I just bought a 1995 Formula, coming from a 1999 Z28, which was totaled by a cell-phone weilding soccer mom in a Yukon in my school parking lot. I decided to go with a LT1 because it was cheaper to mod, and I got a decent deal, since the car only has 47k miles on it. I have a Hooker catback on order, as well as a K&N FIPK and Trans-Go Shift Kit. Now the questions:

I am very paranoid about transmissions for some reason. I got a shift kit, waiting to be installed at Speed Inc. I heard that a transmission cooler will increase the longevity of the transmission. Are there any negative effects for it? How hard would a B&M cooler be to install? Also, if the cooler fails, will my transmission be ruined?

After looking into s/c 355, N/A 383 setups, I have decided that I don't wantr that much power. I want to have at least 380 RWHP, so I decided on bolt-ons, CC306 cam (with supporting accessories) and ported LT1 heads. How much can I expect to pay for a good port job. Also, how much will a CC306 install cost me?I am located near Chicago.

My next mod will probably be a 160 degree thermostat. Do I need a Hypertech Power Programmer to make use of it? Other than running cool, are there any negative effects for the t-stat?

For graduation I am asking for LT headers. ASM are out of the question, so I'm going with either SLP's or Hooker. How much (ballpark) will installation cost? Thanks for any input.

 

This is a pet peeve of mine. Not only are these vehicles too damn big for your average white-collar mom, but to be juggling a cell phone and making a grocery list while they drive?! There should be a law.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by LT1Noob I decided to go with a LT1 because it was cheaper to mod, and I got a decent deal, since the car only has 47k miles on it. [\QUOTE]
GOOD FIND!!

In reference to the tranny questions, the cooler isn't hard to install and is a VERY common mod on most guys with A4s...especially the less than desirable 4L60E (IMO). I don't forsee failure in the cooler ruining your tranny...but I could be wrong...I've never owned an Auto car in my life. I live by the shift.

I think you'd enjoy that CC306 on some good heads. Heads will run anywhere from $500-$2000+ Can't help you with cam install prices; I do stuff myself and with friends. One guy on here had never installed a cam before and he and his buddies (never done work like that either) did the CC306 over one weekend!! May want to check into that.

I think to really get the effect from a 160* stat, you'll need some programming. I wouldn't suggest Hypertech...I HATE IT. Go with some custom tune from PCMforless, or get yourself LT1_edit or TunerCAT and do it yourself. You'll have to have that CC306 tuned as well...so may as well knock all that out at once.

And, for headers (LTs) install them yourself. It's just a matter of taking stuff off and putting it back; it REALLY is not hard at all. Just times time and some busted knuckles...and, it feels good to have done it yourself when you're finished.

Just my .02

 

cc306 is a bit peakier than some other cams.

Some people went from the cc306 to the XE 230/236 cam and liked it better performance wise and drivability wise. It has more midrange.

I have the XE 230/236 in my 383 and its awesome!

I haven't heard of anyone seeing anything negative happen to their motor from adding a tranny cooler.

Its a worthwhile mod especially if you do a high stall converter later.

I mounted a pusher fan on my tranny cooler with my TCS 3200 stall converter.

The Tranny cooler is pretty easy to install.

You just cut the line going to the rad and connect the tranny cooler inline to it with the provided rubber hoses and mount the cooler 1-2" away from your rad in the front of it.

 

trannies HATE heat. heat kills them. Look in any big work truck. you will see a tranny cooler big enough to be your radiator.

cooler fluid is optimal

somwhere i raead that 10 or 20* cooler = 2x life left on transmission. Yes, i just went out and bought a big transmission cooler for my new truck.