Due to mileage, I want to avoid doing a cam, but want a little more power out of my LT1. I have Hooker LT's, CAI, madz28 tune and catback right now. I plan on doing 1.7 RR, maybe pulley (if worth it), 4.10's as well. I would like to hit around 340 at the wheels if possible, i was at 281 before the headers. Do you think this is achievable, and if so which heads would be better for it?

 

Do not bother with heads unless you do the cam as well. The stock cam is far more a hinderance than the heads are.

 

What is it lately w/ people asking about heads w/ a stock cam.. for god's sake stop it.

 

Agreed.

 

I know the stock cam is not that great at all, but I just want a little boost in hp until I can afford a rebuild or stroker short block. With 1.7 RR the stock cam would be .506/.520 205/207, and the stock 98-00 LS1 cam is .496/.496 201/210, so it would make it slightly larger than an LS1 cam. I have seen where LS1's have done just heads and gained some power, so I figured I would get similar results with my LT1 with maybe LE1 or 2 heads for now until I can afford a good LE2 or aftermarket headed rebuild or stroker.

Just want some opinions as to which would be better, LE1 or LE2, not comments on how people are tired of hearing about upgrading heads on stock cam motor. Trust me, I would much rather do cam, but the mileage and daily driver make it too risky. I really want heads AND cam, but that's not an option at this time. Sorry this post isn't what you guys are wanting to hear about, if you don't want to help with facts or constructive criticism, then don't post.

 

I would imagine the LE1 would suit ya best...Really,my advice is just do the 1.7:1 rockers..they would give you a decent gain.And keep saving for what you really want...Also,you should give Lloyd a call.I hear hes a great guy to deal with.He could steer ya right.Good luck.

 

Ported LE1s and 1.7s for a perfect sleeper that sounds stock. I'm doing the same thing.

 

There is a pretty noticable price difference between the LE1 and LE2 heads. Do you ever plan on adding a cam one day or do you just plan on sticking with higher ratio rocker arms? I would just go with the LE1 heads considering the gains between the two won't be huge without a cam.

 

I would do the le2's, then you will have to do the heads once. It will allow for more money elsewhere when you do the rebuild. They wont make much more power than the le1's because of the stock cam. But you will have your heads for the rebuild, which is what the rest of the motor will be based on. (cam,shortblock,etc.)

 

I think you are letting milage scare you too much, if the engine is worn enough to be of genuine concern with the cam swap then swapping the heads would be just as much risk.

IMO those who complain about the LT1 spinning bearing after cam swaps either damage a bearing or get dirt in the engine, that is an error not a design flaw in the engine as they would have you believe.

 

That's part of the reason that I wanted to go with the LE2's, was so that I would already have a set of heads when I do a rebuild, but I think I may be leaning towards just building it up with LE ported TrickFlows when rebuild time gets here for a little more power. I just didnt know if the power difference would be worth going ahead and getting the LE2 now, or just go with some LE1's, then get the better top end later, especially since LE2's are about twice the cost of LE1's.

Do you think about 340 rwhp is attainable with LE1, 1.7RR, etc?

 

If anything do a SMALL CAM, the is a very small LE cam that is smaller than the LE1 for this, or something along the lines of a HotCam.

Seriously you should talk to Lloyd, or me even about this to figure out what you want to do and how. Just taking ported heads with 1.7 rockers isin't going to be worth much for you, a cam only car could beat that and still have good driveability and mileage.

IF I was worried about mileage I wouldn't run 4.10's.

Bret

 

I have a book on small block chevys at home where they put a set of ported heads on a stock bottom end motor, including cam, and picked up quite a bit of horsepower. When I get home tuesday night I'll find it and post up the results.

 

340rwhp is achievable with 1.7s and the supporting mods. Ported LE1s will get you out cheaper too.

 

With a LT4 by just doing long tube headers, a very good dual 3" exhaust and a set of GTP LT4 heads along with a bunch of little tweaks n tuning I was able to make 360 rwhp with the stock LT4 cam.

Frankly if your going to do the heads, I throw in a decent smaller cam and forget about doing 1.7 rockers and also forget about adding the pullies.

Always get the best heads that fit your budget. Period!!