robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

Hey guys, in my ever intensifying quest for speed I am wanting to wander in to the LT1 pool. Why LT1? because I'm looking for more ease of installation I guess and for how much my car weighs I don't have the need for extreme horsepower levels. So my question is this...... How would you guys build a streetable LT1? I don't need alot but to me 300hp to the ground in a sub 2800 pound car will get me to were I want to be. Any thoughts?

1981LT1

iTrader: (1)

300 rwhp is very easy. You will get many different ideas but the most important thing to remember is to match your components. Don't get the biggest cam you can find with stock heads. I would highly recommend Lloyed Elliott. I have never heard a bad thing about his products and his prices are really reasonable. I'm running his LE2 package with a full exhaust and tune and I'm getting 367 at the wheels (completely stock bottom end). Your auto trans will suck a little more power but if you build it right, you will be fine. If you have a little more money to spend, do a 383 stroker. These kits are so cheap now and you are guaranteed to exceed your 300 hp goal. This will cost a little more money for machine work but I think its well worth it. And if you can do the labor yourself you can tell people you built it.

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

bolt ons give you 280RWHP on an LT1.
Heads/Cam from Lloyd Elliot put down over 400RWHP on my friends 82 Trans Am.

personally I would go with a stock LS1. Install and wiring wouldn't be too much different than the LT1.
300+ to the wheels on a stock LS1, better fuel economy, makes the car even lighter, and no optispark.

SomeGuy25thZ

buy a cheap complete LT1 then buy all of my BRAND NEW 383 rotating assembly parts for LT1 (real cheap compared to buying new) and end up with a nice 400-425 at the crank which should net over 300 at the wheel easily for daily driving fun.

See my classifieds post or PM me and I can tell you everything I have.

chevyowner02

iTrader: (3)

You could get 300hp from the hot cam kit+ bolt-ons. Probably not the best choice but will get the 300 hp you wanted.

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

I have a friend who swears by Lloyd Elliot. He's a huge LT1 guy. Now with the stroker idea. I can use a rotating assembly for a regular small block can't I? as long as it's a 1 piece seal IIRC. I'm still debating on that idea due to finances. what kit would you guys recommend?

SomeGuy25thZ

are you looking for a budget build or a little more expensive?

Lloyd elliot heads are amazing but they will def. cost you to reach your budget before you start depening on what you have to spend

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

I was wanting to build something that will compliment well with what I already have.....

3200 edge stall
ZZ4 Cam (I know it's mild but I already have it.)
Probuilt Road Race rebuild kit. (way to much in there to type)
2860lbs without me in it. (195lbs) with still more to remove.
Hooker 2055's with 3 inch CB and Aerochamber muffler

that's about it that will work with the LT1. I'm looking to compliment these mods.

Kory-88Iroc 350 tpi

iTrader: (1)

You can easily get 300 wheel with stock heads. No need for ported ones at that power level. Good headers /catback, cia and a small cam hotcam or cc305, with tuning would easily get you there. You can also get pretty good mileage with a smaller cam. I've gotten 25 hwy and 18 city with my car and it has a much larger cam then those mentioned.

89_LT1_IROC

My 1995 LT1 made 299/347 with tuning, 1 3/4" SLP shorties !CAT, ported MAF, and K&N-- that's it. The engine had 36k on it, but was running through a T-5.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Yep i'd start with good exhaust system, CAI, underdrive pulleys, and a good tune and see where that gets you. Maybe even an electric water pump too. I've seen anywhere from 280-330whp from just simple bolt ons, but mostly through a manual trans.

If the heads/springs will take it, run 1.6 rockers as well. All that should do a 300whp LT1.

If you wanted to take the heads off the motor and clean them up, add fresh springs, mill them down a touch to get abit more compression to make sure you will hit the 300whp range but it will want to run on premium gas as they already have somewhat high compression and a small cam.

If the auto doesnt show 300whp, then one mild step up in cam size would easily get you another 20whp and be easy to tune.

torque_is_good

I gather it's an A4

the LT1's were rated at 275FWHP in the F bodies while the vette was rated at 300FWHP. Tune it for premium fuel and also, here is the rub though, you will need long tube headers as they wake up the engine. Shorties yiled hardly anything, A CAI and some 1.6 rr's and you are there as long as the engine is in decent shape.

THe next post you will make after that is asking why your tranny lost gears or is slipping. LT1's make good low end torque and with the right tune, 1.6's and long tubes, it increases.

owner of a 95 LT1 and shortly, an 89 with a 350 which is my next project car