I'm transplanting a LS1/T56 from a 04 GTO into a '66 GTO. IT will weigh around 3900lbs with AC and a 3:55 rear. I'd like a bit more get up and go over the stocker but nothing too radical. It will have headers as well.

Should I replace the stock heads with some ported ones while I have the engine out? Or would just a cam/spring change get me to say 350 RWHP?

Thanks.

 

350rwhp should be fairly easy to reach, even with stock heads....i would say tsp 224r or 228r

 

An ls1 with a stock intake, stock heads, a Torquer v2 and a set of good long tubes will net you right at 400 HP to the wheels. So I would think a 222 or 224 or a split would net you 350 to the wheels with gobs of low end torque. This cam in a six speed could drive like stock set up. Hell my car drives like a bone stock car except for the idle. HE HE I would even recommend something like a 228. That's really a tame cam. To much in fear cam size. Find a good tuner and you can put anything in there you want. After he's done it'll drive like a new one with a lope. Give Texas Speed a call they put you right on the right cam.

 

Something around 224-228 range should get you to your 350hp at the wheels. Just talk to some o the sponsors, and they will help you out. A lot of guys will say go custom, but you can find a shelf cam that will meet your goals. If you have it in your budget to get the heads ported. Go ahead if they are 241 heads.

 

TR224 or TR230 would be nice or something similar from TSP or Cam Motion. With your gearing and weight, I think I would stay in the 220s to help keep the low end power there. Also, I would look into a stepped header as the smaller primaries tend to build better midrange at the expense of a few ponies up top. I used to run a 1 1/2 stepped to 1 3/4 and the low/midrange was awesome.

 

I have a stock 2001 Z28 with add on parts only, c.i.a long tube headers etc. All I did was get a dyno tune and I'm pushing 348 to the rear wheels.

 

look at some EPS cams,they make good power under the curve.or look at a comp LSr cam 54-455-11,great torque for heavier cars .

 

that LS1 is going to look tiny after pulling out the 455 lol, but love the old/new school combo. Our v2 cam is a torque monster and would complement ported heads well, feel free to give us a call at 817-750-2000 to discuss things further. Thanks, Chris

 

2nd for eps. 224r is a nice cam too. but i like the feedback heard from the eps cams.

do the 222/226 .597/.598 113 lsa.

don't forget you need comp magnum push rods, comp 918 valve springs, and an ls2 timing set.(at least) if the car is going to see any kind of abuse i would recommend comp 850-16 lifters, melling 10296 hv oil pump, patriot dual valve springs and possibly harland sharp roller rockers.

 

Sounds like a fun project. Why are ya pulling the 455?

 

most likely the reason why anybody would, ls motors are lighter and more economical. he probably wants something he can hop in, fire up and go on long cruises with no fuss and decent mileage.

 

Give Texas Speed a call and take a look at the 228r. It should get well beyond your 350rwhp and have great drivability as well.

 

i was at 373 rwhp with a ls1 intake stock everything except lid and exhaust with a 224r. and more torque than my tires knew what to do with

 

An E head 455 pontiac is easily capable of putting down 550 plus hp and as many ft/lbs of torque NA. LS motors are great, but in a classic car, give me the old iron. Either way, I was just curious. Good luck OP.

 

,Agree classic car I would also take the old iron,but that's just me,I love the ls motors,but maybe he has another goal in mind,who wants a 455 66 gto putting out 500 hp? (Me) when you can make 350 with a ls1 and get great gas mileage lol,I believe I saw in a mag west coast customs did a 60s gto with a new goats int,and a ls3 s/c was really nice,

 

I definately appreciate the work it takes to swap a new drivetrain into the old iron and understand the benefits. But, I have an old Trans-Am and when the time comes, it will be an aluminum headed 468ci pontiac engine putting down 550-600 hp. I think with a TH400 and a gear vendors overdrive unit, mileage might even be reasonable.

 

Interested in what cams you guys sell. Checked your web site looking for specs and couldn't locate any cams.

 

Best way to find out is to call up there and talk to Steve, Matt or Chris. Pretty much anyone that answers the ph.