Looking for some ideas on a reliable setup I am trying to put together. Some background, I bought a basket case 96 Z28 that the previous owner built a 383 for only to never get running right and have the PCM tuned. He had installed the oil rings upside down and was running around with the James bond smoke screen going on. And he was also chasing some upper drive train problems. I immediately after purchase ripped the motor out and sent it to the machinist to be made right. I am dropping the compression down from 11:1 to 10:6 ish area. I am looking for reliabilty and longivity. I live in a emmision test free state and was wondering if I should have the air pump tuned out of the PCM when I send it in for the stroker tune. Or should I leave it in? I have all the working parts and plan on reinstalling them when I put the motor back in. I just dont want to chase the "check engine lights" Unless it is entirely nessecary for a smooth operating system.

 

If you don't have cats, there is no purpose for having an AIR pump. Its even questionable whether you need it if you do have cats. Just helps them heat up faster.

Why do you feel 11.1:1 static compression ratio is unreliable?

 

Engine builder is a well known circle track motor builder and a childhood friend of mine. He wants to lower the compression. I will admit I dont think he knows LT1's very well but he does know Carb chevy small blocks. He wants me to be able to run what I find at the pump. I think he saw my pistons and wanted them for a different project and just thought he would buy another set for my motor. the problem is that he cant find pistons now. I dont know if the cat has been ragged out, but there is a O2 sensor on each header and One further down the pipe after what appears to be a cat. I will just probably run the pump and plumbing and see what happens.