OK, so I'm going to have to take the heads off of my LT1 to fix an exhaust leak.

When I pull the heads I don't plan on having them machined other than having the bolts removed but I hate to not upgrade while I've got the engine torn halfway down. I have a bone stock LT1 other than the CAI and exhaust. I want to add a new cam and headers while I have the engine torn down. I'll probably pick up a set of Pacesetter headers.

So...

Should I have the heads and intake port matched while they are in the machine shop? Is this something that's even needed?

What is a good cam for what I am describing? I don't want the car to lope like it's about to cut off, but I wouldn't mind it advertising a little bit. Plus emissions are not and issue.

Would I need to get new lifters, pushrods, rocker arms? I'd really like to go to roller rockers anyway.

Would I need different valve springs?

Are the rocker arm studs pressed in or are they threaded? If they are pressed in, would I need to have them retrofitted with a screw in setup?

I haven't delved into actually manipulating anything in the computer, but I do have the software and cable to program it. So even if I have to get a mail order tune or what not, I can deal with that.

Thanks

 

Valve springs and pushrods will be cam specific?..anything you do now will likely be wrong later.

Studs are screw-in on aluminum heads.

Port matching doesn't seem tone worth much but I could certainly be wrong...

The way to do the build-up is to determine a power level target, then do your research to figure the cam you need. The cam will need a specific spring and the installed height and roller rockers will determine pushrods length....

Good luck!

 

I don't plan on doing anything other than the cam and headers. So I guess the most power I can get by adding the cam and headers. I don't have a specific goal. I just want it to be still have good driving manners.

So for a stock bottom end and stock heads what would be the best course.

 

The XE503 is arguably the best cam for stock heads and drivability, but there are a few new grinds from LE and AI that are pretty potent, like the 226/234. If you want a bit more oomph that'll produce a handful (5+whp) more over the XE503.

 

you might look in to replacing the stock valves with say some from manley that are lighter and may be under cut for more flow, Gm had roller rockers, change the valve springs, say something like beehive's,, Iv'e herd it say that the new high performance valve lifters from the Cadillac can increase performance by allowing higher RPM's.
Ted