ok here is the deal, i am probably going to spend too much money then i should on my car but oh well :P

i just ordered my stero, driving lights...

i am looking at ordering the following;

1.6 roller rockers
cai (trying to find one used)
eibach springs
leather seats from leatherseats.com
3.73 gears

my questions are:

1) I did some searching and I found out the new comp 1.6 rr's are bad, apparently they break alot.
. what is a good brand to use if the newer comp springs are bad.
. if i get 1.6:1 rr do i need valve springs?
. will the 1.6:! rr affect my smog emissions

2) what do options do i have for gears assuming i keep the factory rear axel. i will not be taking this to the strip or launching, ever.

3) do i need new struts or shocks with lowering springs ie. eibach spring kit

 

1. GMPP 1.6s are good. The Proforms are 170$ and come in SA and NSA. You should change valve springs. The LT4 valve springs work well. 35$ a set. They will affect your emissions but not enough to make a big difference.

2. You have the same gear options you would with most other vehicles. 3.73 seems to be the way to go.

3. Dont need them but I recommend them.

 

Are these your first mods?

If so I would HIGHLY suggest modding your car in a different order.

A car is basically an air pump, the more air in and out, the more power it makes. Start off with a CAI (any brand will do) and a Catback exhaust system (check out ls1sounds.com for some good sound clips). I'd personally recommend Magnaflow exhaust. These two mods will get you an honest 10-12 rwhp. Then get some headers. You'll gain about 10 rwhp from shorties, up to 20 rwhp with long tubes (and a tune).

From there look into your gears (3.73s are great gears, you could even step up to 4.10s). If you have an auto I would recommend a 3000 rpm aftermarket stall torque converter. This will get you off the line alot quicker, especially when combined with those gears. Then look into some good drag radials. At this point you have enough mods to run mid 12s.

The eibach kit is a great kit, and you won't need aftermarket shocks/struts with it, however I'd highly recommend them if you want to see the true potential of your car's handling.

After you've done all that, then consider opening the motor and doing those rocker arms. At this time you should be considering a cam swap anyway if you want more power.

 

Thanks, two questions:
what is SA and NSA and is this a good deal (if so i will pick them up now)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LT1-V...spagenameZWDVW

 

Self Aligning have tab's to keep the rocker on the pushrod. where as NSA don't.. and require guide plate's.. I have used the Comp Pro Mag's for year's w/ out any issue's.. I would look there rather than the "cheap way" out... They're avail in both sa and nsa..

 

I might get flamed for saying this but I'll do it anyway!

I've found on the dyno that rockers usually don't pick the car up much in a application like yours. This also goes along at the track. They offer a gain, but usually not worth the HP/$ ratio like headers or a good catback. Also I'd rather install a set of headers than installing new valve springs + rockers anyday. Tuning is also benificial in a stock car.. not only for flat out WOT performance but part throttle feel. There are a few guys offering tuning now adays.

 

I'll agree w/ that statement..

 

I appreciate all the comments. i do not plan on being stock for long. just figuring out what i need.

i do plan on headers and full cat back but been trying to find someone in town capable of installing.

this is not my final solution just a few things

 

You are in town....you can do it...

Believe me, ask the right questions, read up on all the install how-to's you can find on the net, buy a Chilton or a Hanes Manual for you car, and then get after it. With basic hand tools, you could knock out putting headers on your car in a weekend. It isn't as hard as everyone makes it out to be. Tricky since you got to take out a bunch of stuff to put the headers in, but nothing too complicated. Plus, by the time you are done, you know how to change your starter, take off your exhaust, etc.

The other thing is that you will have a hard time finding an exhaust shop to remove your catalytic converter since most states have hefty fines for mechanics doing this. I am sure an extra $50 would do it. You do know most shops will charge anywhere from $300-800 for the install. Your weekend isn't worth that much I am afraid.

 

i'd get headers before i got rockers and springs. Rockers and springs are a pain in the ***.

 

I appreciate all the replies!
Ill research this and get back to you guys