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I'm about four months into a '96 CE LT1 with 52K on the clock. In that time, I have:
1. Had the engine resealed with new gaskets from the timing cover forward, and from the valve covers down to the pan gasket.
2. New water pump (MDS)
3. New OptiSpark (RPT GM05)
4. New Scorpion 1.6 Roller rockers with LT4 valve springs and hardware.
I am considering the following and would appreciate input from those of you with LT1's who have affected these mods. I'm not trying to turn my LT1 into an LT4, just to get the best performance out of what it is. Brand suggestions would also be appreciated.
1. TPIS air flow streamliner for the stock 48mm throttle body or...
2. TPIS 52mm throttle body w/ air flow streamliner
3. New Double-Row radiator (for increased cooling here in Florida)
4. Unrestricted air filter cover for stock filter (I don't like K&N's)
5. Throttle body hot water bypass
6. Possible exhaust mods but... I don't want headers.
7. MAF replacement or mods.
Also... does anyone sell an upgraded, short throw shifter for the 4L60e?
None of the things you listed are going to get you any improvement to be honest. I think the best bang for you buck thing to do next would be to bump up your rear gears a little, or go with the headers that you don't want.
None of those will gain you anything. If you have to do something, go with the kn lid and exhaust. Forget airfoils, tb and maf, they do more damage than good. And if you do exhaust and you want more than just sound, go for long tube headers
No, and I don't need one to know what works after 10 years here.
Hi Vader86,
No disrespect intended... check out item #4 from GM's test of 7 popular mods for the LT1 (link, below). I appreciate your input and would really like to hear from LT1 owners who have tried the items I'm considering.
No disrespect intended... check out item #4 from GM's test of 7 popular mods for the LT1 (link, below). I appreciate your input and would really like to hear from LT1 owners who have tried the items I'm considering.
If an LT1 could get a 20 per cent gain just from a cheap $50.00 airfoil - every single vette owner on here would have an airfoil. On an mostly stock engine that would mean an average of 60 horsepower for only fifty bucks! I call it BS and absolutely impossible on a stock engine (or a modified engine for that matter).
If you want to cut the air lid that's okay because it doesn't cost any money.
As for the radiator, you can get the mid-sized radiator from DeWitts. DeWitts is a forum vendor and makes a quality product.
You have absolutely no use for the 52mm throttle body; yours flows more than enough for your engine and you will gain nothing in performance (though it may feel that way).
The throttle body bypass will not give any performance gain but it will make the throttle body easier to remove for cleaning. No reason for MAF mods or replacement.
Read this webpage carefully, Nathan Plemons did a lot of work and it explains everything in detail (note the section on the airfoil and throttle body for useless mods). http://home.insightbb.com/~nathan.pl.../increase.html
That magazine is interested helping to sell parts for the people who advertise.
Listen to these knowledgeable posters. The parts list you have will lighten your wallet, while gaining you no meaningful power. For the price of that worthless TB, you could buy a cam and pick up 30 hp.
The statement that they gained 20% on one mod (the airfoil) must be a typo. The gain from their numbers shows 1.85% (5hp gain/270hp previous test).
While there actually may be some gains with the mods they tested (although hard to tell if their testing was controlled well enough to know), the gains will be slight. As stated above, they "will lighten your wallet".
I would do the air filter cover mod (since it is free) and exhaust mods if I wanted a different sound. I also like the higher ratio rockers that you have already done. I had good results from them too.
What would you prefer? Stroke your parts fetish and advocate that you waste your money on worthless junk?...
Ya came on here, looking for advice. Help us help you. What do you REALLY want?
What I want are enlightened answers from guys who have actually tried some of the obvious stuff. If it doesn't work and my research is flawed... I get that. What I don't want, Tom, is your counter productive sarcasm.
Well...that's what you get when you:
*Ask for advice...then
*Argue with the good advice that has been given to you by knowledgeable forum members. If you're going to argue...why ask in the first place?? I think that you can probably handle the pretty mild sarcasm that you just got (which BTW, was there to make a point). You'll be O.K.
EDIT: I just fixed my post above. Sarcasm removed for you.
Last edited by Tom400CFI; Apr 4, 2014 at 09:19 PM.
Well...that's what you get when you:
*Ask for advice...then
*Argue with the good advice that has been given to you by knowledgeable forum members. If you're going to argue...why ask in the first place?? I think that you can probably handle the pretty mild sarcasm that you just got (which BTW, was there to make a point). You'll be O.K.
EDIT: I just fixed my post above. Sarcasm removed for you.
Tom,
You misunderstood my responses. I wasn't attacking anyone or looking for arguments. I'm still not.
I'd keep the stock TB and use the TPiS air foil.
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3. New Double-Row radiator (for increased cooling here in Florida)
You should consider a 160 or 180 t stat and bring down temps for fans in the PCM.
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4. Unrestricted air filter cover for stock filter (I don't like K&N's)
Great!
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5. Throttle body hot water bypass
Great mod for a Florida car.
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6. Possible exhaust mods but... I don't want headers.
A Corsa cat back?
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7. MAF replacement or mods.
No real value with mods done to date.