I've looked and I can't seem to find an all-in-one LT4 kit for my 96 LT1 in my SS.

I'm looking for great performance with streetability. I don't plan on racing this vehicle. 450 hp would be perfect, but I'll settle for 400 in this application.

First, is it truly worth it, as opposed to some other mods? (I'm not taking nitrous into consideration, yet)

Second, what would be the most cost effective?

Thanks.

 

you won't even see 400 from an LT4 kit.

1) no, its not worth it (for the LT4 kit anyway)
2) getting your heads/intake ported with a custom cam to match your power goals

 

yah dude your better off reserching heads and cams, and intake/TB stuff and finding the optimum parts for what you wan't man, the LT4 kit from what i have heard is a waste of money. If you want the LT4 red intake look just go buy yourself a chilton book and a can of 500 degree paint and yank that intake out and paint it.

 

Cool.

I've got some contacts that can do a good build, but I want some outside opinions.

Trying to cover all bases.

BTW, I thought the LT4 was rated at 400. Am I mistaken?

 

Rated at 425 flywheel which is down maybe 320 at the tires.

Today most folks looking to do heads and cam want near 400 at the wheels and that is attainable.

 

It stock was rated at 330hp/300tq.

As far as it putting out 400hp..
I had a LT4 Hotcam in my LT1 with some other minor mods and it put down 340 at the Wheels..do the math on that..

 

Dave Dave Dave ,Uggh, custom cam and your heads ported by the right guy gets the numbers. You'll need supporting mods LT's, EWP,TB, RR's etc......Told ya lt4 kit is a joke my man.

 

Maybe in a Caprice.
A 425bhp LT1 Fbody will put down 340-360.

 

yeah, except that 425 was with long tube headers and an Accel DFI computer system, along with some other things that most people aren't going to be running.

 

MAYBE with an M6, with an auto though the drivetrain losses will be similar between a b-body and an f-body.

Most people do not realize the massive power losses from in car intake and exhaust besides accessories and drivetrain losses.

Golen who most of you believe to be a good builder has many a 440hp stroker out there only making 320ish to the wheels through an A4, his 520hp motor I have yet to hear of getting even 400 to the wheels. He is honest in his rating you guys just do not understand that is without any restrictions or accessories.

An LT1 mechanical WP soaks up 11hp at 6000rpms alone and an engine only dyno test is usually without an engine driven WP. Think about PS, AC clutch even with the compressor not turning, alternator is a little load too not just the charging load but accelerating the mass. Then the restrictions of headers meant to fit a chassis rather than meant to optimise power, exhaust system, intake tract, it all adds up to a lot of lost power between a flywheel rating and a rear wheel number.

 

I have found out that budget power is an oxymoreon, you have to pay to play, so get some spray and call it a day.

 

He will go heads and cam, I have made a ton of mistakes and he refuses to learn from those who blazed the path before him? We grew up together so forgive me. He's smarter in almost every aspect except cars and women, LOL!