Hopefully before Christmas I will be able to at least order some goodies for my LT1. I have a few questions before hand though.

1. Im considering the Borla Cat-Back system, from what I have heard and read about it, it seems to be a good setup. However, im not sure on the stock LT1 exhaust piping size, the Borla is 3" piping, will I be able to use all the factory piping before the cat or no? Also, at the moment I don't have access to a welder, so I wont be able to weld my cat-back on, how well do the supplied clamps hold. I was thinking about installing it with the clamps until I could get it to someone who can weld it for me.

2. Is the 1LE Elbow a good investment? Is there any real power gain from this mod or does it vary, sorta like the MAF descreening?

3. Im also converting to NGK TR5 plugs, which would be better .035 or .050 gap? Engine will be stock from the intake down.

4. I will also be getting the meizer elec. water pump, what all will I need for this wiring wise? I was told to use a relay, but not sure exactly on everything I need.

5. Almost forgot, when this happens I will also be doing a tune up to see if I can get rid of my missing problem. I dont think its the opti so Im hoping when I change my plugs, wires, coil it will go away. What else in the ignition should I replace that might help, other than a new opti. Im pushing my budget as is.

 

1. the borla will work with the stock cat, but if i were you, id get a ORP made up for it.

2. 1le is mostly for looks minimum perfmance gains

3. .055

4. block off for timing cover, wires, relay and a diagram.

5. its your opti, change it now that the water pump is off

 

ORP?

My cat. has about a 4" gash in it, I am thinking of just replacing it with pipe, no emissions here.

As far as the opti goes, I would like to replace it, but I can't afford to right now, unless I can get one for less than $250

 

the opti can be had for less then 250 from jason cromer or dal. yeah ditch the cat, worse comes to worse get the opti over the borla.

 

ORP=off road pipe. Dont get a 1LE elbow unless your current one is all torn up. Use the money towards something else

 

Aight, well I have 2 things on my list I could take off to get the Opti, the 1LE elbow, and the transgo shift kit. I would like to keep the shift kit, but with the mods Im planning I wont really need it just yet.

Now as far as the opti goes, I would like to convert to the 95+ opti that vented, but I've read that you have to also change the timing set/cover and a few other things also. With my limited funds I think I will stick with the pre-95 opti, unless the conversion to the vented isn't too difficult and too pricey compared to the unvented. Another reason being as I don't really have any one close by thats knowledgable on 4th Gens, so most of the work will be done by myself and I dont want to get over my head if I can help it.

 

to do the swap youd need a 95+ timign cover, a lt4 HD timing chain, i suppose you could reuse the stock one if your cheaping out, vacuum hoses, new opti harness, vented opti, but most importantly, the 95+dowl pin. dont know if you can do this with the cam in the block or not. but your better off waiting for a cam swap to do the 95 vented opti upgrade.

 

aight, I emailed Jason about the cost of the 94 opti. Probably do like whats suggested and wait for a better opti when I get to do a cam swap.