What can I do that is safe and won't mess up flow and mixture to Iron LT1 heads. I've been reading and it's sad but the general concensus is "LET A PROFESSIONAL DO IT" type attitude to self porting & polishing.

Here's my goal with these heads. I just want as close to 400rwhp as possible with these heads. The motor will have a madz28 tune, 1.7rr, EWP, GM847, Vig3k lockup stall, LTs. Bottom end will be left stock.

Can a mild self port acheive these numbers? The iron heads flow 9% better than the aluminum as I've read so that will give me a slight advantage already.

 

I think gains are possible with self porting irons, I eventually plan to do a set for my wagon actually.

That said people are getting way too casual about wanting 400rwhp especially through an automatic. It is definetely possible but it is NOT just throw some parts together and it magically happens. The parts have to be well choosen and put together right.

I think your proposed combination of 1.7s, and 847 and a stock shortblock are all in conflict with eachother. The 1.7s will be hell on geometry and push the lift needlessly high and the 847 will want to rev higher than is prudent on a stock shortblock.

Probably a bit low on the stall too.

The iron heads will nedd some pretty serious amount of work to accept that much camm too, spring pockets opened up guides taken down and likely longer valves.

I suggest you scale back your goal and scale well back on the cam and consider 1.6 rockers.

 

i also hate the idea of paying sombody to work on my car.this is a hobby,and i have had great success porting my own heads.it isnt rocket science and porting isnt above anyone.And, the same thing goes for tuning! too bad you cant use tunnercats on your 96.the trial version is free and if you search hard enough you can find all the info you need.
now to answer your question, i dont think a mild port job would make your goal of 400 rwhp.The heads will have to be opened up quite a bit,especialy under the vale in the pocket area.youll need plenty of lift and duration, the gm 847 cam w/ 1.6 r.r. would be my choice.good 1 5/8 full length headers will be a must i dont think the pacesetters will cut it.30-34 lb injectors and i think the stock throttle body and mas air flow meter will be ok. anyone else have any thoughts on this?

 

Well, the stall can always be restalled. That's not an issue. And I know the Gm847 is a monster but there are people running 1.7rr with them with stock heads, or so I've read. I could be wrong on that though.

 

The iron heads have a big and tall guide, going to have to wack it to make room for that kind of lift. Stock most guys try and keep them below .540 lift because that comes very close to the seals.

The pressed studs are not going to stay put under this abuse either.
The irons can be fun to play with for mild work but for an aggressive setup like you are talking require a lot of extra work and cost meaning in the end you could have just bought aluminum cores.