LT1 Ported Head Gains
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
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LT1 Ported Head Gains
My initial plan for this winter was to pull the motor, replace the bearings and install a head/cam pacakge from LE. Just about everything that could get in the way has and I feel like I just won't have the time to do it before driving season. I want to be on the road by mid April. I would not be able to begin work for another 1-2 months.
What I do have time for is to swap the factory LT1 heads for a set of LE ported heads, its something I've done before (though not on an LT1) and I believe I can do it in a weekend.
I know I've asked this question before but will the gains from head porting provide a noticeable seat of the pants difference? I know if I do the cam swap down the road I will be doubling some of my efforts. I'm not too concerned with that (I mean, who doesnt like working on their C4?). If I can accomplish 340-360 crank horsepower I think I'd be satisfied for quite a while. I'm not expecting 50hp from headwork alone but I do have some bolt-ons listed in my signature that should help a bit as well.
I know many of you will say cam/heads same time, but other thoughts?
What I do have time for is to swap the factory LT1 heads for a set of LE ported heads, its something I've done before (though not on an LT1) and I believe I can do it in a weekend.
I know I've asked this question before but will the gains from head porting provide a noticeable seat of the pants difference? I know if I do the cam swap down the road I will be doubling some of my efforts. I'm not too concerned with that (I mean, who doesnt like working on their C4?). If I can accomplish 340-360 crank horsepower I think I'd be satisfied for quite a while. I'm not expecting 50hp from headwork alone but I do have some bolt-ons listed in my signature that should help a bit as well.
I know many of you will say cam/heads same time, but other thoughts?
Last edited by jmgtp; Jan 11, 2011 at 09:18 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
You wont realize the full gain til the cam goes in. Youll feel a difference probably not what youd expect though with the stock cam. Gotta hang that valve open longer and lift it further which sounds like you already know.
+60hp on a stock cam, doubtful
Do the intake also while youre at it.
+60hp on a stock cam, doubtful
Do the intake also while youre at it.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 51
From: Angier nc
IF done properly the head porting alone could add 20-30 hp over stock with a tune.
Go ahead and upgrade the springs now while the heads are off the car.IT will be a lot easier than when you swap the cam.IF you want to upgrade to 1.6 rockers the added lift may help with the gains from porting.
I would consider going straight to an aftermarket head if the $$$ permits.More gain and wil support anything you throw at it later.If not Advanced Induction would be my first choice for porting.
Go ahead and upgrade the springs now while the heads are off the car.IT will be a lot easier than when you swap the cam.IF you want to upgrade to 1.6 rockers the added lift may help with the gains from porting.
I would consider going straight to an aftermarket head if the $$$ permits.More gain and wil support anything you throw at it later.If not Advanced Induction would be my first choice for porting.
