This is off of Fbody also. *I TAKE NO CREDIT FOR THIS EITHER!*
I know most everybody on here knows all of this stuff. I just thought for the newer people, Like myself..


Alright guys, you wanted it and its finally here. The second stage of bolt on's for LT1 engines for those that have followed my previous stage 1 bolt on list thread and have done those modifications already. In this stage, we will focus on the ignition system and small internals of the engine (I.e. cams, manifolds, and head work). Well, lets get right into it shall we?!

Step 1: Spark Plugs

NGK- $7.99 ea.
e3- $7.50 ea.
Bosch- $6.89 ea.
Autolite- $4.30 ea.
ACDelco- ???

There are many different types of spark plugs to choose from, each giving a different type of spark to ignite your AFM (Air/Fuel Mixture). Varieties include Copper, platinum, silver, Iridium, Magnesium, and so on. I find that NGK's IX TR55 Iridium tipped plugs give me the best spark, but its all preference. They also tend to last a little longer in my opinion. As long as you can get a nice burn of the AFM, youre in the clear. Just remember to check the gaps often!!!!!!!

Step 2: 8.5mm Ignition Wires (Slight performance increase with plugs, not much though)

MSD- $59
Moroso- $54
Magnecore- $52
Summit Racing- $48

The ignition wires are a key component to creating a nice, clean and even spark. They are the driving force that carry a constant electric current from your distributor to your spark plugs. With these new wires, you will have a more definite burn and wont have to worry as much about failing of any wires because these are specially tailored to outperform OE specifications. Also, the boots on these wires are made with higher quality materials, which will enable them to last longer. Who could complain about that?


Step 3: Distributor Cap And Rotor (Larger increase with previously mentioned wire and plug upgrade, but still not a huge one).

MSD: about $145

Now, all of us who have had it happen in the past know how damn frustrating it can be when you take off the line and your distributor craps the hell out on you. Well heres a simple solution to having replace the entire assembly each time. An MSD cap and rotor kit is a nice little upgrade for your distributor that should be done immediately if upgrading your ignition system. These new pieces are injection molded with high strength dupont material, while the rotor is molded from stainless steel and brass. All encased in a solid epoxy shell. They dont look too shabby either haha.

Step4: LT4 Conversion Kit

JEGS- $2919

Now this modification is a pretty hefty one. But with it, comes big noticeable hp gains along with snappier throttle response and a large chunk off your 1/4 mile time. Coupled with the previous modifications from stage 1, youre looking at massive power gains people. Keep in mind that you can also buy these parts individually from other companies, but its all just personal preference. I personally find that just spending the money at one time to get everything at once is easier. This is a complete kit from GMPP, Edelbrock, and FEL-PRO. Included are the following:

-Edelbrock performer RPM Air-gap LT4 Intake Manifold
-GMPP Fully Assembled Aluminum LT4 Cylinder Heads
-GMPP LT4 Hotcam with 1.6 Roller Rocker Kit
-Fel-Pro NHRA certified complete race gasket kit

Note: YOU WILL NEED A TUNE AFTER THIS!!!!!

Step5: Dyno Tune

Varies upon Location

As you all know, a dyno tune can help squeeze every last bit of power you have hidden in your engine right out to the pavement. In addition, it will setup your ECM to recognize that it needs to compensate for the new mods. So get yourself one of these every time you complete a list of mine and you will be golden.


Well folks, thats all for this list. Look out for stage 3, where we will focus more on the handling aspects (I.e. suspension and brakes), and Transmission and drivetrain. Hope this helps and thanks for looking!

 

im interested in that LT4 conversion...

my car is at about 120,000 miles
and i run it like a baby, but a serious tune up would probably be beneficial
when i bought the car i restored everything inside and out, suspension etc. etc.
everything but the engine, i havent touched that besides spark plugs

there is allota carbon build up in my intake manifold though i have noticed
i have the world ****tiest air intake on with a K&N also ( i hate K&N btw)

how hard would it be to find those piston sleeves and the intake manifold, and if i do put either of those on, do i need the cam?

and we have a tuning shop around here somewhere

 

you can get more hp gains for about the same money by having the heads and intake p&p'd with a better cam and 1.6 rr's. lt4 change really doesnt give that much gains. check out lloyd elliotts website, elliotts port works.

 

hmmm...

well whats the best i can do for about 1,000

id like to do it at home, and preferably without dropping the engine if i have to, but i can

i have all winter for this project, my cars not touching snow

 

it depends on what you want. did you look at elliotts? gives you an idea of what it will take. need to take into account the assoiated costs like gaskets and stuff. you could do it in stages. if you dont have good exhaust and headers that would suck up a grand in a hurry. cai intake?

 

yeah i did

im gonna have to think smaller lol

over christmas im going to get a REAL cai, not the pos one on my car, a new muffler, maybe long tubes or maybe even a cat back to go along with that, and just a general tune up/gasket replacement in the engine bay

tsssk tskkk