1995 Z convertible ... tranny is shot, so will get a performance
built unit from PerformaBuilt, FLT, etc.

Next agenda: Engine, 160k miles - since I'm yanking the tranny,
I might as well do the engine. So here's my thoughts, but I know
your feedback will likely sway me. Here's the options:

1) GM crate engine: maybe the GM 405 hp LS6 or 350 HP LS1.

2) Rebuild the LT1. I have NO problem with forking out for
a crank, rods, pistons, cam, valves, etc.

I know this is a tall order, but I know the experts out here will
have some great suggestions - if I want to crank out up to
400HP, what would be some recommendations for the various
engine components I'll need to look for? I want this to be a
street-able (daily?) machine.

 

Vastly different price range you are talking about here.

It depends how much work you can do yourself, how fast you want to go, and most importantly how much you want to spend.

Do you mean flywheel? Those are what the crate engines are rated at of course, and 400 flywheel is easily accomplished in a totally streetable H/C LT1 rebuild. Would not make sense to pay so much more for an LSX crate engine and converting for such a simple goal.

 

Thanks Puck for the quick reply and the crate engine HP education.

OK, I have no problem doing the rebuild myself. Even though I've
done a number of rebuilds, it's been over 15 years since the last,
so I'd like to move forward in terms of rebuilding versus a crate.
Any suggestions for what to look to for component parts? You
mention "how fast" and "how much to spend".

At this point, it's difficult to to say, "how fast". As far as parts
go, my budget would be in the area of $2500 (for engine).

 

Go with an LSx without a doubt.

 

it doesnt make sense to go LSX becaus eyou have to spend more over your budget just for the motor, then on TOP of that your tranny wont fit, and on TOP of that nothing else will fit either, you have to swap almost everything...at that rate you might as well sell your lt1 powered vehicle and get a ls1 car to begin with...

just my opinion

its easier to rebuild your lt1 and have fun with it, then again you havent stated what your goals are, just that you have $2500 to spend, which isnt a whole lot considering the trany is probably going t orun you at least $1200 BEFORE shipping and such

 

Paul ... you make a great point.

The tranny cost is outside the cost of the engine. I know I'll be spending around $2k for the tranny and T/C. So, that *still* leaves me with a budget of $2500 for the engine.

I understand that I really should have a goal for the engine. So, let's forget the LSx crate engine and say I'll go the LT1 rebuilt route. I've got a budget of $2k for the tranny and $2.5k for the engine for the rebuild. Let's say my "goal" is 400 HP - is that a reasonable goal? Or do I need to think in terms of 1/4 mile times? I would only do "Friday night fun runs" at the track maybe once a month.

 

no that makes perfect sense for the car, you want a friday night cruiser, and a saturday night bruiser...400hp I beleive is MORE than obtainable for that amount, im almost sure of it...Heads and cam, intake, the block work I think if you shop around and do it yourself you can def get that amount AT LEAST