LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Sea Foam, use it or not

Old Oct 2, 2003 | 12:35 PM
  #1  
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Sea Foam, use it or not

Sea Foam, should I use it or not?
Since I just got the car, I don't know if it has been cleaned recently. I have heard that Sea Foam was the way to go but I have never used it. Is it in fact the way to go? if so, what are the best ways to administer it.




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Green 96' z28, M6, BBK TB, GMS MAF, K&N CAI, Flowmaster cat-back, 1LE Elbow, B&M ripper, Accel 9000's, NGK TR55's, MSD A6, Accel super coil.
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 12:50 PM
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Yes , you wont be dissapointed. Also remove the TB and clean it good (the back blades will be dirty) also remove the IAC and clean it also and your idle will and throttle response will improve greatly.
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 12:52 PM
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Re: Sea Foam, use it or not

Originally posted by John Gloyd
Sea Foam, should I use it or not?
Since I just got the car, I don't know if it has been cleaned recently. I have heard that Sea Foam was the way to go but I have never used it. Is it in fact the way to go? if so, what are the best ways to administer it.
Yes, do it! It's great! Let the engine idle and warm up, disconnect your MAF, pull the brake booster line, *slowly* let it suck in 3/4 of the bottle, and then flood it with the other 1/4. Have someone sitting in the seat ready to shut the engine off in case it doesn't flood out and die. Let sit for approx. 20 minutes, and then take her on a "spirited run" until all the white smoke stops coming out of your exhaust.

If this is your first seafoam, I recommend you consider a way to save your O2 sensors. A car that has not been seafoamed will most likely ruin your O2's when you finally do. I'd suggest either buying a pair of new O2's and swapping them out after you've finished, because you'll probably be wanting new O2's soon anyway. Alternatively, you could yank your O2's and plug them with something temporarily until the seafoam's done, and then put them back in...

Seafoam brought my engine (1994 w/ 92k miles at time of purchase) to life. It idled better, responded better, and had a noticable increase in power. I'd also recommend getting some Seafoam Deep Creep Throttle Body cleaner and a wire toothbrush and cleaning out your TB. Prop the linkage open, spray liberally, scrub, wipe, and repeat. You'll love what seafoam does for your LT1.
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 12:52 PM
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I used it and my mileage has gone to crap... I was getting 280 per tank, used it now I am lucky to get 220...
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 12:52 PM
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well, there's two sides to seafoam. Yes it does work and it does a good job BUT if your car has high miles and hasn't been cleaned recently you run a chance of crapping out the o2 sensors. I did it to my car with no problems, but others on here haven't been so lucky. Former86 is probably one of those people.
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 01:57 PM
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Did it at 76K and my mileage went south... I tried to do it again and no improvement. Think my o2 are shot and my cats are shot cause of it at 83K... 60 miles per tank is a lot to loose... Take those o2's out...
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 02:09 PM
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In an effort not to damage your O2s, or you cats, how about disconnecting the exhaust at the manifold/header flanges? That should be OK just for the temp spirited driving, correct?
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 02:37 PM
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I would be willing to bet youy guys who are losing mileage crapped on your 02s. Just take them out. You can drive around without them in. Just remember to put them back in after you seafoam and drive around for a bit

EDIT: You stock manifold guys may want to place a plug in the 02 hole so you dont burn some stuff inside the engine iwth exhuast gas
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 02:44 PM
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I was planning on replacing the o2's anyway so I'll do the sea foam then put in the new ones after.




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Green 96' z28, M6, BBK TB, GMS MAF, K&N CAI, Flowmaster cat-back, 1LE Elbow, B&M ripper, Accel 9000's, NGK TR55's, MSD A6, Accel super coil.
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 02:55 PM
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why not just replace the o2s with some o2 sims while at it? :P

how much are o2s anyways?
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 05:52 PM
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Originally posted by Seal
why not just replace the o2s with some o2 sims while at it? :P

how much are o2s anyways?
I didn't think you could put O2 simms in your front O2's, can you? Take all of your o2's out and just run the engine in open loop, it's fine, just do what me and another guy suggested and plug the holes so you don't burn stuff around there up. I'm not sure how large of a risk you run clogging your cats though, John.
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 06:07 PM
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When I priced the O2's here at autozone last week, they were $58.












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Green 96' z28, M6, BBK TB, GMS MAF, K&N CAI, Flowmaster cat-back, 1LE Elbow, B&M ripper, Accel 9000's, NGK TR55's, MSD A6, Accel super coil.
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 06:16 PM
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Let me do the biggest favor for you anyone has done yet.

First off, Auto Zone carries Bosch O2's which SUCK. Buy AC Delco O2's.

Second, Jason Cromer is the cheapest GM parts dealer I can find, and he has great shipping rates to boot. Give this man a call:

Dial 1-877-726-8295, ask for the parts department.
When you get the parts department, ask for Jason Cromer.

AC Delco O2's are part number 25312184, which Jason Cromer lets go for about $38.00 each. So you save $20, AND you get AC Delco O2 sensors. I think all 4 of your O2's are the same part number, too, if I'm not mistaken. But, you'd probably be better off buying 2 front O2's, and then buying O2 simms for the rear from thunder racing. (www.thunderracing.com) for $48 each. You'll be happier later down the road for it.
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 09:26 PM
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i lost a little over 80miles per tank after the sea foam. I replaced the o2's, fuel filter, had the injectors cleaned, plugs,wires. i used to get about 19mpg, now i get around 15.
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 09:57 PM
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why get the o2 sims for the rear?

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