90K on engine, LE1 or LE2 still possible?
90K on engine, LE1 or LE2 still possible? This spring/summer, my budget can either afford the NX MAF wet kit or if I stretch it some I can get the LE1 or LE2 package. My question is my motor has 90K on it, would it be safe to run the LE package for a year or two until I save up enough money for a forged shortblock or would it be wise to just wait. The motor doesn't burn oil and the oil pressure is within specs. so I would venture to say that it is in pretty good mechanical shape. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2005
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If you are having to "stretch" it to put on H/C i would say go with the nitrous, get all the safety stuff and don't abuse it. My reasoning being that the H/C is gonna have unforseen costs, and will eventually break something on your car. (rear end being the first thing that comes to mind).
go with an LE2 package. DO NOT forget though that with this package you need ALL the supporting mods to make it work such as:
correct gears (3.73s auto, 4.10s manual)
long tube headers
no cats
roller rockers
pushrods
rocker studs (if going with 7/16" roller rockers)
guideplates (if going with non self aligning roller rockers)
fuel injectors in the 32#+ range
new timing chain
youre going to spend more than you think you're going to either way. My engine build cost me a little more than $6,000. my shortblock, which came assembled whole, was $2,550 of that $6,000.
correct gears (3.73s auto, 4.10s manual)
long tube headers
no cats
roller rockers
pushrods
rocker studs (if going with 7/16" roller rockers)
guideplates (if going with non self aligning roller rockers)
fuel injectors in the 32#+ range
new timing chain
youre going to spend more than you think you're going to either way. My engine build cost me a little more than $6,000. my shortblock, which came assembled whole, was $2,550 of that $6,000.
If your going to do Heads/Cam I would go with the LE1, it's not as extreme... plus you spend less money on supporting mods to make it work right. You figure in $1100 for the package, 52MM Throttle Body, Injectors, Stall for an Auto, Full Exhaust if you don't have it, plus a decent tune from PCM For Less or Mad Z28, and your looking at 2000-2500 instead of $1100, saying you can do most of the work yourself, and I may be low balling the figure a little bit. I think the LE1 won't put as much pressure on your car, tranny, rear-end etc. But if I we're to run an LE2 with the support mods I would defnitley go 12 bolt or 9 inch.
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Verdad Gallardo I'll probably have to talk to Lloyd when things get closer, I was hoping for a package more so in between both the LE1 and LE2. I've heard he can do custom things of that nature. I already have a full exhaust (Pacesetter Lts, ORY with minicats, and a Magnaflow catback). Plus, I will probably have the tranny rebuilt along with a higher stall converter this summer as well. That only leaves the rearend but I wont be able to afford that right now anyhow. Then again, my car is not a daily driver, I drive it once or twice a month, six months out of the year, it has crappy street tires which just spin through 1st and 2nd, and it hasn't seen the track yet and probably won't until I get the suspension finished and a new rear put in. Thanks for the help so far guys.
In a nutshell it is the LE1 head porting and the LE2 cam. 
it would be tough to stretch $2k to pay for whats needed. dont forget about shipping. The LE1 package is $1100. You'll need fuel injectors, racetronix has 30 lbers for $240. When I bought my 1.6 roller rockers, guideplates, pushrods, and lifters the total came out to $600+. A mail order tune, that will be in the neighborhood of $100, although a dyno tune would be much better. Is your tranny rebuild and converter included in the $2000? Don't forget gaskets. A gasket set will run you approximately $150. Add in all the sealants, lubricants, and other fluids that you'll need. The cash piles up fast 
do the math right there...
$1100 heads & cam
$240 30lb fuel injectors
$270 1.6 roller rockers
$220 for comp 'r' lifters (you'll only need the 850-16 comp stock replacement ones)
$30 7/16" studs for rockers
$120 comp hi-tech pushrods
$27 GM guideplates
$100 mail order tune
$150 gaskets
thats about $2250 right there.
I didnt account for any shipping, handling, and tax fees. the real total of the above would be close to $2500 especially when you find things that are worn out during the build that need to be replaced. im probably forgetting some stuff.
do the math right there...
$1100 heads & cam
$240 30lb fuel injectors
$270 1.6 roller rockers
$220 for comp 'r' lifters (you'll only need the 850-16 comp stock replacement ones)
$30 7/16" studs for rockers
$120 comp hi-tech pushrods
$27 GM guideplates
$100 mail order tune
$150 gaskets
thats about $2250 right there.
I didnt account for any shipping, handling, and tax fees. the real total of the above would be close to $2500 especially when you find things that are worn out during the build that need to be replaced. im probably forgetting some stuff.
the tune from pcmforless is $175, i would have at least $3000 to play with just to be on the safe side. that away you don't get stuck with a car that you can't finish. i just got done installing my le1 kit. my car had 136,000 miles on it so i went ahead and replaced bearings mains and cam and rings. but the car runs good.
I didnt use a pcmforless tune for mine, I used madz28 and I think it was around $90-$100. It really just depends on how you get it done.
haha that sounds all to familiar. if ya cant afford to do it, don't. I still havent learned my lesson about that though lol.
that away you don't get stuck with a car that you can't finish.
