LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Headers/Tune on high mileage lt1

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Old Jun 8, 2025 | 11:36 PM
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Default Headers/Tune on high mileage lt1

Well I've pulled my 97 trans am out of storage. It runs great and doesn't burn any oil or coolant. It has 186k miles on the motor. Would long tube headers and a pcm tune be a bad idea with that many miles as long as I don't beat on it constantly?
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Old Jun 9, 2025 | 10:32 AM
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DOOOOIIIIIIT! Great idea. I put LTs on my 94 TA at 185k and it was still going strong at 215k
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Old Jun 10, 2025 | 07:30 PM
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I've just installed long tube headers on my 186K mile 94 Trans Am. I do plan to beat on it constantly. We'll see how it goes!
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Old Jun 11, 2025 | 07:47 AM
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Go for it! You'll get even more joy out of your LT-1 powered Trans Am. We offer a selection of long tube header options for it. Let us know if we can be of any further assistance.
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Old Jun 11, 2025 | 08:50 AM
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if valve springs are original, they were done 100k mi ago. With the headers and tune that will allow higher revs that the original valve springs will not support. While you are in there, install 1:6 RR to with the valve springs. Poor mans cam upgrade

It will allow the headers to not just be a poser mod, but actually let the beautiful sound of higher revs and power happen
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Old Jun 12, 2025 | 04:53 AM
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Excellent. I had been wondering if roller rockers/new valve springs would be a good idea or not and this is the advice I needed to hear. Thanks.
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Old Jun 12, 2025 | 05:01 AM
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Originally Posted by ******
if valve springs are original, they were done 100k mi ago. With the headers and tune that will allow higher revs that the original valve springs will not support. While you are in there, install 1:6 RR to with the valve springs. Poor mans cam upgrade

It will allow the headers to not just be a poser mod, but actually let the beautiful sound of higher revs and power happen
Can you recommend specific roller rockers/valves/pushrods/related valvetrain parts to support this?
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Old Jun 12, 2025 | 05:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Summitracing
Go for it! You'll get even more joy out of your LT-1 powered Trans Am. We offer a selection of long tube header options for it. Let us know if we can be of any further assistance.
I'll be giving you guys my business when I'm ready for all of this. Really happy with the OEM ZR1 wheels I ordered from you recently.
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Old Jun 12, 2025 | 09:49 AM
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Go for it..
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Old Jun 12, 2025 | 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by reservoirdogs12
Can you recommend specific roller rockers/valves/pushrods/related valvetrain parts to support this?
Contact Summit

The Crane Gold narrow body 3/8" stud self aligning, if available, are plug and play and do not require the minor valve cover baffle trim. With that said, Comp Ultra Pro Mags are a better rocker but require a minimal VC trim.

Stock PR are fine....But many chose NSA RR and install guide plates and change the rocker studs to 7/16" (ARP). You do need guide plates and hardened PR to run NSA RR. ISKY adjustable guide plates are the one to get for LT1 AL heads
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Old Jun 13, 2025 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by reservoirdogs12
I'll be giving you guys my business when I'm ready for all of this. Really happy with the OEM ZR1 wheels I ordered from you recently.
That sounds awesome, and we're looking forward to it. You can connect with us here through PM or Contact Us through our other various channels.
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Old Aug 7, 2025 | 09:16 AM
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Originally Posted by reservoirdogs12
Well I've pulled my 97 trans am out of storage. It runs great and doesn't burn any oil or coolant. It has 186k miles on the motor. Would long tube headers and a pcm tune be a bad idea with that many miles as long as I don't beat on it constantly?
Condition of the engine means so much more then the mileage, that being said I don't even consider trying to install headers with the engine in the car, you will bust your hands up and scratch and scrape so much **** under your hood. If you consider pulling the drivetrain and re-gasketing the engine/ freshening up all the other items that will fail with age, at that point is when I would recommend throwing on headers!
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