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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 07:50 PM
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Default Need Ideas.!

Ok. Currently i own a 600+ rwhp 04 cobra. But i am looking into getting a firebird/trans am project. And i was wondering the following.

I would buy the car pretty much for the body and drop an engine in it. I guess my queston is what kind of engine and what mods should i do to it. I am fairly new to the Ls1, thus me wanting to know what you guys think.
I am looking for around 400-500rwhp on this project car. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
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Old Aug 21, 2005 | 11:00 PM
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You can get 400 rwhp with a good cam and the 500 rwhp heads and cam stock bottom mark has recently been broken by TTPerformance (505 rwhp), but they're in new jersey and I see you're in IL. If you want to drop in a different engine, a lot of people put in an iron block 408 which is a direct bolt in replacement and should be good for 500-550 rwhp and is ready for forced induction if you may ever want to go that route. And you would of course need all the main bolt ons for such a project (long tube headers, catback (kooks longtubes and a true dual is the most power-friendly route) air lid) If you get an 01-02 you would have an ls6 intake and can get away without changing it, but if you get a 98-00 it's strongly recommended, especially once seeking some big power. Oh yea, and a 12 bolt or 9" rear and a stronger clutch are a must in these cars.
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Old Aug 22, 2005 | 02:58 PM
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You could also do a New LS2 Motor, or SLP has the Iron 402 or the Alluminum 402. Both available in low and high compression if you decide to add fored induction. They will do about 500rwhp or more depending on the componets you use and they are a resonable price. If you wanted to go all out and money is not a big deal Lingenfelter has a 427 LS6 package for the Camaro/Trans Am.
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Old Aug 22, 2005 | 03:04 PM
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Whatever motor you decide to go with make it a forged one. A forged bottom end will take you a long ways in an LSx based engine. I would go forged 346 with some type of forced induction, Someone makes a T76 turbo kit
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Old Aug 22, 2005 | 05:59 PM
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I'd buy a car that came with an LS1 in it from the factory. Much easier that way. That's my advise. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 05:58 PM
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Ok here is basically what i want.

I want 98-02 Trans Am Ws6 and have it make around 400-500rwhp.
I want the color to be that sunset orange or whatever it is called. BUT if i buy it used [obviously] and it has a lot of miles on the car what can i do engine wise w/o replacing the motor to make it last.. and what mods can i do to achieve my hp goal?
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 07:30 PM
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I believe they only made SOM Trans Ams in 02(someone correct me if I'm wrong) so if you do find one it shouldn't have too many miles but the price would probably be ~$22k. Your easiest way to get the power you want would be to get all the bolt ons and a cam. That should put you between 400-430 rwhp. If you wanna spend the extra money for heads you should be between 420-460 rwhp. With that kind of power you will need a 12 bolt or 9 inch rear. And you could always throw on a little shot of nitrous.
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Old Sep 21, 2005 | 07:43 AM
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Alright thanks for the ideas. Just need to get this project rolling. Anyone got links or ideas as far as Transmissions/stalls/engine package [that would be ideal, i am looking for somewhat of a forged one] etc etc. I just wanna get the ball rolling on this badboy.
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