Hello , I just today purchased a all stock 82 z28 camaro, (keep in mind im 18 and dont know all that much about cars) . Was just wondering if anyone could give me some figures maybe of some not so expensive things to add HP, and maybe how much HP they actually give? Would really appreciate it, thanks.

 

the first thing I would do is to make sure the service engine soon light comes on when the key is on engine is off (first click forward before cranking). next if the service engine light is on while the car is running get this fixed first. scan it and fix it. find out whether you have cross fire injection ("cease fire injection") or carburator. if it is carburated does the carb have two "plug ins" one with two wires on top and another with three on the side? the next is a tune up. use regular autolite or ac delco plugs avoid fancy platinums or splits or anything like that. get 8 mm diameter plug wires or larger. new cap and rotor. new air filter (K&N brand preferably). check the condition of the oil and replace it with fresh mobil 1 synthetic. get trans fluid replaced (and filter if auto is it auto?), change rear diff fluid to synthetic and add GM parts counter friction modifier for posi's (accept no substitutions of this friction modifier unless you like rear end clunks on corners). check, inspect and rebuild the front steering components if there is slop (an 82 with like over 100k will need something). check brake pad and /or shoe wear levels or fluid leaks) get a brake inspection. teenagers get a bad rap for getting in the most accidents, dont let it be because of a maintainace problem. If you have any money left I would first concentrate on the exaust system. buy a MAC exhaust system (they make more power than flowmaster). the manufacturers mostly list thier systems as 84-92 or 86-92 but getting the exhaust hangers from a later car will facilitate the swap. a catalytic converter swap is a must if it has not been done already. the eary years had a cat that was just so restrictive (pellet style) the bottom is broad and nearly as wide as it is long and it has a freeze plug looking thing on it. if it is long and narrow with a screen on it then it is a later style. there is so much HP hiding in your exhaust in those early years.

 

That info was very helpful, my car is crossfire injection, I notice you said not to use platinum plugs, why not is it a bad thing? before i read this i already put those in, and i plan on changing oil, transmission fluid, and all that tommorow. Im not sure what kind of exhaust system i currently have.. its duel i suppose (2 tail pipes, hell i dont know tho lol) anyway anymore info would be very appreciated.

 

he said no platinum becasue its a waste of money, just like synthetic oil on an old car. unless you have an oil leak dont bother,but if you do then you might want to think about synthetic. just change the cheap stuff every 3 months or so if your not worried. if you already spent the money on high-end plugs just stick with them.


just remember, a car is like any other living thing. the better ir breaths, the better it runs, as long as its not starving.

 

Actually, if you already have an oil leak synthetic will probably make it worse.

S.

 

if you already have plat plugs just keep em, if you have oil leaks, dont run synthetic, I didnt mention it but you should replace the PCV valve and that little filter that connects to the air cleaner from the valve cover (helps prevent leaks). your exhaust system should have two tips but with the rare exception you will only have single exhaust (a couple guys around here have made thier own on race cars usually). the 82 would have the crappy system with twin mufflers easily visable under the back of the car ( I once had an 82 also). the aftermarket systems usually replace this with one highflow muffler (like GM did). I believe the best systems are the ones that do not use a crossflow style muffler and only have one tip, but that is a whole other post. at one time I would be forced to throw up my hands for performance because of the cross fire injection but these guys at turbo city offer a 90's computer upgrade http://www.turbocity.com/CorvetteCro...ECMUpgrade.htm and a bad *** hardware (intake/throttlebody) upgrade http://www.turbocity.com/EFICrossDtail.htm

 

dont forget to check on that cat (under the front pass side floor) the stock early pellet style looks likle to cake pans welded together. sorry I couldnt find a pellet style cat pic. maybe someone could help out here.