C4 Questions

[meschnebly]

Hi guys. I'm looking into getting a C4 Vette and have a few questions. I've heard that the '84 thru about '89 C4s have very low HP. With them having crossfire injection, is it possible (within a reasonable budget) to raise the compression, add a nice cam, maybe change out the heads, and get 350 or so HP out of them? I'm more of a carb guy so I am only going on rumors here. 350HP is kind of the number I'm shooting for so would a C4 work for me or would I need to go more towards a C3? Sorry for my lack of knowledge but I'm trying to learn. Also any links to some sites with the specs of each style vette would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Mike

[fatherlarry]

Welcome aboard! '84 was the only year for crossfire in the C4 bodystyle. These 350 blocks are all workable to increase hp. You could raise the horsepower without bringing up the compression by just doing some valve work, cam work and intake manifold. You can change over to a carburetor, but then you will be getting involved with the computer, if that's the route you want to go. I personally would stay with the fuel injection and put a performance chip in. The advantage of the C4 over the C3 is handling and newer technology. You shouldn't have to go to a C3 to get the performance that you're looking for. You will pay more for a C3 than a C4. You'll get more for your money with the C4 and a cleaner car.

Here's a website with specs for all year Corvettes.

http://www.netvettes.com/

Scroll to bottom and there is a drop down window to pick the year you want to see specs on.

[meschnebly]

Thanks for the information. I'm looking at an '87 right now and you say that model doesnt have the crossfire injection? I think I would definately stay with the fuel injection. Sorry to sound so dumb about this but I know next to nothing about Vettes and I'm trying to learn. I'm more of a straight up old school carb guy. What's your opinion on the '87s or should I say which models of the C4s do you recommend me look at? Would 300-350HP be in the ball park to achieve? Thanks for the great site and I know I'll be hanging around.

Mike

[fatherlarry]

The '87 through '90 are good choices. '90 has the newer dash. With any of the C4's 350 hp is obtainable. Good luck. :smoke:

Hear is a good link.http://www.montecarloss.com/SSThunder/SBCinfo.html