caldercay

1995 Z convertible ... tranny is shot, so will get a performance built unit
from PerformaBuilt, FLT, etc.

Next agenda: Engine, 160k miles - since I'm yanking the tranny,
I might as well do the engine. So here's my thoughts, but I know
your feedback will likely sway me. Here's the options:

1) GM crate engine: maybe the GM 405 hp LS6 or 350 HP LS1.

2) Rebuild the LT1. I have NO problem with forking out for
a crank, rods, pistons, cam, valves, etc.

I know this is a tall order, but I know the experts out here will
have some great suggestions - if I want to crank out up to
400HP, what would be some recommendations for the various
engine components I'll need to look for? I want this to be a
street-able (daily?) machine.

Prototype007

iTrader: (2)

Rebuild the LT1 man. 355 for the win since you want to remain daily driven.

caldercay

Thanks for the reply, Joseph!

I've been leaning more to doing the rebuild myself. It's been a while
since I've done a rebuild (about 15 years), but I've done quite a few,
so I'm not blind to the work. Any suggestions what to look to for
in component parts?

At this point, it's difficult to to say, "how fast" I want to go, but as far
as parts go, my budget will be in the area of $2500 (for engine).

Prototype007

iTrader: (2)

$2,500.00 budget eh?

You sound like me...............BROKE AND WAITING FOR TAX TIME LOL!

I would just guess 355, CAI, Intake Elbow, Perhaps larger throttle body like 52mm or just have your's ported out since this setup don't consist of big cam or massive displacement, port Mass Air pieces that attach to the actually Mass Air meter itself, some type of long tubes like Hooker, Pacesetter, Dynatech, etc. and larger diameter exhaust system.

Not sure if you could do all that under $2,500.00 or not though!

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

I re-build my LT1 I had for about $1800..everything was Forged except for the Crank, had it all Balanced, Milled the Heads to 11:1 Compression..and that was pretty much it. It was a strong little ****..still 350cid.

caldercay

Joseph ... thanks for the additonal reply.

$2500 is for the ENGINE. Headers and intake end
of things would be additional.

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

Scat makes really nice rotating kits that include forged crank & rods, Mahle coated pistons, bearings and flexplate. Reasonably priced. Call them up for exact kit numbers as Summit and such doesn't list every kit.

gatorhead

iTrader: (4)

I strongly suggest you go forged with everything in the bottom end. The cost isn't that much as compared to the insurance it provides to have it. You always can add to it without the worry of it breaking.

Schweet97Z

iTrader: (35)

rebuild the lt-1....

EPP

iTrader: (22)

http://www.exoticperformanceplus.com...Car.php?car=37

Check out this LT1 that we built, it is making quite a bit if power and we were all pleased with it, especially the customer. Bob

skinnies

iTrader: (33)

$2500 isn't going to give you a lot of room for improvements and rebuild the bottom end. I suggest keeping the stock rotating assembly unless you plan on spraying it or going boost.

Pull it apart and have a machine shop quick hone it, new cam bearings/freeze plugs. Then get a set of rings/bearings/arp rod bolts and throw it all back together and you'll have a reliable motor. You shouldn't have much money in it.

Then you can pick up a cam/springs/rockers(I actually have all that for sale, PM me if your interested), along with a CAI, set of headers/ypipe/catback, and put some money back for a tune. As cam only it will make 330-340rwhp(~400 crank hp) and it should be reliable as can be.

t-rocks firehawk

a question like that to me is all about the money you have to spend. the origanal motor will be the easiest to replace.

caldercay

Thanks Bob (Exotic Perf) and "skinnies" (and others) for the info - definitely the type of information I'm looking for!

DeltaT

iTrader: (5)

I would stay LT1 but look to a 383 forged upgrade. I won't cost much more than the 350 and the payoff is sweet. Maybe allocate $250 to a basic bowl blend and valve job on the heads.

The LS option, for $2500, won't even let you in the ballpark and you'd have a lot more stuff to change. I just went through the same decision cycle but couldn't justify getting rid of my heads, manifold, plumbing, yada yada... Started looking at $10K for the LS and that made it easy...

Jim

slick1851

The qeustion is what the power goal?

caldercay

Thanks Jim ...

I'm getting a lot of feedback (in other forums too) about going the 383 route, which is where I think I'm heading. As far as $2500 for the LS option ... had I decided to go the "LS option" I would get the crate engine, which is significantly more than $2500 I know this sounds lame, but my thought is that with the crate engine, it's basically a bolt-in (according to GM).

Anyway, so I'm going the LT1 rebuild route and am making notes about what I need/want.

To "slick1851" ... my HP goals are 400-450 HP.

chavez885

iTrader: (12)

400 hp for 2500 bucks is really pushing it

bricez28

shiiiit almost the same name. thats rare!

StealthFormula

iTrader: (35)

I'd rebuild the LT1 with some good components I would go with all forged components and stroke it out to a 383 since its the best time to do so and toss a cam and all new valvetrain in there so you can reach 400hp at the crank then maybe save for some heads later on and really wake it up.

gatorhead

iTrader: (4)

Yeah right! If it were only that easy many more would have already done it