have been saving up to buy a H/C setup from either Ai or Loyd elliot. its almost time a couple more weeks and its ordering time. my question is whats the diffrence between the LE2 heads +cam for about 1600. and the AI 190cc Heads and cam?? Also any idea on the price of the misc things im going to need after i get them back? ( my first build so im learning as i go lol ) the le2 heads/cam on loyds site says to expect around 410+ with the bigger cam, while the AI says to expect 390-425 and is a bit more expensive. is the extra 250$ from AI worth it?? My goal is around 430-450 hp or so when im finished with the bolt ons

 

All of the AI guys on here will tell you yes it is worth it. I've never run them. I love my LE2s. After you buy the heads and cam you're going to need things like a timing set, all the gaskets, pushrods, roller rockers and patience. I can't remember the entire list that I had. shbox.com is a great place to read up on what you'll need. All total if I remember right was around $2250. I got my roller rockers used so I saved some cash there. I will tell you that what they post on there sites as projected power I believe they assume you have all the boltons and supporting mods already done. 430-450 out of a stock cubed lt1 is a bit much to ask, especially if you don't get into the bottom end at all. To make that kind of power reliably is going to cost you a whole lot more than $2500 on an LT1. If it were that easy there would be 500hp LT1s on every block. If you want a proven car just spend the $10k it'll take to make yours make 450hp and buy RamAir's ride.

 

Oh I will be putting around 10k into it I'm just asking about the top end parts. Next will be all the bolt ons I'm just trying to vet the most expesive part first . After the bolt ons I'm going to be doing the trans and rear end. I will be doing the bottom end this winter when its snowing . Just saying my end goal is 430-450ish lol im trying to compete with my dads malibu and its going to be rough. Will I be able to vet there with the le2s or should i go for the Ai?

 

Like I said I haven't run the AIs but there are a lot of guys making a lot of power with both. Definately do the boltons first or wait and do it all at once. Top end without supporting mods is a waste of time. Make sure you save for your tune as well.

 

And are the Ai's with the extra money or not?

 

Oh ya I will be waiting for the bolt ons. I've never taken the engine out of a car like this before so I plan on doing everything when I have it all out lol I'm figureing roughly 5k or so just for the top end to get it running properly is that reasonable or should i be expecting more?

 

Judging by the guys cars on here that run them I'd say yes.

 

Awesome I'll get the le2's then ths for the help