snowhunter87

iTrader: (1)

Hey fellas, i'm swapping a 98 LS1 out of a camaro, 99k miles on it, wondering what cam would be a good street-able, autocross, very occasional drag track cam.

Our HP goal is 400 wrhp
Ls1/4L60E is going in a pro touring 70 Camaro.

Any other opinions/options for this build that might save us some headache would be greatly appreciated. I am doing my research but it's always easier when people offer up their experiences freely.

p.s. this will be my 2nd fuely transplant, i swapped an LT1/T56 in my 69 Camaro.

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

You can't put LS3 heads on an LS1 block. The valves are too big...

Look at some 5.3 truck heads, or 799 / 243's

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

Some companies do make a small bore LS3 head for 3.9" bore but they are $$$$

Personally, I would run a cathedral port head on a street car in most cases anyway unless it's a larger cube motor. For ls1, ls2, 5.3, or 6.0 I'd rather have the velocity of a good ported 243 style head than a stock or ported ls3 head.

snowhunter87

iTrader: (1)

thanks dr, i just read that and was on my way back here to correct my own mistake but you beat me to it, ls3 jazz needs a 4 inch stroke to work, i had this ls1 confused with my lq4 that i snagged for my car.

Would it be a better option to find some rectangular port heads for this swap, i've heard they flow way better. I guess our goal of 400 wrhp is not a ton, we just want it to be a great all around motor.

cuisinartvette

For 400rwhp a good cathedral port head in a not so light street car is the way to go. Opinions may vary.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

rectangle port heads typically can flow better
cathedral port heads seem to work better in a street car due to flow velocity

for a goal of 400rwhp the heads that are already on the engine should be fine, and you could always clean them up with mild porting or a good valve job and some milling

snowhunter87

iTrader: (1)

We are under the understanding that with LT headers, a free flowing exhaust (we are running the QTP cuttouts for fun time) and a good intake (probably an LS6 with a larger TB, maybe a 90mm??) we should be able to get the horsepower with a good cam and tune.
Would it be better finding a set of head to use or just sending the stockers off for porting?

Any opinions for porting, no experience with that?

snowhunter87

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the input fellas, I've learned everything about my car and it's guts by trial and error and forums like these!

Jake89

One thing that has failed to be mentioned is tranny work. The stock 4L60E won't last very long under that power, if you take it to the track of course. Also, the 10 bolt rear end is not a world beater either.

I am new to the LS world but from what I have read of late is a semi-built 4L80(E?) is the way to go. From the factory is will handle more torque. You will need a new driveshaft with that conversion as well. As for the rear end I believe it was Strange Engineering that made an S60. Cheaper than a Moser 9" but should be able to handle the power you are wanting.

EDIT: Almost forgot to mention a stalled converter. Not sure how the heck you properly spec one aside from see what others have done.

snowhunter87

iTrader: (1)

Thats what i've been reading too Jake89 is that the 60e's are not very durable under any power spike. I may have forgot to mention that we have a 12 bolt posi under the rear so i wouldn't be too concerned about it's integrity. I would be running a turbo 350 in this car but he wants that overdrive for freeway cruising when we head to Sturgis the end of June for the Camaro Rally. Any idea on strength of stock 4l60 and stock 4l80? I would think the 60 is maybe 350hp? 80e is probably more like 500?

Jake89

No clue on the strength of each. After talking to a local mod guy it sounded like the 4L80 could handle around 100hp more stock. Granted that was a number he loosely threw around but it would depend on the condition of the tranny. Right now I have a 4L60E with LT headers (not sure which brand), catback, SLP lid, and a tune. Pretty sure it is around 340whp or so. I am also on Nitto 555s. The tranny seems fine for now but I am not able to hook up well on the street either. If I went to a properly prepped track I might be in trouble if I launched it hard.

snowhunter87

iTrader: (1)

Who did your tune? That is another question i have. I had Street and Performance do my LT1 tune, but I don't any any choices for the Ls we are doing.

This car will have a line lock and nitto 555r/or nt05's.

Jake89

Well I am the 4th owner of the car so I did not see who tuned it. The guy who owned the car before me told me XXX Motorsports in Pensacola, FL tuned the car. Pretty sure that was done before he owned the car as well. One of the only local tuning places around Mobile, AL is TDC Performance. I know they perform tunes for LS engines. Now I see you are in MT so that information doesn't really help you out any.

snowhunter87

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, might look for someone closer when the time comes. I have alot of work to do until then. I also have a post going in the conversion section "1970 Camaro build in Montana" of this forum if you wanna see the build. Thanks for you input and help.

Jake89

Anytime. I will check out the build. I have a few ideas of what I want. 400whp was my initial power goal but since I am already around 340whp, based on my mods, I figured why not go more. If I am going to have to build the tranny anyways might as well beef it up for way more than I plan on building.

snowhunter87

iTrader: (1)

yeah and we are not entirely against building a tranny. I am just trying to front the leg work before hand an not get caught with my pants down and be stuck not prepared. We have a pretty good budget but we also have alot to do. I figure if we front load the reseach and price shop, we can try to find the best deals.

Jake89

Sounds like a smart plan to me. With my last car that is exactly what I did. I would also stalk the FS threads and pick up parts for little to nothing. Ended up making 190whp / 183wtrq on a Tiburon SE (stock is like 150whp/trq). It would probably have run 14.2 at sea level on street tires with a good launch. Not bad considering stock was 15.4 haha.

kinglt-1

iTrader: (26)

the 4l60e is under estimated imo... the key to making the 4l60 live is keeping the heat out of it. Put a good shift kit in it with a big cooler and do not rev it past 6500. I have seen guys go 10's on a stock 60e and 10 bolt. however it would not be a bad idea to beef it up for peace of mind.

snowhunter87

iTrader: (1)

We planned on running a big trans cooler, i figure the colder the better right? What kind of shift kit would I be looking for? Preferably I would rather cam this motor while is out of the car on the stand an clean, then a year down the road. Also, same goes with the trans, i'm just new to auto's, i have had a 4 speed and now a 6 speed in my 69. Thanks for your input fellas.

ckaram

iTrader: (1)

I had an LS1/T56 swap done in my '68 ragtop this past spring. I reviewed all cam options and settled on the Texas Speed 228R with 114 LSA. Based on my research I would say I'm pretty close to 400 rwhp.

I'm not drag racing our autocrossing but this drive train is outstanding for "stress relief" and cruising. If I wanted it to really hook I'd need to deal with tires and rear suspension. She wheel hops like a mother!