As you may have seen in the Aftermarket Product Review, I'm new to these boards but are not at all new to either the F-bod or cars in general.

I'll be buying my first car - a 92 (or similar) Z28 - sometime in the fairly near future, and, of course, am already planning mods . What are the basic engine mods that will make a good start? I'm hoping to find one with the 305 LB9 engine (as I definitely want to start off with a manual). I've already been told to stick in a K&N and a full exhaust system, and get the engine tuned up. Is there anything else I should do for starters? How much can I expect to pay for a good quality exhaust? Also, what will be my approximate HP/TQ gains?

My goal - for now - is to get the car into the mid 13s, to have some competition for the Trans Am. What else would I need to do to the car, short of forced induction? H/C package?

Thanks a lot for your help .

 

If you read GH High Tech performance magazine, you might have seen project Blue Thunder. It is a 305 TPI car that has gone low 14s (You'll have to read the next story to see how low). This was accomplished with just a few basic bolt-ons, and a few should put it in the 13s on street tires.

If you want to go low thirteens, i would suggest going with an L98 350 car. This is not to say that it can't be done with a 305, but it may be a little easier and since you have yet to purchase a car yet, it may be something to consider.

Blue Thunder is a stick shift car and you have to invest quite a bit of seat time to get the optimal launch and ET results. If you are not that adept at powershifting and slipping the clutch, the automatic may turn out to be faster for you.

The TPIS Fast Pack works well, but you may be able to piece the parts together a little cheaper on your own. I had a '90 L98 Formula that ran 14.02 at 96 mph with an airfilter, a single chamber Flowmaster muffler, an air foil, coil and adjustable fuel pressure regulator.

An aftermarket exhaust shouldn't cost more that $275 and is probably one of your best investments short of aftermarket cylinder heads, which you should not need considering your goal.

Take the time and buy the car you want. Even if the search drags on.

TurboSteve

 

Thanks for the info.

I realize the work involved in familiarizing oneself with a manual - my brother had to learn how to drive the manual in our CE T/A a few months ago - but I definitely think it's worth the added benefits. This car will be my daily driver, so I'm sure I'll get lots of practice in.

Thanks for the suggestions as well, though I'm definitely considering getting a heads/cam package later on...

 

Unfortunately, I hear from an anonymous source, that GM Hightech is planning on scrapping the Blue Thunder story line. Thats too bad considering that the mods and repairs on that car hit closer to home than any other thirdgen article I've seen. Usually they're building stroker motors or adding mods that no one can afford(like the red Formula). When will they learn?

BTW..a cat back exhaust and a cold air kit is definitely a good place to start.

 

It's funny you mention that. I think a lot of folks have noticed GMHTP magazine is run by an editor who not only doesn't seem to work on his own project cars, but also appears a bit too eager to promote articles on big-budget stroker engines that very few can afford. Goes to show how being blatant about getting parts & services for free from advertisers will affect editorial policy and direction.

I agree with TPIterror, if they do scrap the 'Blue Thunder' series it will be a shame. Those are the types of articles the average TPI owner can relate to.

Dave

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/tpimod1.shtml

 

The blue thunder series is some of the best, most informative material I've read in that mag.!

 

There will be at least three more stories on Blue Thunder. If you want to see more, email Johnny Hunkins and tell him so.

TurboSteve