wideopen85

Looking for a good list of parts that would wake up an lt4 without breaking the bank, maybe around 380rwhp. Is this possible? What would be a good first few mods?

QCVette

Headers, cam and tune.

RichS

I made 367 rwhp with: Longtube headers, Corsa catback, Ported heads and intake, Hotcam, 52mm Throttle body, and a tune. I also put 4:10's in the rear.

Kevova

I guess first question is how big is the bank? 3k you can do a lot 1k or less not so much. Thrifty builds depend on your ability and a little luck finding what you need cheap. If you can match port your intake and heads that a low cost performance mod. A 383 build would get you there pretty easy especially if you found an already clearanced block for sale. If you have to pay not so low cost. "Hot Cam" or a little better. Long tubes and free up exhaust. If you leak down test your engine and leakage is less than 10% I would not mess with short block other than cam change, unless there is a reason to suspect bearing failure. That would save you a bunch of money and focus on improving intake and head air flow along with tuning. Of course if you or a friend can tune it that's very thrifty.

cv67

I guess first question is how big is the bank?

Rexracer77

Based on the Grand Sport dyno page
http://www.grandsportregistry.com/dyno.htm

It looks like LT Headers, hot cam, 52mm TB, 1.6s rockers and ported heads (plus other little things that may or may not help) is all you need.

wideopen85

I was thinking around 2-3k...starting with parts listed below.

Long tubes 1-3/4
No cats
No air pump
Full 3" dual with X pipe
B&B catback 3"
A/O air intake(if I can find one) w/K&N filter
MSD wires NGK plugs
Electric waterpump
Tune

How much hp/tq would this make at the wheel?

BrandensBeast

Not to try and change topic but what does deleting the cats have to do with horsepower? How does it increase it? Just wondering !

dizwiz24

not a budget build, but build for boost. you will eventually want it with todays competition ls9s, etc

wideopen85

Better air flow=more power

The stock cats are restrictive, it's dyno proven getting rid of converters can increase hp...not by much, and some are worse than others...but everything adds up...plus there will be less weight and sometimes better sound without

wideopen85

a smaller one that would spool quick and set the tires on fire

cv67

Unless your wires or water pump are bad leave them alone not worth any real gain for the $ imo same with the 3" exhaust most sbc simply dont need it. Grab a set of used 1-5/8 or 3/4 get whats affordable longtubes>shorties

Making everything too big can leave you with a soggy dog that only comes on upstairs;dont worry about a huge peak flow # either

A valve job that complements whats done on the heads is money well spent, someone good will be able to look at your head #s and figure how many angles/which ones will work best and pick things up, the wrong one can hurt your flow btdt. Ive seen up to 25cfm difference either way thats noticeable sotp

Port the heads, hotcam, port intake manifold headers, tune

You should be able to hit your goal +- without wasting money


Sure boost is good bang for the buck but doesnt sound like he has 5-6k to spend plus supporting mods

mtwoolford

sooo...start with a cam that will support your hp goals and work out from there

wideopen85

what are the main things to look for when pickout out a camshaft?
I hear about the Hotcam often, what are other popular cams for lt4's.

cv67

If you fill your profile out with location it may get you better answers we dont know what your emissions requirements are

BrandensBeast

Why would the vette's not have come with a better cam? Would that make it not meet the emissions requirements at the time?

cv67

Emissions and warranty sure mpg figures in there too
Bare minimum to satisfy EPA and give some performance

GM knows a good percentage of owners are going to tear into them anyway
Now they dont have to turn key cars that run 10s and 11s with a warranty pretty impressive. Oh and wiht a 2.41 rear gear, too getting 30mpg. Never would have believed that 10 yrs ago

wideopen85

Let's say no emissions

Kevova

Most of the replies are along the line of emissions not being a factor. As long as your running EFI a certain amount reduced emissions will happen. Feed back from O2 keeping A/F correct causes efficient fuel burning. There is little benefit to over or under fuel engine. If your in a area or moving where annual emission test is required cost will likely go up. You can still meet your goal but tuning will be more involved since EPA monitors more than HC, CO, & CO2

mrodoc

A larger TB is a very popuular mod with cam, heads, etc. It seems everyone does it but I haven't seen numbers to support it. Cam-yes. Head job-yes. headers with cam and heads-yes. Injectors-yes. Question: I've read several articles on the LT1/4 that says the stock TB can easily handle over 400 rwhp, yet it seems everyone goes to a 52, some even a 58mm. The question is:has anyone ever documented much of an increase with a moderate cam, heads, headers, injectors?
Just wondering if this is just snake juice or for real. Thanks.