Upgrading a stock LS1..bang for buck
 

Well it looks like my low mileage 98 Camaro SS with a pretty stock LS1 may have eaten a bearing... the car sits for months, and the theory is that the oil just broke down, combined with some possible dry starts from sitting just ate the bearing surface....just started the pull out today, so the motor isnt broken down yet.

So I figured if I need to pull the motor apart, its an ideal time to update/upgrade some stuff.....dont want to go crazy.... the car doesnt see much action, so I dont want to dump a ton of $$ into it....

So I'm looking for some low buck upgrades..maybe basic ported LS3 heads, lifters etc, better cam.... any basic upgrades from any other other LSX platiforms that would be a decent bang for the buck?

Maybe just port the stock LS1 heads and cam?

I just upgraded a 99 Trans Am LS1 in another car on a budget. I did CNC ported 243 heads, EPS baby 222/226 cam 114 cam, LS6 intake manifold, Kooks headers and True Dual exhaust and the car made 424 rwhp/412 rwtq.

I would really get Patrick G or Geoff at Engine Power Systems to spec you a cam once you select the other parts.

Just bought an LS1 pullout for a project....

Been reading on LS1tech that swapping to an Ls6 intake is just about the best bang for the buck and gets rid of the air pump and EGR mess. 15-20 rwhp reportedly, for about $500.

Heads are obviously the best place to stick the $$ but I'm not too keen on dropping $3000 on set of full CNC'd aftermarket ones..

GM Perf has a set of ported LS3 heads at a decent price...

I'm also trying to figure out all the "extra" stuff that comes with changing to a different LSX head or intake

Ned, I got my set of CNC ported 243's from a guy on tech for under $1000. Went with stock valves and PAC beehive springs. I can give you the guys contact info if interested.

ls3 heads Need a 4.00" or larger bore to fit LS3 heads wont work on a ls1.

Correct, you can't put GenIV heads on an LS1. You'll need to stick to ported LS6 heads if you want to maintain a budget. I'd check out Texas Speed and Performance. They have budget ported LS6 heads that will work really well. LS6 intake is a must because it works very well. Ported oil pump should be in there too. 1-3/4" long tube headers if you don't already have them. For cam, you have a ton of options. You just have to decide where you want to make power or what kind of idle you want. I'm assuming this is a T56 car as well. If not, spend money on a torque converter instead of the cylinder heads if you're pushing how much you're wanting to spend.

Also, upgrade your pushrods to one piece units. Factory rockers are fine.

Just did a head cam swap on my camaro. I Got everything from Texas Speed and Performance. I used the PRC CNC ported LS6 stage 2.5 head. One of the best prices for a new head. About half of the $3K which leave money for other parts. I used the 228R cam (228/228 at 112lsa) they even did the flash on my ecm. Motor is completly different. Estimated 450 to 475 rwhp with all the goodies I have. I started a post here in the project section The Fab53 Camaro just about 3 weeks ago with some of the info.

Yes, what these guys said -

I bought a pair of refurb 243s and had them P&Pd for $800 with higher lift springs. Picked up pushrods from LS1Tech.com for $50. Found a TSP224R cam for $150. Then waited and found a CircD TC from LS1Tech for $200.

This was for a 5.3 - this heavy truck moves good now.

One big thing is that it has to pass CA smog too...

I've dealt with getting " non-legal" cars to pass and I'm done with that hassle... No headers... Got to have cats.... And it's a t56 car