I have 130k on my car, about 40k since I popped in an LT4 Hotcam, 1.6 rockers, tune, etc. It's been sitting for most of the last 3 years but I'm starting to get the bug to drive it again. I'm thinking about a "budget refresh" of the following.

Order a set of LE2 heads and put my existing 1.6 rockers on it. Finally installing the Hooker LTs and Mufflex y-pipe (that I bought 6 years ago). I'll then take it over to Denny at Mufflex for some "bullet catalytic converters" that he told me about years ago. I'll send my PCM out (sure wish I could remember who tuned it initially) for the !AIR and !EGR that'll come witht he LT install. I'm hoping to see 50-60 hp over the current setup (stock heads, manifold and y-pipe), does that sound reasonable?

Am I crazy for thinking of putting any kind of work into a 130k mile motor? I just don't want to, nor do I have the budget for a full rebuild, but wouldn't mind sinking 2k into this for another half second off my 1/4 mile time.

Thoughts and/or opinions?
Chris

 

Do you have dyno results with your current set up? It would be intersting to
see before and after results.

 

I do, as it sits the car made 307 rwhp and 306 rwtq. Keep in mind, that was September of 2000 though.

 

I wouldn't see any reason not to do what you are describing unless the engine has other underlying issues such as lack of oil changes/ sludgy etc. If all else is good likely it will p/u 50 hp.

 

Any update on this refresh?

-Dustin-

 

Timely post!!

I'm ended up starting a big home improvement project last winter and finished that mid-summer.

I got the car on the road again for a few miles this year before the water pump gave up... so it went back into the garage and has been there under a cover for the last 6 months.

I've just recieved the final tools (fuel line disconnect set, claw puller, etc.) I need to start the project. I'll get started in the next few weeks and hopefully have it on the road for spring. I have all of the hard parts, gaskets, and tools for the following:

1. Swap stock heads for LE2s w/Bullet springs and my old crane 1.6 RR
2. Port TB opening on stock intake to 58mm
3. Replace stock motor mounts with poly mounts
4. Replace opti with OEM replacement
5. Install EWP
6. Install Hooker LT Headers and Mufflex y-pipe
7. Swap in PCMForLess ECM

I'm also going to give the engine bay a "clean up" as it's quite nasty to look at/work in. I'm getting some Composite LT4 valve covers delivered today, will polish up clamps etc, just in general clean things up.

I have an SS spoiler form an '02 Z28 SS being sprayed (Mystic Teal Metallic) this week, and have decided to order a VFN "Sunoco Sytle" hood later this year. I'll post pics as I get things moving along, but don't expect quick progress! Once it's back on the road I'll go make a few pulls on the dyno to see exactly what kind of improvement I get.

Chris