Hi guys, I've been reading a lot ... but I still can't seem to pin down every aspect of what I would need to change in my engine to get more HP.
Cam, heads, valve train...

I understand only a small portion of what these parts actualy do, and how they work.
Would any one have a good web site I could read up on ?

And maybe different listings of performance parts, if possible.

Thanks!

 

the best thing i have found so far is to use the search feature of the Forum until your arm falls off. you will uncover many great posts and also links to other sites, but not without a bit of work. trying to get more HP is a popular goal here, but if you ask 100 members on the "best" way to do it, you will get 100 different answers.

search away and let the learning begin!!! have fun! :cheers:

 

Your profile says you already have a 383 stroker motor, shaved heads, K&N, etc. What cam did you use? What head work other than surfacing? What valve train mods? What trans, gears, ignition, etc? With the 383, Im thinking you must already have good LT headers and exhaust. You are probably a long way past the free mods and the bolt-on stuff. What are your goals?

 

Here's a thought, Goto http://www.moreperformanceinc.com and look for the top end packages. One mistake some guys make is putting parts on that don't necessarilly work well together. Too much trial and error and that is expensive and frustrating. These packages work well together and they dyno your engine when it's done so you know where you stand. The site lists what each package has so you might get some good ideas.

 

Another angle is to post what kind of power you want to make, and list what you plan to do with the car, such as darg race, tracks, autoX, or street use.

 

Do a search and read all of GRUMPYVETTE's posts. And CorvetteZ51Racer. Those guys make for some entertaining reading. :yesnod:

 

I had the engine rebuilt because one of the pistons was blown/cracked... the car was like that when I baught it. My step dad took care of having the engine rebuilt for me (he owns a body shop) he sent it to a good reputable engine rebuilder in my area.

He told me that for a bit more $ I could have it rebuilt to a 383 stroker and it would be easier for the engine rebuilder to fix the engine. Thats basicaly all I know about my engine. I'm guessing he used all the basic parts he could because we didn't ask for anything extra's for performance.

I don't know what cam they used, is it possible they used to stock one?
I don't know if they used the same valve train, and I'm also wondering if they change the Roler rockers ??? do they have to change those if the engine was rebuilt to a 383.

I know for sure that the heads were shaved, and was told to ONLY put in high octane gaz because of this.

I'm wondering what would be my next "logical" steps in order to get more perfomance out of my engine.
I know that headers are a good idea.
I already have a flowmaster Y pipe and mufflers on it

Should I have the heads ported, and change the cam and match the valve train on the head with the new cam.
What about the intake? I've seen alot of posts about ram air.
I've also been thinking about Nitrous for the track.... but I think I should take care of the perfomance of my engine before skipping steps and going straigh to Nitrous.

I'll have to read up some more and learn what my options are.... but I think talking with you guys and getting peoples opinion and explanations is the best!

 

Sorry, I didn't meen track but the Drag strips.

I use my vette almost every day, but don't drive in heavy trafic, it mainly highway and I am Planning on using it at the Drag strips once or twice a month.

 

Tell your step dad, you supply him with all the majors parts. The most commonly used are LT4 Hot Cam Kit that will come with a set of good springs, shims, retainers, roller rockers and push rods? for under $500.00 Tell him you want 11:1: compression ratio- it will run on pump gas just fine. Tell him you want the heads to be ported/polished and 3 angle valve job.
You can buy a cast 383ci crank for under $300, reuse your stock connecting rods. and a set of TRW forge pistons ( are the cheapest forge pistion you can buy for under $350) All you step dad got to do is clearance the block for the stroker and the the rest will be HISTORY. When it all done, get a custom prom from Ed Wright or somesone near by can help you with the tunning. Good luck


PS I assumed you have a LT1 car. If it a L98 with iron heads. Get rid of the iron heads buy a set of alumimun heads. If your car came with alumimun heads and modify it.

Bruce
93LT1 Conv w/ZF6
Blown D1-SC/N2O
ARE built 383ci/Stage II heads







[Modified by Bruce, 4:03 PM 7/31/2003]

 

I have the L98 with aluminum heads.

The engine has already been rebuilt, its a bit to late for all that stuff now... unless I tair the engine apart and have all that stuff you mensionned installed.

 

In that case go to Amazon and pick up the two books by David Vizard on building a SBC.

You are on the right track in thinking of cam, heads, exhaust and the like as real power adders. Check out results of these mods on my site.

Once you understand the basics of the L98 and various mods, plan what your target is and go from there. Also consider the rest of the drive train such as tranny, gears and tires for the total package.