My bird
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3
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From: Chicago/Virginia
My bird Hi everyone. I just introduced myself in the welcome thread. Anyways, I have a 1999 Firebird that has been in the garage for over a year. On of the rods started giving out and the engine would keep stuttering. I could have fixed it, but I didn't have enough money at that time. Now that I have some money and time, I want to fix it up. Right now, there is a 3.8 V6 in it. I wan't to replace that with a V8. I know this will take some time and money, but its been too long. I need it back on the streets! So I have some questions:
* What is the difference between the LS1 and LT1?
* Which is the best V8 that I could put in my car?
* I will have to change the guages to be able to display the speeds more acurately (right now it maxes at 125MPh, and I think the V8's max out at 150MPH). And I will have to change out the transmission. What else will I have to change?
* I can not do all this myself, so I will have a very respected and long known mecahnic to this for me. I have not asked him for a quote yet, but roughly how much am I looking at?
* I also want a borla exhaust. Is that a good one? Are there any better than that?
Sorry for all the stoopid questions, but I am not very mechanical when it comes to cars. I thank you all for your time and comments!
* What is the difference between the LS1 and LT1?
* Which is the best V8 that I could put in my car?
* I will have to change the guages to be able to display the speeds more acurately (right now it maxes at 125MPh, and I think the V8's max out at 150MPH). And I will have to change out the transmission. What else will I have to change?
* I can not do all this myself, so I will have a very respected and long known mecahnic to this for me. I have not asked him for a quote yet, but roughly how much am I looking at?
* I also want a borla exhaust. Is that a good one? Are there any better than that?
Sorry for all the stoopid questions, but I am not very mechanical when it comes to cars. I thank you all for your time and comments!
LT1 is a 350 ci iron block. Basically it will take one hell of a beating and then some.
LS1 is a 346 ci aluminum block. It is the best of the two. Has bigger cam's or something and a few other things that make it faster than the LT1. So I'd say go for LS1 or bigger. You'll have to change the tranny to a 4L60E (Auto) or T-56 (Manual). You should be able to find a motor and tranny deal. Look around, I'm sure there's something out there. I would say probably the rear end also since it won't hold that power. It'd be wise to get 3.73's or 4.10's with a 12-bolt. Either way with a 12 bolt is the best decision. Most auto people get 3.73's and most M6ers get 4.10's. You can mix and match, your choice, your car. Maybe suspension and stuff also. I'm not sure about that. Do some searching and find some people who did a V6-V8 conversion. With the install it depends on the hourly rate. I don't even know what amount to place on it. Maybe someone else can chip in and help you out. Borla is a good exhaust. Very deep. I have it and think it sounds good. Only drawback is its about $700. At cheapest. It most common to find it for closer or over $800. I got mine for $660. That was the reason I bought it. I like Loudmouth and Borla, but Borla isn't too raspy with longtubes, so that's why I made that decision. Loudmouth is also good choice. Cheap, and loud since it has no muffler. Too loud for some, not loud enough for all. Depends on personal prefernce. Another alternative is that you may be able to sell your car and get a V8. Not sure if you want to do that or not, but whatever choice you make good luck!
LS1 is a 346 ci aluminum block. It is the best of the two. Has bigger cam's or something and a few other things that make it faster than the LT1. So I'd say go for LS1 or bigger. You'll have to change the tranny to a 4L60E (Auto) or T-56 (Manual). You should be able to find a motor and tranny deal. Look around, I'm sure there's something out there. I would say probably the rear end also since it won't hold that power. It'd be wise to get 3.73's or 4.10's with a 12-bolt. Either way with a 12 bolt is the best decision. Most auto people get 3.73's and most M6ers get 4.10's. You can mix and match, your choice, your car. Maybe suspension and stuff also. I'm not sure about that. Do some searching and find some people who did a V6-V8 conversion. With the install it depends on the hourly rate. I don't even know what amount to place on it. Maybe someone else can chip in and help you out. Borla is a good exhaust. Very deep. I have it and think it sounds good. Only drawback is its about $700. At cheapest. It most common to find it for closer or over $800. I got mine for $660. That was the reason I bought it. I like Loudmouth and Borla, but Borla isn't too raspy with longtubes, so that's why I made that decision. Loudmouth is also good choice. Cheap, and loud since it has no muffler. Too loud for some, not loud enough for all. Depends on personal prefernce. Another alternative is that you may be able to sell your car and get a V8. Not sure if you want to do that or not, but whatever choice you make good luck!
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Central Indiana Honors: 4th grade spelling bee contestant
JRP's FAQ Sticky will help you out tremendously: https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-owners-newbie-tech/213148-jrp-s-faq-commonly-asked-questions.html