Ideas for Horsepower Mods

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by Ron in SoCal

You can do any of the above, but before you post another question or response for g-d sakes MAN UP...

Yea Ron's dead on grow a set and tell your wife you're throwing a 700 hp Sideoiler in the Camaro

It will only cost about double the Smeding

[Bucketlist2012]

The problem is that the last time I told the Wife how much the Z/28 build cost so far, it cost me trading in her 10K 350Z for a 35K 370Z Sport/Touring... Ouch.

Nice car, but I would have kept the 350Z.

She also wants me to get rid of the old pickup and buy a newer nicer one..

So this engine swap will take some covert operations..It will take me a month or two to work out the details, but now I have a better Idea on what I am doing..

No LS, but a Nasty Small block and maybe a 6 speed..

The Wife would want what ??? If she finds out ? For every 25K I spend, it cost me 25K on the Wife, so double the budget...

[WSSix]

Personally, I'd go solid lifter high reving like the LT-1 was when it first came out. I'd use modern parts like aluminum heads and a solid roller cam. There's just something wicked about a solid lifter engine. So long as you don't make it too difficult to remove the valve covers it won't be hard to do the periodic valve lash adjustments. Oh and go fuel injected. It's so much more enjoyable once it's set up correctly.

I would set your original engine aside though. It's also stamped as being an LT-1 not just being for your car. There may be some other restoration person needing a date coded LT-1 and you could have what they need.

[Sandbagger]

Id stick a 400 crank in there roller / al heads . Keep your # s matching block

[Bucketlist2012]

Originally Posted by Ron in SoCal

I like you Mike, so don't take this the wrong way, ok? Free advice:

Don't ask a question on a performance oriented website - especially about testosterone inducing horsepower - and mention anything about whether or not you will tell your wife or if she'll approve. Research and pull the trigger when the time is right in your life. Last thing 500+ is better than low 400s....

Ron, Somehow I missed this post.

To summarize, just do it, and don't mention the Wife..

Also 500HP is the goal.

Got it

[Ron in SoCal]

Originally Posted by Bucketlist2012

No LS, but a Nasty Small block and maybe a 6 speed..

The Wife would want what ??? If she finds out ? For every 25K I spend, it cost me 25K on the Wife, so double the budget...

That's called 'the luxury tax' my man...

[Bucketlist2012]

Originally Posted by Ron in SoCal

That's called 'the luxury tax' my man...

Stupid me. I hadn't factored that into my Budget.

Still have the Interior to go through, but screw that. That can wait.

This will never be a SEMA car, more of a take it out and beat it kinda car.

So I have a few months to plan what to do. But to compete with today's new Hot rods, I HAVE to do something.

Back in 1985, With a fresh LT-1, I ruled the streets...Not anymore..

So I just have to plan what I am doing.. I Would have saved some money that I already spent had I known I would be doing engine work. We did the Balancer, Timing chain, Pan leak, ect...

The thing sounds mean with the 280H cam, but it has lost some of it's Mojo..

So I either redo the Top end, or pull the whole thing out..

EDIT... Ron I just saw your build thread....I need to just start over...Your car is Bad A$$.

[intocarss]

#1... Stick the orig complete LT1 in the corner of the garage

#2... You buy the SBC 427 or??

#3... You buy the wife a new living room set

#4... Problem solved & everyone is happy!

[Bucketlist2012]

Originally Posted by intocarss

#1... Stick the orig complete LT1 in the corner of the garage

#2... You buy the SBC 427

#3... You buy the wife a new living room set

#4... problem solved!

Already bought her a new Living room set..Family room set...Kitchen upgrade is being finished now...Back splash is left to do.

Hardwood floors...Wrought Iron staircase....370Z..All done...

So I start my plan now, and by Winter I will be ready..

LT-1 will stay at Steve's for a while....

Bang for my buck, the 383 seems like a better deal. The 427 is twice the price for 90 more HP...

[WSSix]

Make sure you start with a one piece rear main seal block. Also, go with center bolt valve cover heads so you don't have to worry about oil leaks up top.

Also, go with six inch connecting rods in the motor.