how do I get better torque from lt1 intake conversion?
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Toms River NJ
how do I get better torque from lt1 intake conversion?
I have been brainstorming the idea of doing an lt1 intake swap and have decided to do it. From what everyone has been saying, you lose some torque. I road race so I really only need top end and the lt1 intake seems suitable for what I do. But I would like to get a little more torque from it in case I do a little running on the street. I don't want to get passed up by a honda. I was considering a cam that allows for more low end but have no idea what would be best. As my car sits, I have true duals with no cats and the usual freebie mods. It is also a 4+3. Oh and it is an 88. Would a cam help or hurt the situation? I also plan on slapping headers on (1 5/8"). Any recomendations would be very helpful.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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Youre not going to find a cam that gives you both, there's no way to increase the port velocity with just the top-end of the motor. The only ways to add low-end back to the motor in quantities you can feel are increased displacement and supercharging.
If you dont want to do those then youre pretty much locked in for a rear gear change. That would give the feel of torque, and would suit the intake and transmission.
If you dont want to do those then youre pretty much locked in for a rear gear change. That would give the feel of torque, and would suit the intake and transmission.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I would first suggest the best top-end components, like titanium retainers, 10* locks, 3-angle valve job with better (lighter) valves since its going to see some rpm.
For gears, if you believe you'll be seeing those very high rpm, I would pick either 3.45 or 3.54.
For gears, if you believe you'll be seeing those very high rpm, I would pick either 3.45 or 3.54.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: The Black Hole LA
Originally Posted by vader86
I would first suggest the best top-end components, like titanium retainers, 10* locks, 3-angle valve job with better (lighter) valves since its going to see some rpm.
For gears, if you believe you'll be seeing those very high rpm, I would pick either 3.45 or 3.54.
For gears, if you believe you'll be seeing those very high rpm, I would pick either 3.45 or 3.54.
Some of the LT1 guys are going 3.73 or higher gears, just depends on whether you are concerned with gas mileage. You have the Dana 44 trans so you have that option.
Also something to consider, as I did when choosing between the miniram(lt1 style intake) and superram, is that you will be spinning your bottom end much higher to get the full potential of the power band. Which is why I chose the superram because even though I have new bottom end parts, I still have a cast crank because the high dollar forged stuff was out of my budget, and I didn't want to take a chance breaking anything with the high rpms.
Large Impressive Member
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
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I think you'll find that the LT1 intake won't hurt your bottom end torque to the degree that you may be afraid of. If those ricers jump you off the line, they won't last much past the 60' mark! 
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Chicago ILL
I think you will benefit from some changes to your program. The Short runner intake will run higher rpm thus requiring more fuel up top. Also, many of us found the motor responding well to aggressive timing curves.
If you do not have one, pick up a wide band O2 such as Innovate Motorsport so that you can correctly dial in your fuel. Out of the box I would recommend 35-36 degrees total timing.
If you do not have one, pick up a wide band O2 such as Innovate Motorsport so that you can correctly dial in your fuel. Out of the box I would recommend 35-36 degrees total timing.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Toms River NJ
You guys are the best.... I appreciate the help. I am glad I am doing my homework on this one. I am not concerned with gas mileage because it isn't a daily driver but I don't want the bottom end coming apart either. It sounds that I shouldn't have a problem though. I don't think 6k rpms won't make it breakup.
Last edited by dirtnapp; Dec 3, 2005 at 09:19 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,189
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From: Austin TX
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
I think you'll find that the LT1 intake won't hurt your bottom end torque to the degree that you may be afraid of.
http://home.austin.rr.com/dancurrie/dynograph.jpg
And, I'm running 12.7's in the quarter with 3.07 gears, and 160mph in the mile.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,146
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From: Albuquerque NM
Originally Posted by tigmaned
well how much torque is lost when doing the L98 intake to the LT1 intake swp?
The curious item is that overall the LT1 intake will flow more CFM and therefore has the capacity for good torque.
<y recipe for higher TQ with the miniram is to un shroud the valves at low lift. 1) back cut the valves, 2) clean up the area in the combustion chamber around the valve seats 3) smooth out your short radius side in your intake ports, amd use under cut valve stems. With a hyd type cam, these little things will increase low lift flow and thus low rpm tq...maybe
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 7,033
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Originally Posted by danno85
I agree. I'm running a TPIS miniram on a 350 +.060" which is the same short runner design as the LT1 and I've got plenty of low end torque.
http://home.austin.rr.com/dancurrie/dynograph.jpg
And, I'm running 12.7's in the quarter with 3.07 gears, and 160mph in the mile.
http://home.austin.rr.com/dancurrie/dynograph.jpg
And, I'm running 12.7's in the quarter with 3.07 gears, and 160mph in the mile.
That can't be. Everyone that hasn't run a miniram or LT1 intake KNOWS that they lose gobs of TQ.
