Ok, here's the deal. I can do the work myself, but I'm not too good at setting up the package. This is where you guys come in.

Here are my plans. Shortly, I intend to do long tubes with either a single high flow or dual exhaust...not sure yet. That will be first. Later this summer I'm considering an LT1 intake swap. Is it benefical to do a cam with this? Would I then need lifters and to change to 1.6 roller rockers? I am not too enthused about dropping a bunch of dough on new heads, so wondering if these too are required for everything. Would I get much benefit from just the intake alone?

I'd like to spend around $2000 for everything, up to $2500. What's my budget going to get me?

Suggestions are appreciated. Anyone with an LT1 intake please feel free to give your personal experiences....

Thanks!

Matthew

89 coupe, stock L98 (for now)

 

check vader's website

 

Yes, do a cam or dont do the intake. There is a benefit from the intake alone, but only after a chip is made. Since a chip is required anytime you change the cam, you should do both at once.

Yes, change the lifters, and I would do RR but you dont have to.
89 heads are not awful, so its not a pressing need, but the engine will make more with ported heads or a bigger set (180cc would be a good set if this is staying 350ci). Anything done to the heads will put you over budget however.

 

It sounds like you will be building well over 300chp so go with true duals.

 

No need to do the intake without a cam. Here's what I would do with $2500. Lt1 intake with Hotcam or LPE 219. 1.6 full RR's with springs, seals, and lifters. Hedman elite 1 5/8" coated headers and true duals. No need to go 3". You will need a good tune when you are done. I'll say you will get at least 75 CHP depending on the cam with this setup.

 

i'd go hotcam or cc503 cam for those heads... no need for 1.6 rockers unless you use the hotcam since those heads dont really flow much more over .500" lift

224/230 cam with LT1 intake and those stock heads with good valve train upgrades should run very very good times Very fun car to drive

 

Good luck gettin those, had mine on order since Feb.

 

you could try and see if Jet-Hot has them in stock... i know they stock headers and coat them. you can get them for a good price too.

 

If he has an '89 he shouldn't have to change the lifters for a cam swap, it would already have roller ones in it and they can be reused.

 

True, doesn't have to but not a bad idea. He will be running more rpm with significantly increased lift.

 

Where did you order from?

Matthew

 

And then there are the simple mods:
-toss the "frisbee" (see my site) = 10chp
-160deg T-stat & chip = 10chp
-K&N with cut lid = 10chp
These with the prior mods should add around 100chp; not bad eh.

If you want to spin up to 6k RPM or so I'd suggest adding a HyperTech coil/cap/rotor, TPIS wires and AC Delco cut back plugs for another 8chp gain.

Instead of going to an aftermarket intake, I used my Dremel to siamese the stock base. Check out the before & after dyno pulls on my site. If you'd like to try this intake mod drop me an email (jgkov@msn.com) and I'll return pics of the base & lower runner mods; mention this thread please.

 

Okay.. first, I'd suggest LT headers but keep the exhaust as a 2-1-2. It will balance the exhaust and produce more power overall. Use a high-flow cat or eliminate it altogether, and get rid of those pesky precats too if you can. You CAN use the stock headers, but they will not produce as much power if you keep the exhaust restricted. Throw perf. mufflers or elims on there too, whichever you prefer.

As for intake, yes you will get a huge benefit from getting rid of stock, but what kind of motor are you trying to make? Miniram or modified LT1 intake are excellent for high RPMs, Superram or ported manifold and runners if you want low to mid-range power. If you want that high end power, you WILL need a cam to support it. The stock cam will choke most power after 4000 RPMs - plan on getting something that flows good past 5500 for those. If you port the stock intake or SR, the stock cam may flow well but you still will want something with more lift to maximize the power you already have.

The stock heads flow well but not very good at high RPMs. They maximize power at around 5k. You could get new or port existing, but will cost well over half of your budget alone. If I was in this situation, I'd stick with a mid-range setup and try to get maximum torque and power between 1-5k RPMs.

As vader already stated, most of these mods will require a chip tune to work effeciently, so plan on saving around $400 for that.

Hope this helped.

 

Thanks for the help everyone.

That sounds more to my liking, this is mainly for cruising around the city and having a little fun. I don't need to shift at 7,000 rpms like some guys.

Auto tranny, btw, and I think i will eventually change the 2.59 rear gears, as well.

 

Summit Racing, changes every week. Now they are saying it will be May 31st.