Carbs can't constantly adjust themselves for maximum performance at any given time under any conditions. They are antiquated in my opinion.

 

a good low compression crate would work out nicely for a weiland 147 street charger.

 

Thanks for all the ideas guys. I'm really tempted to do an modded LS1 conversion. I decided that I don't really need a huge amount of power since i don't race on the street or at the strip. However I would like to be able to keep up with any ricer punks who would try to show me up. I was planning on spending up to about $12k on an engine. It'll still be a few months before i do anything, but i've pretty much decided on a Jon Barrett 420 crusher cruzer engine. http://www.jonbarrett.com/lb/420com.htm
I'm running a th350 right now, but i'm going to swap in a Richmond six speed tranny. The extra money i would have spent on a costlier engine is going to be used on a new yamaha dirt bike which is honestly more fun than driving the camaro. Thanks again for all your input and let me know what you think of the engine/tranny setup i'm most likely getting.

 

Also I wanted to add that gas mileage isn't that much of a concern because my camaro is no longer my primary driver. I am the proud owner of a 1994 ford escort wagon . Well at least it's in really good condition and has good gas mileage.

 

A modded LS1 would be easily enough to keep up with the ricers around your town (barring some: mainly supras lol). A modded LS1 in an old camaro should be able to run 11s without ANY problem with traction, and still get VERY good mileage.

William

 

What about a 327? First gen Camaros never had a high performance version.
Add an O/D trans and you'll be able to pass gas stations! Plus they can rev pretty high.

 

The Tremec TKO-600 is stronger, lighter, cheaper and smoother than the Richmond 6 speed. They fit the 1st generation f-body cars pretty well too. I have one in my 67 Firebird and its one of the best changes I've made.

I see the 420 engine uses hyper pistons, I would opt for forged myself. I know hypers allow better fit and sealing than forged but they're pretty brittle compared to forged. Without the modern electronics to protect them from detonation, they can come apart pretty quickly if your carb and/or timing gets a little too aggressive. If they offer a roller cam option you may want to get it for even better power and economy.

Finally, I own 4 LS1s and like them but they have to be the most overrated engine out there today. I just don't know why anyone would ever replace a sbc with one, for crying out loud you can't get a cheaper, more easily modified engine than the sbc! Anything you want is available for them, turbo kits, blower kits, canted valve heads, EFI, aluminum heads/blocks, inexpensive forged stroker cranks, and crate engines out the wazoo. Basically, you chose wisely. Good luck.

 

I agree with sporter28, I feel that dollar to dollar you could build a better SBC and it would be a bit easier too. Don't get me wrong I love the LS1, it is an awesome motor but when you start getting into building one for power adders, they get pretty pricey. I'm sure people will argue about this with me though.

Paul

 

406

 

406 lq4 iron block with patriot performance heads and cam package. Edelbrock Ls1 carberated manifold swap.

New age power and old school carb styling.

Just my .02.

Joe