What should I do next
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 38
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From: Nashville TN
What should I do next
I have a 60,000 mile 95 LT1 auto with the following mods...KN Cold Air Intake, Axle Back Flowmaster 50 series, hyper tec power programmer, completely rebuilt motor with LT4 conversion, ported heads, bored .30 over, 58 mm TB, comp roller rockers, comp cam, upgraded water pump, stock headers that have been painted. I'm probably forgetting something we are getting ready to install a modified mass air flow, and 3.73 gears.
It is just a weekend toy never tracked. But I want a little more power ... The mechanic friend of mine who did all the work says headers don't really add much and the factory ones are actually better with no maintenance but everyone here seems to add them. My questions is am I missing something to add for more power and are headers worth it?
It is just a weekend toy never tracked. But I want a little more power ... The mechanic friend of mine who did all the work says headers don't really add much and the factory ones are actually better with no maintenance but everyone here seems to add them. My questions is am I missing something to add for more power and are headers worth it?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 9
From: N.E. WA
I think you will really like the gear change. That should help with SOTP's. Unfortunately I think you are getting to the point where you may have to get a bit more serious for more power. Headers may not help much if the rest of your exhaust is stock. I do not have data to back that up. I did mine all at once. Cam, heads, headers, and a full Flowmaster exhaust system. (its loud) If you are planning more changes in the future then go for the headers. (and heated O2) I have 1 3/4" Hooker super comps. I haven't tried others but they seem to fit well. You may try a dyno tune but short of a cam swap and exhaust, you are there bud. I doubt that you will need a stall with 3.73's and a mild cam. Things we don't know that would help are 1)cam specs 2)AFR's at WOT 3)What is your exhaust, cat(s), mufflers, backpressure 4)head flow numbers 5)Do you need to pass visual inspection? Sorry if I have more questions than answers, maybe some others will chime in. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Thank you
I think you will really like the gear change. That should help with SOTP's. Unfortunately I think you are getting to the point where you may have to get a bit more serious for more power. Headers may not help much if the rest of your exhaust is stock. I do not have data to back that up. I did mine all at once. Cam, heads, headers, and a full Flowmaster exhaust system. (its loud) If you are planning more changes in the future then go for the headers. (and heated O2) I have 1 3/4" Hooker super comps. I haven't tried others but they seem to fit well. You may try a dyno tune but short of a cam swap and exhaust, you are there bud. I doubt that you will need a stall with 3.73's and a mild cam. Things we don't know that would help are 1)cam specs 2)AFR's at WOT 3)What is your exhaust, cat(s), mufflers, backpressure 4)head flow numbers 5)Do you need to pass visual inspection? Sorry if I have more questions than answers, maybe some others will chime in. Good luck!
Thank you for your help. I will try and get answers for you and my own knowledge when I meet up next with my mechanic. I also left out that does plan to gut the cats and eliminate 02 sensor he mentioned a stall but said it may not need it. I agree with you on the gear swap hopefully satisfying me...at least for a while. Oh and I do have to pass visual inspection and emissions. He says that what we have and are about to do should still be ok. I have put my trust in him since he worked on the vets at a Dealership I worked at. Just wanted second opinions from people who had been there done that since this is my first vet and first customization of any car I've owned. Thank you again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
You are going to need a tune if you haven't gotten one yet, that would be why you don't feel any improvement. I would suggest going with the headers. If you beat out the cat you won't pass the sniffer test, and depending on the specs of the camshaft, the camshaft may cause you to fail emissions. The next step would be to upgrade the heads, but those heads are pretty decent right now as it is. Also, take a look at your timing curve. It may have room for improvement.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
You are going to need a tune if you haven't gotten one yet, that would be why you don't feel any improvement. I would suggest going with the headers. If you beat out the cat you won't pass the sniffer test, and depending on the specs of the camshaft, the camshaft may cause you to fail emissions. The next step would be to upgrade the heads, but those heads are pretty decent right now as it is. Also, take a look at your timing curve. It may have room for improvement.
Would the power programmer be able to tune the car? The reason il ask is that I remember my mechanic saying he re calibrated the computer for the changes we made with it. Forgive my ignorance if I am wrong. And if I am and where would one take it to be tuned.
Good advice on the cats I deff don't want emissions issues What good is a fast car if Johnny law won't let you drive it. I will research headers Thank you again.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 38
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From: Nashville TN
Turbo vs supercharger
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