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

what should i get

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Old Feb 4, 2010 | 10:47 PM
  #1  
Drew24's Avatar
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what should i get

Ok so my car has 107k on it and I have about 1200 that I want to spend on the motor but idk what to get should I just save and get an ls1 or should I do cam and heads what do you guys think
Old Feb 4, 2010 | 10:57 PM
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definetley try to do the cam and heads, an ls1 swap will cost you way more then 1200
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 02:58 AM
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A good heads/cam package will cost you a hell of a lot more than $1200. You could do a cam swap, but that's about it.
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 05:27 AM
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Have a built transmission or clutch? Might want to look into those before you go modding up the motor.

What do you want from the car? Drag/daily driver/etc?

Sad thing is no one ever used to post "save for an LS1". Everyone want's the easy way out

-Dustin-
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 08:28 AM
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I would do a cam. What kind of shape is the shortblock in?
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 09:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Bersaglieri
Have a built transmission or clutch? Might want to look into those before you go modding up the motor.

What do you want from the car? Drag/daily driver/etc?


-Dustin-
Good point. I think we need a detailed mod list and a longer term goal list before we get too far into answering.

That said I might look at rockers, springs and tune at this stage. Look at good rockers, guideplates and studs that you can keep as you later upgrade further but probably go cheap like LT4 springs because you will want new matching ones for a later cam.
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 11:41 AM
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Would it be a better bet in just buying new interior or just to save up for a new motor. The motor thats in it was beat on the guy i bought it from was running 150 shot and i got it when it was at 84k no problems but idk if it would hold up with cam and heads what do you guys think. I just want good performance but not over the top that might blow the motor
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Drew24
Would it be a better bet in just buying new interior or just to save up for a new motor. The motor thats in it was beat on the guy i bought it from was running 150 shot and i got it when it was at 84k no problems but idk if it would hold up with cam and heads what do you guys think. I just want good performance but not over the top that might blow the motor
Uh, we can't answer the interior/motor question for you. If it were up to me, I'd spend the money on a nice love seat for my living room.

Just because nitrous has been run through it doesn't necessarily mean it's on it's way out. If you have good oil pressure and good compression in the cylinders, I wouldn't hesitate to dig into the valvetrain.

Right now you simply don't have enough funds to do a heads/cam package. Cam yes. What are your goals for the car? Answer Dustin's post and we can go from there.
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 12:33 PM
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Oh im sorry yeah i want it to be able to be a daily driver. I was thinking about the cc503 cam do you think that would be to big for a dd and also im doing my opti so i might as well do it then. My other question would be you have to take the intake manifold off right and change the springs and rockers
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Drew24
Oh im sorry yeah i want it to be able to be a daily driver. I was thinking about the cc503 cam do you think that would be to big for a dd and also im doing my opti so i might as well do it then. My other question would be you have to take the intake manifold off right and change the springs and rockers
Lots of guys DD the 503. It's a well known proven grind. You don't HAVE to buy new rockers, but IMO, it's a waste not to upgrade to a full 1.6 roller. Valve springs will need to be replaced as well. You will also need a PCM tune for it to run at it's full potential.

Honestly, it sounds like you aren't too sure about what you're getting yourself into. The fuel rails, intake ducting, intake manifold, water pump, optispark, crank hub and puller, timing cover, timing chain and sprockets, AIR pump, and a host of other things need to be removed for a cam swap. I suggest you read, re-read and re-re-read the following 2 links inside and out.

http://shbox.com/ci/cam_removal.html
http://shbox.com/ci/cam_install.html
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 01:10 PM
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Ok got it i have done all of that stuff on previous cars just have never changed a cam. Should i just buy the cam package that comes with the roller rockers and springs or should i get bhive springs with the cam. or do a lt 4 hot cam
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 03:50 PM
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get a custom grind from LE/AI, you should get very good results.

Dont get a hotcam, lots of better grinds out there.
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 06:17 PM
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How much it be for a good set of heads and a good cam that sounds really good with the best performance and still be a dd. Cause if i just have to save some more i will but just want to know like the price range for the cam and heads
Old Feb 5, 2010 | 09:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Drew24
How much it be for a good set of heads and a good cam that sounds really good with the best performance and still be a dd. Cause if i just have to save some more i will but just want to know like the price range for the cam and heads
Ported stock castings can run you anywhere from $1300 to $2000, but you get what you pay for. Add on the cost of the subsequently necessary modifications and you'll end up around $1800 to $2500, possibly more.
Old Feb 6, 2010 | 08:02 PM
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LE1 is pretty good...I'd try that if I had 1200.00 bucks




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