BlackendZ

Hello all, I am new to this site and to the LT1. I bought a 1995 camaro z28 automatic about a month ago. When I bought the car it ran, but it is not as strong as I think it is suppose to be. I bought a how to book and took the engine out and tore it down. I noticed it had a blown head gasket on the back corner of the #8 cylinder. The bearings in the car looked very good and the cylinders looked very good, besides the #8 which was full of gunk. This could be a major factor why it is not running properly.

I now have a bare block and a $4,000 budget. I would like to use as much stock parts as possible. I am looking to get close to 400rwhp out of the car. Can any of you help me on getting myself on the right track as far as parts and vendors.

twcblackhand6970

400rwhp is possible with ported heads and new cam and all the necessary bolt ons.

whammer33024

first off you want to start with headers and a catback, cold air intake, gears probably, depending if you're auto or manual a higher stall torque converter(those are considered bolt ons)

BlackendZ

Would I need anything else for the transmission if I installed a torque converter (Like a rebuild or cooler), and would I need a rebuild kit to install new gears.

MINION

if you are down to a bare block i recomend giving summit a call and starting w/ a master rebuild kit felpro/sealed power makes a very reaonable kit for the money about 750 if you use your own pistons

send your heads to elliot portworks and get some LE1 heads 750-900$
GM 847 cam works great w/ these heads 250$
you will need some bigger injectors 150 or so
255lph fuel pump 90$ or so
plan on a 250$ pcm4less tune
long tube headers 300-1000 depending on quality/brand
some roller rockers 145 or so
fully (runners and TB plate )ported intake 160$
58mm Throttle body

of course set money aside for unexpected costs like **** that breaks (tools and parts).

do all that and you have a good start on the things you need. and should put down 400 pretty easy.

note: if you plan on forced induction or nitrous use i highly recomend some forged pistons it could save you a costly rebuild.

BlackendZ

Can someone help on this question.

83tpi_3rd-gen(sri)

i would put a cooler on it for sure and just to be safe id do a rebuild.for your top end parts of the motor id talk to Lloyd Elliot,he does awesome work for a great price.stick with your stock intake,dont buy the edelbrock one its really not worth it.stick with a gm opti spark to save your some hassle to lol.you can make great power out of these motors and there is nothing better than beating a LS1 in your old LT1,good luck.

BlackendZ

Thanks for the info, I will look into it. Does anyone know if I need a rebuild kit to install new gears.

Gtpguy

You won't NEED a rebuild kit to install new gears. But it wouldn't hurt. If it's not making noises, or clunking and both wheels spin.....swap out the gears and call it a day.

BlackendZ

Nope no noise at all. Thanks

BlackendZ

I have a 100,000+ water pump and I have a big oil buildup on the opti and block. Would it be better to get a replacement from autozone $65 or get an electric water pump $184.

MINION

personally i think the mechanical water pump will be more reliable for everyday use but if this is just gunna be your toy to drive not so often then go w/ the electric pump. just dont forget to plug hole in the timing cover.

this is just my opinion. my understanding is that electric WP is for Race only applications.

Robwhartlt1

I am new to this site and Camaro but I have done slot and learned alot about them LOL I just put new motor in mine hope it makes about 380 at the wheels