mods

[jgines]

whats up guys, got another question for you all.

What upgrades and mods would i be able to do without having to upgrade my chip from stock.

The only upgrade/mod that i have done is a big mouth cold air intake.

I would like to do the upgrades/mods in the correct order if there is one.

Also what mods/upgrades would need a chip.

All suggestions and help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Jerryl]

Very hard to get a concrete list as much of it depends on the level of tuning you desire. (IMHO)

Here is JUST a dumb example: A larger exhaust system would generally not require a chip, but, the increase in flow on the exhaust side may result in better spooling and some knock if you are running "on the edge". Now, if you are stubborn (Like me) and decide you want to keep running the same 93 octane gas, then you may need to reduce the spark advance which will require a different chip. Get my point?

Now, here are a few recommended upgrades or verifications that will not require a chip:
A scan tool to monitor the vital signs
Plug wires / plugs
Walbro Fuel pump
Adjustable FPR
Adjustable waste gate rod
160 Deg thermostat
Same size wheels with some nice rims (Not really recommended )
Etc.

It may be of larger benefit to confess your goal(s) for this car to the "Guys and Gals" in this community, so, they may provide you with some advice "how to get the results".

Remember this: Speed = Time = $, no matter how you slice it!

 

[jgines]

My goal is mid 11 to low 12s but still be streetable as well as an almost daily driver to be more exact 4-5 days out of the week. and will see the track twice a month during the season hopefully.

 

[jgines]

My goal is mid 11 to low 12s but still be streetable as well as an almost daily driver to be more exact 4-5 days out of the week. and will see the track twice a month during the season hopefully.

im new to the GNs so bare with me if this is question is stupid. so since I have the intake it would be best to get an aftermarket exhaust system to relieve the engine of all the air its sucking in correct otherwise it will be like taking a deep breath and blowing it out of a coffee stirrer straw right.

Also the highest octane at the gas satations here in CA is 91 but I think I saw 92 somewhere in my city but no 93 at all. Does that mean I would need a chip to run 91 or 92 octane?

Another thing is the ECM would it be best to convert to the 86-87 ECM before doing mods that will require a new or upgraded chip.

 

[Jerryl]

First of all, I want to be cautious in the definition of "Hot air" as stated in my writings below. Do a search on this board as there have been a few heated debates on this.

Building a mid 11 - 12 sec Hot Air car will most likely require a chip change. This is actually one of the most beneficial and least expensive of all the mods required to get you to your goal.
The conversion to an 87 type computer is highly recommended due to experience the programmers have with this chip resulting in good chip availability. There are quote a few more vital signs communicated from the 87 computer.

There are a select few who have build 10 - 11 second Hot Air cars. It is therefore encouraging to state: IT CAN BE DONE!

I have never build an 11 or 12 sec car and will therefore refrain from providing information on the required mods to get you there. Simply stated: “I have not walked that walk”. Try the recipes listed here as they are a good start towards your goal: http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/recipes/recipepage.html

It is certain some of the experts will chime in and inundate you with information to build an 11 sec car. Lots of luck and all the best!

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

Jerryl-Excellent advice. keep up the posts. Brad

P.S. If I ever want to go faster than I am (thinking about it) a definite switch to the 86/87 setup makes to much sense. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Jerryl]

Brad,

First and foremost, the credit of this goes to WWW.GNTTYPE.ORG and all the people who have blazed the path on this issue. There are people on these boards who "REALLY KNOW THEIR STUFF!"
Remember that this is an "old school fix". I am just real S L O W ................

The 85 ECM is a GOOD unit and there is no need to switch it, depending on your goals.

With the 85 ECM, my OTC 4000 could not indicate the KR (Not available) and I could not get into "road mode".
The inability to drive around and not be in "road mode" with this monitor, will result in engine knock. STILL not sure why that is but a few other members confirmed similar results. So, here I am, working on eliminating knock, and all this time it was the monitor contributing to it. Well, after 4 months of it, I realized this. Also, still a GREAT monitor.

My assumption was that the 85 ECM was suspect and a contributor to my knock challenge hence the switch to an 87 ECM. I was incorrect but would not do it differently today. There is so much more info from the 87 ECM that I could do nothing but laugh at the 85 ECM after the completion.

 

[Bryan C.]

For the reason you noted Jerryl, I would change to the 87 ECM if you planning on making the car faster, if it just a driver the 85 ECM will work fine. The 87 ECM offers much greater visibility to information as well a greater availability of chips.

 

[ngianop]

Since you're from California, 'jgines', I'm guessing you have CARB to worry about too. What sort of changes do the smog police limit you to? Does your car have to pass a visual inspection as well?

I live in Oregon and the local DEQ has a visual inspection but the last time I took my '84 in, the technician really had no idea what was normal or not. (the engine is so rare & unique)

I've been considering converting to the '87 ECM but have no idea if that'll open up another can of worms as far as the DEQ is concerned. Does that mean my car will have to pass '87 emissions? I have no idea. Anyone else know?

Something to consider before you start tearing into your car.

 

[85 TR]

i ran times in sig with stock computer and am still running it with 22 pounds of boost and am hoping for some mid 12's so it is not neccesary to change out the chip or comp but it will help a lot of things, like tuning and chip availability. and just to let you know i took the long way to 12's so maybee if i had a chip i would have ran faster along time ago ?

 

[Jerryl]

Originally posted by ngianop
........ I've been considering converting to the '87 ECM but have no idea if that'll open up another can of worms as far as the DEQ is concerned. Does that mean my car will have to pass '87 emissions?

As far as I know, your car will be inspected to the VIN. Many people restore "old school cars" with brand new crate motors from GM but don’t need to pass the "2000 emission" stds.

As far as the ECM is concerned …
You will need to get the stock Hot Air program in the 87 ECM for a stock set-up. That in itself should theoretically not change your emissions. One would have to REALLY know what too look for to see if it is in fact an 87 ECM in the car.

The 87 ECM with a stock Hot Air chip should run “cleaner” than the Hot Air ECM. Remember that EPA regulations have always become more stringent, not relaxed so the 87 set-up should run cleaner. Make sure your catalytic converter is good and that your car is tuned correctly. You should have no issues IMO.

 

[dragonational]

11 or 12 in a "hotair" is a great goal. Not a whole lot of people have accomplished 11's, but , it is possible. You just need to start with the basics and make sure that the car is running right before you start the upgrade process. Upgrading to the 86/87 ecm is a good idea IMO I will be doing this upgrade myself when i get ready to put my motor back in. If you want big gains you may consider a new Turbo and Injectors. Just out of curiosity why do you not want to use a chip? Harry

 

[jgines]

Its not that I dont want to use a chip, its that I want to do the most mods possible that are compatible with the stock chip. I will get a custom chip when it is required to support mods that need it.