Elohim

I am shooting for a 1986 T-Top or glass top with a manual, i absolutely hate and get bored with autos. The problem is they are hard to find, how expensive is it to buy and install a 6sp from the 89 or a Doug Nash 4+3?

I also will be doing some mods over time. The will for sure get the forced air induction from lingenfelter and a bigger throttle body. I can't stand the stock exhaust so i will get performance headers and 2.5" from the cat all the way back. The ZR-1 rims sell on ebay for $1,100 are 18x9.5 front and 18x11 on the rear, boy those are pretty!! Since it won't be a low mileage car i will have the engine rebuilt first thing.

You guys have to help me out with upgrades!! I have never owned a corvette and heck i'm only 16! Yes, i will be paying for every cent of this car, my parents don't buy me things like this:)

Where is the best place to find camshafts, rocker arms, valves, pushrods, cylinder heads, intake manifolds and stuff like that. I know lingenfelter has all of it but seems way to spendy.

Thanks! I appreciate every reply and thank you for your time!!

Luke(Soon to be a C4 owner)

bigdan

you mean convert an auto to a stick? i think you'd be better to take the time and find one that was factory. they're out there, be patient. :) as for mods it's going to depend on what you start with. getting an 80's, there is a good chance the basic stuff is already done (exaust, k&n, thermostat). look at some of the venders here on the forum for goodies & use that search engine. oh yea, check the cars/parts for sale here on the forum too!
have fun!


[Modified by bigdan, 4:11 PM 6/22/2002]

chucks88

As some added insurance, pay a 'Vette mechanic/shop to go over the car inside and out. It's $50 well spent. Hell, I can save you $50 by stering you clear of an Airfoil. So it'll be a wash for ya.

VetteNoob

Hey Welcome to CF :seeya

Look for a 4+3 and dont convert an auto to a manual. Saves you A LOT of grief and money. Also, look for a late model '86 with the center bolt valve covers. Those have the aluminum heads and will give you 5 more HPs. Try to look for a Z51 suspension package, it will come with stiffer suspension and a stock 2ndary cooling fan as well as an oil cooler. I love my 86, but if you can afford newer, buy newer. Take your time and dont rush into a car you spend more money fixing than modding. (like me! :D) Definitely have a vette shop check it out and give you a grocery list. Good luck. Look forward to seeing your new ride!

GRX

Welcome to the forum :seeya FYI, 6 speeds started in 89...maybe you should consider one.... :D

Elohim

Thanks for all your reply's!!

Hey man, i know the 6sp started in 89:) read my first post, "get a 6sp from an 89":) I definitely see your point but the problem is i'm not rich:) I'm only 16 in just finished my first semester in college and getting a good job is a hard thing to come by. The most i will be able to spend in around 8k. Anyone know of some 89's for that price? let me know! The only thing i want is a good engine and body, the interior doens't matter, i have friends and ebay to help me with that:) I have seen a few 86's in great shape selling for around 6k. I'm just waiting for the right one and for it actually to be in 500 mile range:)

Again, i really appreciate all your reply's!!

Make a great day!

Luke

MaSTeRofDZaSTeR

Dude why the hell would u wanna steer him clear of an air foil? That could be one of the best $30 he's ever spent. :confused:

Bat Man

Dude you are 16, and a Sophomore in college??? WTF???

Elohim

weird, isn't it? my older sister got her 2 year degree in college before she was 18. now she is 19 and a teacher. Kinda freaky.i should have my 4yr degree from the University of Minnesota before i am 20, hopefully.

I just want a corvette now! the fastest car i have driven was a 1984 porsche 944(2.5L 4cyl). not bad. I want to drive my friends firebird. It's not even a firebird anymore. It's completely stripped, has a rollcage, racing bucket seats, LT1 engine with 6sp trans, and over 400hp. I can easily run mid 12's in it. he said he ran 12.6 several times. it looks so fun!!

