The 1984–1996 C4 Corvette had a phenomenal run, as more than 337,000 units were produced. Legendary packages, such as the ZR1 and Grand Sport, returned to production. In addition, the Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette reached 254.76 mph on the 7.5-mile oval track at the Transportation Research Center proving ground. As impressive as these cars were when they were new, more than 30 years of technological advancements have left them dated and ill-equipped for today’s performance-oriented enthusiast.
Chris Petris’s career path of performing Corvette repair and performance upgrades includes writing technical content for multiple magazines, including Corvette Fever, Corvette Enthusiast, Hot Rod, Corvette/Chevy Trader, and the Corvette edition of Cars & Parts. In this book, he shares his 35-plus years of implementing C4 performance and reliability upgrades. Corvette C4 1984–1996: How to Build and Modify focuses on all of the car’s major components. It includes building the original engine with the most powerful add-on parts. In addition, it covers engine management, crate engines, cooling systems, and suspension and brake upgrades. The most powerful upgrade of all, an LS engine swap, is featured, and supercharging and turbocharging options are provided as well.
With C4 Corvettes being plentiful in the marketplace and more affordable than any other model with the Corvette nameplate, now is a great time to build. Using knowledge from this book, you will achieve modern performance at a fraction of the cost of a new Corvette. Whether you are ready to get started right now or want to use this book to determine if you want to tackle this project, this book is essential for making informed decisions along the way.r
Chapter 1: History and Inspection
Powertrain Options
Handling
Workspace
Project Car Inspection
Tuning
Chapter 2: Bolt-on Components and Engine Modification
Intake/Exhaust Airflow
Gaining 25 to 30-Plus Horsepower
Intake Manifold Preparation and Installation
Camshaft Performance Gains
Cylinder Head Replacement
Ignition System
Chapter 3: Crate Engines and Aftermarket Engine Control
Performance Engine Options
Factory ECM Limitations and Aftermarket Controller Options
A/C Control Switch
Chapter 4: LS Engine and Transmission Retrofit
Gen V LT1
Chassis and Transmission Considerations for LS Swaps
Making the Connections: LS Wire Harness and Module
Chapter 5: Nitrous Oxide, Supercharging, and Turbocharging
N2O Systems
Turbocharging
Supercharging
Chapter 6: Fuel System
Fuel Filters
Fuel-Pressure Requirements
Fuel Tanks, Pumps, and Senders
Vapor Recovery Regarding Tank Pressure
Building a Performance Fuel System
Fuel-Pump Voltage Concerns
Fuel-Injector Design and Early Challenges
Common Failures and Cleaning Myths
Diagnosing, Sizing, and Upgrading Fuel Injectors
Formulas and Maintenance
Chapter 7: Exhaust System
Exhaust Manifolds
Emissions Systems
Header Gasket and Fastener Choices
H-Pipe or X-Pipe Exhaust Cutouts
Muffler Drone
Preventing Spark-Plug Wire Damage
Chapter 8: Heat Management: Radiator and Cooling Fan
Heat Soak
Major Cooling System Improvement
Cooling System Performance Maintenance: Prevention is Key
Radiators
Engine Oil Coolers and Plumbing
Water Flow Enhancement
Cooling Fan Operation
How to Circumvent ECM Control of Cooling Fans
Cooling System Troubleshooting
Chapter 9: Automatic Transmission Upgrades: 700-R4, MD8, and 4L60
TV Cable Testing and Adjustment
Rebuild, Upgrade, or Service
Maintenance is Key
Fluid Choices and Costs
Shift Kits
Valve Bodies
Accumulators-Servos
Torque Converters
Transmission Removal and Installation Highlights
Flexplates
Chapter 10: Manual Transmission Information and Options
1984–1988 4+3 DNE Overdrive
1989–1996 C4 ZF 6-Speed
Tremec Performance TKO and TKX 5-Speed
Installation Tips: Torque-Beam Mounting, Alignment, and Torquing
Chapter 11: Clutches, Driveshaft, Axle Shafts, and Differential
Driveshaft, Axle Shafts, Wheel-Bearing Hubs, and Universal Joints
Differential Strength and Model- Specific Applications
Chapter 12: Suspension and Steering
Suspension Goals
Rack-and-Pinion Steering Upgrades
Steering Warnings
Rear Suspension
Banski Rear Suspension Links
Build Your Own Rear Suspension Rods
Chapter 13: Maximum Cornering
Shock Absorbers
Coilover Suppliers
Sway Bars/Anti-Roll Bars
Reduce the Flex
Underbody Brace
Alignment: Driving Techniques
Alignment Modifications for Maximum Positive Caster
Chapter 14: Performance Brake Kits
Standard Brakes
Parking Brake
Transmission Brake
Basic Upgrades
Brake Fluid Testing
Brake Maintenance
Caliper Distortion
Corvette Factory Upgrade Options
Aftermarket Brake Kit: Wheel Choices
Parking Brake
Master Cylinder Proportioning Valves
Power Brake Boosters: ABS/ EBTCM
Brake Cooling
Final Thoughts
Chapter 15: Wheel and Tire Combinations
Chapter 16: Interior Modifications and Race Preparation
Fire Safety
Interior Performance Enhancements
Roll Bars/Cages
Gauges
Chapter 17: Feature: Gary Bitner
Source Guide
1-800-551-4754 
