Mike1985

Hello all! I recently purchased a 1985 corvette and just have a quick question for all you experts out there. I'll be the first to say that I'm no major mechanic but I know a little something about engines. I noticed that the car definitely has a lot of pick up and go to it but would you guys know of any inexpensive and quick ways to make it go faster? Thanks for all the help to anyone who responds!
- Mike

John A. Marker

The 85's heads suck. You can gain much with exhaust modifications.

Do a search on forum member Vader86 and check his home page. He has a wealth of information on what works and what does not.

Welcome to the Forum.

sunnfish

I have a 86 and I took off all the pollution junk. I also put in a bigger cam bored .030 over with some headers with Borla dual exhaust. I also put some roller lifters and now it goes pretty good. You also have change the computer. I also put in bigger injectors.

playsdixie

welcome...always like to see 85 guys....vader86's website is what you want...I changed the heads/ roller rockers...took off smog/egr... headers....a real tire smoker now....of course, don't live in CA.....

markKlein

horsepower = $$$. What do you mean be "faster"? A better quarter mile time, a higher top speed, quicker time through a road course? Bottom line is anything that really improves any of those things takes money. (Cheapest things for "seat-of-the-pants" feel might be rear end gears, but I'm not sure what you have now).

Mike1985

I'm looking for a better 1/4 mile really but don't want to break the bank. From what I know, the only thing that isn't stock on the car is the exhaust. And I'll be sure to check out vader86's profile soon!

John A. Marker

If your looking for 1/4 mile only. Then mod the exhaust and pull the cat and replace it with a straight thru pipe. The cat in the 85 is a bolt in and out, so easy.....relatively so to remove. The air tube to the cat is the difficult part but can be modified to easily go in and out with the use of 1/2" compression fittings.

I replace the cat with the straight thru tube and installed March under drive pulleys at the same time. (Note I had the AFR heads and SR installed, no cam). I dropped from 14.1 at the track to 13.6 with the automatic (no mods to the trans) and 3.07 gears.

playsdixie

if you have a auto tranny, check the rpo codes...G44 is the code for 3.07 rear end....most common....or if it's a z51.....it would have an extra fan infront of the a'/c condenser......it will tell you more about your car...

Mike1985

Thanks for all the help guys! And playsdixie I have a question. What exactly is the rpo code??

Cliff Harris

RPO = Regular Production Option (or Order). Here's a list:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...o/8496rpo.html

playsdixie

one on the lids in your deck behind the seats has all the rpo codes....if it['s a z51 you have a few extras....primarily heavier suspension and aux fan....rpo codes tell you what was installed when it was built...

Race Prepared

I'm thinking a ZZ383 crate motor with a TPiS Mini Ram will do the trick!

cv67

If 13s are good enough for you its within reach for not too much money
Want to really go fast dont waste your time with the TPI....intakes arent great, rest of the motor isnt anything to write home about.

Whats your budget, and realistic goals, usage?

DanielRicany

My '85 cost me tons of money to make "fast" and it's still not fast enough for me.

79C3tnd

playsdixie, you should post some pics of your engine. Looks pretty sweet from your profile avatar!

cv67

Stroke that thing and get a solid roller in it youll change your tune!

DanielRicany

I'm always going to want more. I think I'd be satisfied if I had an 8 second street car.

playsdixie

here it is...roller rockers/ alum heads...52mm tb....no smog'egr....

Mike1985

Wow that's a sweet motor! And I'll be sure to check out those codes tomorrow. I think mid to low 13s will be sufficient for me.

DanielRicany

I always like seeing your motor