and I are buying my first vette this week. We have a ways to travel, but the guy sounds honest, and is willing to let us test drive it first.

It's an 88' L98 Automatic, white with red interior. However, the wheels on it are not typical 88' wheels, and in fact, i have never seen them on a vette before. Any insight to what they are?





Also, I'll probably start with Exhaust, intake. I was thinking borla/Corsa Exhaust. But I want long tube headers, what are your recommendations, and will i need different cats/modification to the exhaust to install them? And what headers are you guys running?

Iroc57

Welcome (root beer)

They look like sawblade wheels to me from this angle. As far as header recommendations go try driving it first. If it is running good don't mess with it for a bit. That is only my $.02 though

Alan777

Ill try to get another picture. This is sort of my project car, as I have a DD. So i probably wont leave it stock for long. As soon as i make sure it runs good.

The only saw blades i know of are the 10 spoke [earlier c4's] or the 8 spokes [later c4's]

realsass

Isn't that a Z in the center cap? Maybe they are off of a 300 Z ??
Definitley not Chevrolet Saw Blades or the early C4 turbines.

pkazsr

My .02..Get the car first. You might like it just the way it is. My 88 is fast enough to pass a slow driver, sounds mean enough to turn the heads of the ricers, and pretty enough to impress the Judges at the shows. Not as fast as my BIL's C5 but I know more about mine than he will ever know about his.

80sRule

Those are the 88 base model wheels. The link below has a convertible with those wheels as well. Between 70 and 80% of 88s had either Z51 or Z52 so they aren't seen too often.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...988/index.html

xCCTer

http://www.web-cars.com/corvette/1988.php

198T7VETTE

SCCA VETTE

Welcome to the forum Alan

As everybody has pointed out, those are the factory 88 wheels

If you dont want the exhaust to drive you nuts from the resonance you want to go with the Corsa. If you do not care how loud it is in the car then either is a good option. Do a search and you will find ALOT of different video clips of different exhaust systems.

Good luck with whatever you decide on and keep us posted.

Alan777

thanks guys, i actually like these wheels much better than the other 88 wheels.

Guy said it had a pacesetter exhaust, but i love how corsa sounds, and I have plenty of graduation money. Can you guys give a good recommendation for headers/cats? Do i even need to run cats because it's 20 yrs old? I want a good set of long tubes, but i've heard several times Super Comps don't seal properly?

jlbruggeman

The base wheels are actually a little rare, because the Z51 and Z52 wheels were 17", base were 16". Base amounted to about 20% of total production, everyone else going with the optional ones.

65Z01

Since it already has some exhaust work you could be ok; check to see if the front Y is stock (has the 2 pre-casts) or aftermarket (no pre-cats). If it has decent mods now, focus on a seat of coated headers w/ front Y.
There a number of "free" mods that will bring some added power:
-cut air tilter lid w/ K&N filter
-cut back spark plugs (on my site)
-160deg T-stat & fan switch
-toss the "frisbee" from the WP pulley (on my site)

For more SOTP fun look to the A4:
-2,400rpm lockup TC
-TransGo shift kit

These mods are enough to push you down the 1/2 mile in mid to low 13s, depending on elevation & weather.

Enjoy your new Vette and save the wave...

88yellow

That was anew design wheel for 88. It is a 16 inch wheel. They made that wheel the first half of 88 then changed to a 17 inch wheel. The wheels are pretty rare

joecaver

Congrats on the car, it looks like a good one.

Alan777

Thanks guys. I can't wait to go get it this friday. The guy also has a Pantera, hopefully i can get a ride in that as well.

Anyone reccomend the best bang for the buck LT coated headers? And Can i just drop-in-install the headers, or will i have to buy different cats/modify the current exhaust?

Alan777

Anyone?

I'm thinking Melrose Headers. Will i need different cats, and which HFC's are the best bang fr your buck?

juanway

Congradulations on your Vette.
Your corvette is a head turner the way it is , The Greenwood ground effects kit adds to even more of a head turner. I've had two younger teens see my 89 coup coming and when I got up close they had their hands raised above their heads and were bowing down as I drove by! Thats How well known theses cars are! Your vette stock came with a lot of upgrades for its generation , it was 10 years ahead of most other car manufactures. Also a Lambo door kit made for your corvette by Sterling acc. which perfected the made for your vette bolt on kit, is so awesome when you go to get out and that door opens to a 90 degrees

Alan777

Thanks. I'm not gonna put a bodt kit or anything, leave it looking stock except for a light tint.

But can anyone help me with my above post?

corvetteronw

Pic of an 88 with base suspension and wheels:

AGENT 86

Congrats
Hedman Elite's are a "good bang for the buck" long tube header and adapt easily to the stock "Y" pipe.