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

Planning Out My Modifications and Need Help

Old Jun 16, 2008 | 09:25 PM
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Default Planning Out My Modifications and Need Help

I recently bought a 1997 Trans Am. The current modifications are pacesetter long tube headers, off road y-pipe, magnaflow catback, pro 5.0 shifter, centerforce clutch, and a ligenfelter cold air intake. I was wondering where you guys think I should go next because I want to plan out my build on my car instead of just spending money and getting screwed later on. BTW everything else on the car is stock.
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Old Jun 16, 2008 | 09:29 PM
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next should be suspension and rear....
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Old Jun 16, 2008 | 09:30 PM
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you will get many opinions here, so here is mine

-12 bolt
-full suspension
-M/T Drag Radials
-H/C

most go the exact opposite of what I listed, but continue to break parts or not go fast since they can't put it to the ground

if you need anything let me know or there are many other great sponsors which can help as well

good luck
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Old Jun 16, 2008 | 09:48 PM
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Of course it all depends on your plans for the car. If you want a drag car the the best approach is to start at the back of the car and work forward ie. 12 bolt or 9 inch, built trans/clutch, suspension/tires, THEN motor. the axle/trans will most likely go out before the engine. If you spend a good chunk of the budget to build an awesome motor its only going to tear up the stock axle/trans then there is no money left to fix those. Ask me how i know hahaha
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Old Jun 16, 2008 | 11:17 PM
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12 bolt or 9 inch, suspension, h/c/i, wheels and tires of your preference. and a stall if its an a4...
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Old Jun 17, 2008 | 12:02 AM
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9" Rearend/suspention & tires.
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Old Jun 17, 2008 | 05:08 PM
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thanks for the opinions guys keep them coming by the way it is a m6 and my plans for it are to build more of a street car for nice weather and to take it to the track throughout the year. i want to break into single digits one day but i know i have a long way to go lol
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Old Jun 17, 2008 | 11:25 PM
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Post #3 Larry@Speed Inc can set you up. He has a '97 z28 w/all the mods that you will want for your car.
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 12:55 AM
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Originally Posted by LS1 SPEED
you will get many opinions here, so here is mine

-12 bolt
-full suspension
-M/T Drag Radials
-H/C

most go the exact opposite of what I listed, but continue to break parts or not go fast since they can't put it to the ground

if you need anything let me know or there are many other great sponsors which can help as well

good luck


Originally Posted by TABBED 5.3
Of course it all depends on your plans for the car. If you want a drag car the the best approach is to start at the back of the car and work forward ie. 12 bolt or 9 inch, built trans/clutch, suspension/tires, THEN motor. the axle/trans will most likely go out before the engine. If you spend a good chunk of the budget to build an awesome motor its only going to tear up the stock axle/trans then there is no money left to fix those. Ask me how i know hahaha
These two are pretty well linked. If you want a fun daily driver and don't plan to do much, or any, track time then it's kind of a waste. Now, the rear end can even go out on the streets if you launch too hard with that M6, but having street tires will help since they are far less sticky than some Drag Radials. I can barely make my DRs talk, unlike my old street tires lol.

While it's not exactly recommended by all, but if you just plan to upgrade the motor, goto the track a few times and make 350-430hp then I would get the hardened axles (I believe Moser makes a nice set for $250/pair) and maybe a better posi unit.

Heads, Cam, Injectors, Tune. That's where I'd go with it. And save up, so it can be all done at once. You won't NEED injectors for a heads cam motor, but you'll need a tune. And if you plan to do a bit more later, you'll need injectors and another tune. So might as well get it whacked out now After that, do the rear end upgrades I mentioned and then go with whatever suspension work you want to do. Track, style (lowering) or better handling.
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 01:04 AM
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Originally Posted by BOLO
Post #3 Larry@Speed Inc can set you up. He has a '97 z28 w/all the mods that you will want for your car.
He has a EFI Whipple? :O Thems so cool Much meaner looking than a centrifugal one
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Old Jun 18, 2008 | 06:04 PM
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sell it and get a honda with a turbo haha jk id do a cam, port the intake and heads and dont forget all the free/cheap mods like tb bypas , 160 thermostat ....etc
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Old Jun 19, 2008 | 12:56 PM
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I have $900 right now and i was thinking of doing m/t et drag radials 255/50/16, holley 58 mm tb, tb air foil, and bmr sub frame connectors. what do you guys think?
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Old Jun 19, 2008 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by x99ChevyCamarox
I have $900 right now and i was thinking of doing m/t et drag radials 255/50/16, holley 58 mm tb, tb air foil, and bmr sub frame connectors. what do you guys think?

Skip the throttle body. As stated above, if you want a good car, start with the suspension.

Good Luck,

Daren
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