Hey All,
I joined this message board a long time ago intending to use it for any help or pointers. I haven't been back on for awhile so I may be posting this on the wrong page. Anyways, I bought a '95 Z28 with a 6spd a long time ago planning on spending a little money on it as a hobby. I finally have a little bit of time and a small budget ($2,000-$3,000). Its got 120,000 miles on it. I will be honest with you all, I am a rookie to motors and have low time under the hood. Just looking for any help or insight from guys with some exp. Put yourself in my shoes and what would you recommend for a rookie to start off with? I am quick to learn and would like to gain the knowledge through all of this. Looking to put the money in the motor this time and possibly down the road in the transmission and rear end for my next project.

Thanks for your time!

 

First I would start off simpler: Basic Bolt Ons
#1 - Cold Air Intake - Moves the Air Filter to a cooler spo
#2 - 160 Deg Thermostat
#3 - Exhaust

If that doesn't eat up the budget enough - Headers and/or Y-Pipe (High Flow Cats or Deletes=up to you)

Then on to mail order tune.

After that is when I would start to think about engine work.

 

What are your goals? Power? Drag racing? Handling? Etc.

 

Thanks for the response 96-Z. What are most guys using for exhaust? Shorties with factory y-pipe or long tube headers? Are there any worries with clearance on the long headers?

Goals would be something I could take to the drag track on open car night and have some fun with friends.

Thanks!

 

Most people are running long tubes y pipe and cat back nd if you don't have emissions I suggest deleting your cats but that's my opinion and other may think different.

 

4.10 gears
Cat-back exhaust
Long-tube Headers with performance cats
160* Thermostat
PCM Tune.

KW

 

To start with you are going to need cold air intake, a tune , long tubes and a better flowing exhaust
most people recommend 4:10 gears on a 6 speed transmission. don't forget about the free mod there goes half your budget . next 125 shot and I have spent all your money

 

Thanks for all the advice guys. What about a bigger throttle body? 52mm to 58mm. Is there anything else I would need to change if I bought a larger throttle body, plus, is it worth it?

THanks again!

 

I got 412 rwhp with the stock 48mm TB plus you will need to port the manifold opening for a 58mm. I would invest that money somewhere else until you reach 400rwhp. Max 2k would be cold air intake, headers, y-pipe, cat back, high flow cat or gut, tune, maybe 1.6 roller rockers.