Thanks for the input!!

later guys


Luke

chucks88

Looks like another one of us got snookered :nonod:

bogus

welcome to the forum!!!!!!! 16 and a sophomore??? wow! impressive!!!! good luck with getting your degree! hope it works out!!!!

hmmm.... an $8000.00 vette... wow... that sounds like trouble waiting to happen, buddy.

If you don't have a good income, they can break your bank. I would suggest saving a bit more and getting a newer vette in better condition. they exist.

the 6spd is well worth the additional expense... really. I have one. My 92 has a six speed, and I love it!!!! great tranny!!!!!

VetteBabe1

Would only put one in if it were free. ;)

vader86

Be patient and youll find a 4+3, then after youre done with engine mods you can think about saving up for a 6speed conversion later, with a Richmond 6.

As far as parts, get some Summit and Jegs catalogs, and look to the big tuners: TPiS and Lingenfelter for some package ideas. And dont spend your money on something that says it increases HP without asking about it first, youll see what i mean if you order a Mid America and Ecklers catalog.

I would not get the engine rebuilt immediately, you should first drive it for at least 6-12 mos. to learn the cars tendencies before really doing anything.

GoodbyeGirl

Welcome! :seeya

I'd hold off and find a C4 with a stick shift. I'd go with a an '89 or newer (they have a 6 speed)

As far as rims go, I got my rims and tires from afs wheels http://www.afswheels.com/ $1100 for 4 rims is outrangous. I got 4 new rims and tires for around $1600.

Just my $.02 Good luck! :cheers:


[Modified by GoodbyeGirl, 10:13 AM 6/24/2002]

Eric 96

I always love when a "potential" Corvette owner is shopping for a Vette, and he has mods picked out before he has even picked out a car!!! Not to mention one who is 16 years old, and barely has experience driving a normal car.
Why don't you take your time, and shop for the car that is perfect for you? Test drive many before you buy one. Go to a local club meeting, and ask the members to show you their different models, and what they like and dislike about each.

H P Bushrod

Welcome to the family! I would steer clear of the 4+3 manual trans. It'll get in your wallet to repair it. See if you can find a nice 89 or better with a 6spd. I think you'll be pleased with it. The main thing is to take your time finding the Vette thats right for you. It took me a year to find the one I purchased. Good luck! :chevy

P.S. Elohim (God)-nice handle! :yesnod:

Qblue92

why is an airfoil not worth doing? the stock TB design just isn't aerodynamic- it has that flatness in the middle. hasn't any1 done a dyno test on this??? I wanna see it.

vader86

Because the hp numbers they say you get, dont really happen. Its just a paperweight. Nobody has gotten consistent improvements at the track with just the airfoil.

Elohim

wow, cool, i'm getting alot of input here:)

So, i guess i just take my time on this one, save some more $$$, and try and find a 89 or newer with a 6sp:)

i think your right about the engine rebuild, i have never driven a 230+hp car, it needs some getting used too.

How can you not plan upgrades for a car you dream about?!?!:) If this was a viper i would have alot more upgrades in mind! Then i would crash it because it's so fast and prabably kill my self:)

So how much it it be worth to spend a 89 in better shape? 11-13k? ive only been looking at the 85-87 vettes. what should i be looking for? z51 handeling and the 6sp manual? i want the car to be as stock as possible because i like doing mods myself. I would love to replace the clutch plate or something like that before i drove it just to see whats under there:) I think i am going to checker auto and buy the book for this car!

Thanks guys! keep the info comin!!

Luke(Elohim=God in Hebrew. it's cool that you noticed:) )


[Modified by Elohim, 10:50 AM 6/25/2002]

onedef92

I don't know about MN, but in my part of Kentucky $11 to 13k puts you in solid LT-1 territory.

With that kinda loot, you may be able to buy a newer coupe and bypass the L-98 models altogether (not to say they aren't fine cars if that's what you're dead set on.)

BTW, welcome to The Forum. :cheers: