L98 Performance Help
05-28-2007, 04:32 PM
#21
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I just received a email from another seller with a TRUE LT1 complete long block including all brackets, pullies, a/c, alternator... for $900. I paid $600 for this L98 BARE with just short block and heads. I don't know whether to laugh or cry 
05-28-2007, 05:09 PM
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Sell the L98 on craigslist, here and eBay. Buy the LT1 then, if you really want a true LT1 so bad.
I still suggest against the LT1 simply because the Opti and water pump (price, and opti's problems). I'd much rather get a $90 hi flow water pump with a lifetime warranty, that won't take out my distributor if and when it goes out. ALSO Be able to run a distributor that is equally as cheap, and comes in many flavors from many different companies.
So +1 for getting an LT1 intake machined. A 92-93 LT1 uses MAP, and as I said 89-92 TPI uses MAP, so the ECM won't really care about the intake. The cost of getting it machined + price of intake? I'd say $600 (That's with a port job). Stock 93 LT1 cam (best stock cam), cheap cheap $50, or probably not much more new. All that + your 150 shot, yea you'll hit 375hp I bet. A 100shot usually makes 125-150hp (or from the sheets I've seen. I'm no NOS expert so please someone correct me if I'm way off)
BTW, you CAN post everything in one long msg
I still suggest against the LT1 simply because the Opti and water pump (price, and opti's problems). I'd much rather get a $90 hi flow water pump with a lifetime warranty, that won't take out my distributor if and when it goes out. ALSO Be able to run a distributor that is equally as cheap, and comes in many flavors from many different companies.
So +1 for getting an LT1 intake machined. A 92-93 LT1 uses MAP, and as I said 89-92 TPI uses MAP, so the ECM won't really care about the intake. The cost of getting it machined + price of intake? I'd say $600 (That's with a port job). Stock 93 LT1 cam (best stock cam), cheap cheap $50, or probably not much more new. All that + your 150 shot, yea you'll hit 375hp I bet. A 100shot usually makes 125-150hp (or from the sheets I've seen. I'm no NOS expert so please someone correct me if I'm way off)
BTW, you CAN post everything in one long msg
05-28-2007, 05:26 PM
#23
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Formula350... It's not that I want an LT1 so badly... just an economical route to my performance goals 
So $600 for an LT1 intake and all machine work. Fifty bucks for a used stock '93 LT1 cam... that's GREAT news!!! Will the stock springs take the extra lift? BTW, I have a new set of Gen1 shaft-mount roller rockers... 1.6 ratio. Will this help? Can the springs take the '93 cam plus the 1.6 ratio rockers? This is $650-700 plus heads should I choose to upgrade... which is $1.4-1.5K... plus the ECU and other missing components, right? How much should I pay for the other missing components? I currently only have a bare short block and heads.
I'll work on replying to multiple replies within one post. My feeble mind is like swiss cheese these days
So $600 for an LT1 intake and all machine work. Fifty bucks for a used stock '93 LT1 cam... that's GREAT news!!! Will the stock springs take the extra lift? BTW, I have a new set of Gen1 shaft-mount roller rockers... 1.6 ratio. Will this help? Can the springs take the '93 cam plus the 1.6 ratio rockers? This is $650-700 plus heads should I choose to upgrade... which is $1.4-1.5K... plus the ECU and other missing components, right? How much should I pay for the other missing components? I currently only have a bare short block and heads.
I'll work on replying to multiple replies within one post. My feeble mind is like swiss cheese these days
Last edited by Mike1234; 05-28-2007 at 05:48 PM.
05-28-2007, 06:03 PM
#24
Originally Posted by AF cop
The heads should be a 113 casting (last 3 digits)
If they are then they are the exact same head as on the ZZ4. Good enough for over 350hp. Guys over on corvetteforum are making over 300rwhp with those heads and running 11s with them in C4 vettes. You should have no problem with them with a mild port job. They dont like cams over 550 lift though no matter how much porting you do.
If they are then they are the exact same head as on the ZZ4. Good enough for over 350hp. Guys over on corvetteforum are making over 300rwhp with those heads and running 11s with them in C4 vettes. You should have no problem with them with a mild port job. They dont like cams over 550 lift though no matter how much porting you do.
05-28-2007, 06:27 PM
#25
you are not at a loss at all with that L98,i would build it, you already have it.
they have the same potential as an Lt1,www.eportworks.com can handle the heads and cam,theY-body L98,zzz,zz1,zz2,zz3,zz4 heads are the same and other than the water passages so are the Lt1 heads.Many guys over at thirdgen.org have gotten these Lt1 heads for 200.00(the going rate)weld the water passeges up(tig) redrill the water jackets 50.00 resurface and 3angle for 150.00www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tpi/178262-completed-lt1-heads-gen1.html
as far as other heads like aftermarket i am not sold on them at all not when stock castings that have been ported etc. 1500.00 total with buying a used set seem to out perform aftermarkets at the same price.
this is my opinion as far as spending money some agree and others may not thats the beauty of it all and i respect others opinions
they have the same potential as an Lt1,www.eportworks.com can handle the heads and cam,theY-body L98,zzz,zz1,zz2,zz3,zz4 heads are the same and other than the water passages so are the Lt1 heads.Many guys over at thirdgen.org have gotten these Lt1 heads for 200.00(the going rate)weld the water passeges up(tig) redrill the water jackets 50.00 resurface and 3angle for 150.00www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tpi/178262-completed-lt1-heads-gen1.html
as far as other heads like aftermarket i am not sold on them at all not when stock castings that have been ported etc. 1500.00 total with buying a used set seem to out perform aftermarkets at the same price.
this is my opinion as far as spending money some agree and others may not thats the beauty of it all and i respect others opinions
05-28-2007, 06:57 PM
#26
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96lt1m6... So you're saying just keep the L98 heads and have them completely reworked... and buy a Stealthram. That's $800+ for the head work and $2.4-3.2K for the Holley kit. I appreciate your suggestions and that Holley MPFI piece looks GREAT... but I really can't afford to put $3-4K into this motor 
Off to buy a gallon of vodka now...
Off to buy a gallon of vodka now...
05-28-2007, 07:10 PM
#27
sure you have it already!
if you looked at the website i am sure you saw the comparisson chart,the stealthram and a converted Lt1 intake are very close so the inexpensive way is to get an Lt1 intake do the mods,get your heads reworked by eportworks add a nice cam from his combos Le1,Le2,Le3 depending on your cash flow.
the car you are putting this motor in is not gonna be pickey its just gonna fly 400+RWHP in a 2600LB car w/ IRS
vodka
me 
if you looked at the website i am sure you saw the comparisson chart,the stealthram and a converted Lt1 intake are very close so the inexpensive way is to get an Lt1 intake do the mods,get your heads reworked by eportworks add a nice cam from his combos Le1,Le2,Le3 depending on your cash flow.
the car you are putting this motor in is not gonna be pickey its just gonna fly 400+RWHP in a 2600LB car w/ IRS
vodka
me
05-28-2007, 08:24 PM
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Yea Mike, you can buy stock used LT1 cams dime a dozen. Heck, I almost got one from a guy giving his away. I got on it too late, so I paid like $25 from someone else. They're not MUCH more lift, so those stock springs will hold. As for adding 1.6 RRs, you probably would want to run new springs, just not only because it's a good idea, but if you get more workings into the motor it'd be smart. Plus, then later on you can just swap the cam in quick w/o any other upgrades.
As said, the Holley and LT1 are really close cousins. The TPiS Mini Ram and the LT1 are pretty much brothers. The best part about the LT1 though, is that there are many stock parts around. The fuel rails being the biggest thing. The TPiS Mini Ram rails are like $200 :S I'm not sure about the Holley ones. And it's just my Bias, but I think the 92-93 LT1 intake looks nicer since it doesn't have the fuel line crossover in the front. It's very hot-rod looking. It's just the 92-93 is more rare since it wasn't made in quantity. There was only like 15K FBodys made in 93, and I think Vette might have moved onto the 94 style by 93. So the Amount of 92 Vettes out there isn't many. 94-97 use the same thing and there are many more out there. The Vettes and FBodys used them as well as B-Body Caprice and Impalas. Practicality says 94-97 LT1, looks I say 92-93
Again: Stick with the L98, get a LT1 intake converted, have the heads ported to match and I don't think anyone here will disagree, JUST that done and you'll have a sweet Z. It's just the lightness of that car that'll make even the stock HP rating seem so much better
As said, the Holley and LT1 are really close cousins. The TPiS Mini Ram and the LT1 are pretty much brothers. The best part about the LT1 though, is that there are many stock parts around. The fuel rails being the biggest thing. The TPiS Mini Ram rails are like $200 :S I'm not sure about the Holley ones. And it's just my Bias, but I think the 92-93 LT1 intake looks nicer since it doesn't have the fuel line crossover in the front. It's very hot-rod looking. It's just the 92-93 is more rare since it wasn't made in quantity. There was only like 15K FBodys made in 93, and I think Vette might have moved onto the 94 style by 93. So the Amount of 92 Vettes out there isn't many. 94-97 use the same thing and there are many more out there. The Vettes and FBodys used them as well as B-Body Caprice and Impalas. Practicality says 94-97 LT1, looks I say 92-93
Again: Stick with the L98, get a LT1 intake converted, have the heads ported to match and I don't think anyone here will disagree, JUST that done and you'll have a sweet Z. It's just the lightness of that car that'll make even the stock HP rating seem so much better
05-28-2007, 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 96lt1m6
...sure you have it already... the stealthram and a converted Lt1 intake are very close so the inexpensive way is to get an Lt1 intake... do the mods, get your heads reworked by eportworks add a nice cam from his combos Le1,Le2,Le3... the car you are putting this motor in is not gonna be pickey its just gonna fly 400+RWHP in a 2600LB car w/ IRS
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me I don't really drink that much... just enough to ease the pain of my stupidity.
05-28-2007, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Formula350
Yea Mike, you can buy stock used LT1 cams dime a dozen. Heck, I almost got one from a guy giving his away. I got on it too late, so I paid like $25 from someone else. They're not MUCH more lift, so those stock springs will hold. As for adding 1.6 RRs, you probably would want to run new springs, just not only because it's a good idea, but if you get more workings into the motor it'd be smart. Plus, then later on you can just swap the cam in quick w/o any other upgrades.
As said, the Holley and LT1 are really close cousins. The TPiS Mini Ram and the LT1 are pretty much brothers. The best part about the LT1 though, is that there are many stock parts around. The fuel rails being the biggest thing. The TPiS Mini Ram rails are like $200 :S I'm not sure about the Holley ones. And it's just my Bias, but I think the 92-93 LT1 intake looks nicer since it doesn't have the fuel line crossover in the front. It's very hot-rod looking. It's just the 92-93 is more rare since it wasn't made in quantity. There was only like 15K FBodys made in 93, and I think Vette might have moved onto the 94 style by 93. So the Amount of 92 Vettes out there isn't many. 94-97 use the same thing and there are many more out there. The Vettes and FBodys used them as well as B-Body Caprice and Impalas. Practicality says 94-97 LT1, looks I say 92-93
Again: Stick with the L98, get a LT1 intake converted, have the heads ported to match and I don't think anyone here will disagree, JUST that done and you'll have a sweet Z. It's just the lightness of that car that'll make even the stock HP rating seem so much better
As said, the Holley and LT1 are really close cousins. The TPiS Mini Ram and the LT1 are pretty much brothers. The best part about the LT1 though, is that there are many stock parts around. The fuel rails being the biggest thing. The TPiS Mini Ram rails are like $200 :S I'm not sure about the Holley ones. And it's just my Bias, but I think the 92-93 LT1 intake looks nicer since it doesn't have the fuel line crossover in the front. It's very hot-rod looking. It's just the 92-93 is more rare since it wasn't made in quantity. There was only like 15K FBodys made in 93, and I think Vette might have moved onto the 94 style by 93. So the Amount of 92 Vettes out there isn't many. 94-97 use the same thing and there are many more out there. The Vettes and FBodys used them as well as B-Body Caprice and Impalas. Practicality says 94-97 LT1, looks I say 92-93
Again: Stick with the L98, get a LT1 intake converted, have the heads ported to match and I don't think anyone here will disagree, JUST that done and you'll have a sweet Z. It's just the lightness of that car that'll make even the stock HP rating seem so much better
YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
05-28-2007, 09:04 PM
#31
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Anyone wanting to sell a '93 Lt1 cam... or already ported L98 heads with heavier springs... or an already adapted/ported LT1 intake... or all the extra goodies... please PM me!!!
EDIT... When I was younger I owned several old Formula's and Trans Am's ranging from 1970 to 1972. My first car was a 1972 Formula 400. I really wish I had kept even ONE of those old rascals. They were loads of fun to drive!!!
EDIT... When I was younger I owned several old Formula's and Trans Am's ranging from 1970 to 1972. My first car was a 1972 Formula 400. I really wish I had kept even ONE of those old rascals. They were loads of fun to drive!!!
Last edited by Mike1234; 05-28-2007 at 10:02 PM.
