I'm looking for daily driver w/ about 360+ rwhp & flat torque curve, and have seen some dyno curves for the LT4 conversion that seem to "feel right" on paper. And, the kit seems pretty reasonable at just over $2k for cam/intake/heads (LT headers/free flowing cats a given). This car will not see much racing; primarily a w/e cruiser/toy.

I went to the Blowerworks site and got the brochure and I am intrigued. However, that route is in the area of $6-8k, and w/ the stock LT1, even at 10 psi I'd be looking at 450 fwhp which I could probably get going NA, no?

But, here are the questions I could use some help on:

1) Would I be better off (perfromance and price wise) having the stock LT1 intake and heads ported/polished and just go w/ the Hot Cam kit, and, if so, what flow rate should be specified?
2) Or, would it be better to go w/ the LT4 stuff as a basis for future mods that might include porting the LT4 heads?
3) At some point, I may be living at 8500' amsl, so should I maybe wait on the NA mods until I can afford to FI (Blowerworks) the stock LT1?

I realize there are many roads to Rome, but that is the problem, and I'm trying to get my arms around what mods would be give me the best in terms of desired performance and daily driver type reliability w/o gold plating anything.

Thanks in advance!


Paul.

 

1. Price wise and performance wise you'd be better off going with a package from Lloyd Elloit or Advanced Induction

2. There is more performance potential in the LT4 stuff, but that's not to say you won't get good results from your LT1 heads. Since you have the LT1, I say maximize the parts you alreadys have.

3. Forced Induction requires alot more maintenance than NA, and there is much greater potential for breakage from Forced induction. For a daily driver, stick to N/A.

Just one man's opinion.

 

I agree with the above...LT-4 heads are good, but ported or after-market are better, and cheaper. If you're goin' forced induction, you will need low-compression,forged pistons.

 

Well, at this point I would ditch the supercharger idea...those builds can get out of control VERY quickly when it comes to cash and you're adding a lot of complexity which can cause issues down the road. Personally I like supercharged cars, but they can be a constant nightmare!

You have to ask yourself if you'll be happy once you are at your 360 RWHP mark. If so then I would suggest that you post your LT1 heads, get a decent cam, exhaust and go from there. If you think you'll want more than that down the road then you may want to consider going with the LT4 top end because there is a lot more potential in the LT4 heads then the LT1 heads. It all comes back to what you're going after...

 

Port the LT1 heads and get a cam to match or go with AFR 195's, I recomend the former. The LT4 package is way to much $$$ for what you get. THe AFR's are under $1800 and then add a LT4 intake and cam for the same price as the Lt4 package or go to AI and get a head cam package that will out flow the LT4's and produce much better power. lloyed elliot is also a consideration if you are on any type of budget, $1650 for porting your heads and a nice cam that will make more HP then what you are looking for.

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...=Lloyed+elliot

I think these dyno numbers are inflated but just some food for thought
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=411321

 

After reading for a couple years, and a practical idea of how the car is to be driven, here is what (with the help of Lloyd Elliott) I think I'll do-

The car: '95 Vette, LT1/M6/3.54s. The goal is a daily driver, smog legal, getting 360 rwph+, with the possibility of future 383 conversion in the future, and possible move to Colorado at 8500 foot level.

As much as I like FIs, this is to be a dependable cruiser w/ good manners and flat torque curve. So:

Phase 1: LE2 heads package w/ LE1 cam, LT headers, high flow cats, Pro Mag 1.6 ratio (NSA) RRs,Mr Gasket (thin = compression lift), GM guide plates, hardened push rods, 30# FMS "red-top" injectors, GM LT4 heavy duty timing chain/sprocket set, good tune. RWPH should snuggle w/ 390-400+ at around 6200

Phase 2: forged steel 383 conversion, forged pistons, forged rods, bearings, hp bolts etc., 52mm TB, good tune. This should get the torque up there w/ some extra ponies, enough to offset (somewhat) the altitude change, if necessary.

The wealth of knowledge on this board is just incredible!!! I thought I knew something about hotrodding, but now I know I don't know much at all , except where I might go to find out! Thank you all again.

If anyone has some dyno graphs to share that has a similar LE package/setup, I'd be

P.

 

The only thing I know for sure is that to go fast it takes $$$$$$$$
Sounds like you have a good plan the only thing I might add to the list is to get Lloyd to port the intake at the same time

 

And let me also add - whatever your budget is I suggest you double it. You might also want to get ready for a lot of disappointment, frustration and second-guessing yourself.

Good luck to you... you are going to need it.

Mike

 

 

And let me also add - whatever your budget is I suggest you double it. You might also want to get ready for a lot of disappointment, frustration and second-guessing yourself.
Good luck to you... you are going to need it.

FWIW: I have a similar target as yours and am looking at about $12,000 to $14,000 after all the dust settles (Long block, induction, converter, transmission, rear end/gears, exhaust, chip, installation). I considered a blower too, but decided against it due to maintenance (I worried about dependability when I am out of town) and cost, plus NA would get me where I wanted to be. I would have had to add about $6,000 to the above cost for a blower. Cha-ching reared its cavernous jaws.

I don't mean to be pickey, but it helped me to think in terms of drag strip performance and daily driver dependability rather than rear wheel torque and HP. Maybe a fine distinction, but the latter are just numbers to me. I needed to convert that to what I wanted that power to do. I don't like to have to do things twice and I've done it enough. Now I am a big believer in Quarter Junior T&T's before laying out the long greens

 

I have 7k in my set up and that is a lot less then what you are looking at I would think if you have talked to Lloyed you have a good understanding of what it will cost. BTW I hit my goals with in $200 of what I set out for.