05-29-2007, 07:51 AM
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Now, this isn't adapted, BUT it's a full intake, a 93 as I even said With all the fixings. I recommend getting it. You still would need fuel rails, and I'd ask him about it, as well as the injectors since they aren't pictured. Chances are he's an idiot and thinks the throttle body is them/that/it/whatever.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-...QQcmdZViewItem
Yes, I continue to strive to be more awesome than I already am. While just looking for no reason, I keep things like this in the back of my head.
With all the fixings. I recommend getting it. You still would need fuel rails, and I'd ask him about it, as well as the injectors since they aren't pictured. Chances are he's an idiot and thinks the throttle body is them/that/it/whatever.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-...QQcmdZViewItem
Yes, I continue to strive to be more awesome than I already am. While just looking for no reason, I keep things like this in the back of my head.
Last edited by Formula350; 05-29-2007 at 07:56 AM.
05-29-2007, 08:10 AM
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It's easy and free to make one, no cards or anything required, just an email and 2minutes. Heck you can use a free email like Yahoo if you don't want to use your main email. They're free as well and only take 2mins to setup The 3 best places to find cheap parts are eBay, car forums (like here, we have a For Sale section) and Craigslist.org
The 3 best places to find cheap parts are eBay, car forums (like here, we have a For Sale section) and Craigslist.org
05-29-2007, 08:19 AM
#35
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Thanks Formula350 but I lost my account. I took ill a few years ago and couldn't reply to emails. I had approximately 30 auctions going and 5 purchase or so. Funny how eBay can turn it's back on a buyer/seller with 3000+ deals and a nearly 99% positive feedback. 
They locked me out of my account so I couldn't get any information. I tried for weeks to deal with it but I could get no help what-so-ever.
They locked me out of my account so I couldn't get any information. I tried for weeks to deal with it but I could get no help what-so-ever.
Last edited by Mike1234; 05-29-2007 at 08:35 AM.
05-29-2007, 08:46 AM
#36
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Okay... more stupid questions: Are L98 and Gen1 SBC heads identical regarding how they mount to the block and what springs, valves, rockers, and studs are used? What about accessary brackets, etc?
My current Gen1 has a decent set of port-matched Edelbrock Performer RPM's.
My current Gen1 has a decent set of port-matched Edelbrock Performer RPM's.
05-29-2007, 08:52 AM
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I dont know how long you can wait, but I will be doing a cam swap in my 93TA. It will be about 2 months before all the parts are rounded up. If you can wait the cam, springs, pushrods, retainers, etc. will be free to you(you pay shipping). Parts have around 150K on them.
05-29-2007, 08:59 AM
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I dont mind helping out at all. It will be about 2 months, maybe less. I also have a complete TPI setup in the for sale section if you wanted to go that route. The TPI intakes look cooler but I like LT1 engines because of the reverse cooling.
05-29-2007, 12:08 PM
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The great thing about roller setups, is such little wear on the valve train So hand me downs are not all that bad Local shops can even look at them and SOME can regrind them close to stock spec.
If Astro has a good deal on his TPI, I wouldn't pass it up. Take it from me, having a nice 90% stock TPI to a nice 90% stock LT1, you won't be missing too much. Plus, the extra TQ the TPI puts down is cool
Yes, for the MOST part, the TPI and GenI are the same. Except how the intake bolts on, same like LT1s. Can't put a TPI onto an LT1, which is why the reciprocal needs machining. It's just easier to put a TPI onto something else, or a something else onto a TPI lol
What I mean with eBay is make a FRESH account. Yep, you'll lose your 3000 rating and 99% feedback, but you get to use eBay again. You could always go a step in the nuts direction and talk to eBay personally, either phone or email with a head honcho, and then fax them your medical papers.
So hand me downs are not all that bad Local shops can even look at them and SOME can regrind them close to stock spec.If Astro has a good deal on his TPI, I wouldn't pass it up. Take it from me, having a nice 90% stock TPI to a nice 90% stock LT1, you won't be missing too much. Plus, the extra TQ the TPI puts down is cool
Yes, for the MOST part, the TPI and GenI are the same. Except how the intake bolts on, same like LT1s. Can't put a TPI onto an LT1, which is why the reciprocal needs machining. It's just easier to put a TPI onto something else, or a something else onto a TPI lol
What I mean with eBay is make a FRESH account. Yep, you'll lose your 3000 rating and 99% feedback, but you get to use eBay again. You could always go a step in the nuts direction and talk to eBay personally, either phone or email with a head honcho, and then fax them your medical papers.