What would you do?

So, after working my a** off trying to save up some money, it has finally come time to do some fun stuff with my bird. Now I ask you, the lovely LTx community, what would you do next, mod-wise? Car is my daily, but also taken to mexico every once in awhile. Budget is ~$2500.

My idea was
-LPP LT headers & Y- $500
-LE2 heads and cam setup -$1600
-3.73 ring and pinion -$200
-gear installation kit -$100

So, for those of you who are already veterans on these engines, any suggestions? Maybe things you wish you did differently? Thanks!

Well I dont know what ur over all plans are in the grand scheme of things... but mine was always to be supercharged. I started with the motor and blower but wished I had started with the drivetrain first. The car is now built almost end to end... but looking back that was one thing I wished I did different. Built rear and trams amd susp should have been first.


Now looking at the things u have listed... i think thats a decent plan... however, Id keep a back up ready to replace the rear. As u make more power and stick it to the ground... that will prob be soon to grenade.

Also... if ur auto... be sure to tune accordingly for those mods... exhaust and gear change so u make the most out of it...

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I don't really have any grand plan right now. I more or less am aiming for 500 ponies in a street setup, eventually. You're probably right about the rear and trans though. My original idea was to go with a built 4l60e, just for the simplicity of keeping a similar trans. Any reccomendations for a rear?

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Im making 602 to the wheels. Those numbers I and higher I think the 9" or any variation is the way to go. Probably the same for 500 to the wheels. Just remember the 9" os also more parasitic, so u will lose some "bragging numbers" when on the dyno. I think a properly built 12 bolt will also work for u if ur not a fan of the 9" cost.

The deals are out there... look around. Found my rear in almost new condition. Came from a car that was repoed. 9", 35 spline axles, locker, from brake to brake off an LS car... and it was 1300 plus shipping. It wouldve cost 2+ ×'s that to build one.

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A 12 bolt honestly isn't worth the money. Do a 9inch. You will always have an itch for more power :D

But overall I think your idea is great

The 12-bolt will live in an auto car but doesn't leave much headroom. I went with a 9" and it ended costing around $2700 (with me doing the assembly) but it's built to withstand a nuclear holocaust or two. It's possible to do it for <$2k new with a spool but that's not exactly street friendly. Your best bet would be to find something used, hopefully with a decent driveshaft ($$$).

$2500 won't cover a heads and cam swap from start to finish let alone the other stuff you listed. There is a lot of little stuff that adds up. All the supporting stuff to make it happen.

I would start with the exhaust and maybe a cam for now. You can always do heads later. You could probably do a cam swap for under $1,000 doing the work yourself. That's also if you plan on doing rockers, tune, pushrods, gaskets, fluids.

I wouldn't worry about the rear until you figure out what you want to do with the engine in the long run. An actual set plan. That way you don't end up doing things twice.

If you end up only having enough $$$ to do exhaust and a cam then I would just keep the stock rear. If you plan on doing more maybe an upgraded rear is in your future. Y know, all about planning.

He did say he wants 500hp. I think with those plans alone, its worth considering makina rear. Hell the 10bolts blow in stock powered lt1s...

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if ur trans is stock id think bout starting there with a built unit to hold the power ur wanting to make. as far as the rearend goes u have an auto and a chance that the rear will live a little longer. over the last 3+ years iv cut no telling how many 1.5x 60 foots on a 100% stock 10 bolt

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SexyTransAm

if ur trans is stock id think bout starting there with a built unit to hold the power ur wanting to make. as far as the rearend goes u have an auto and a chance that the rear will live a little longer. over the last 3+ years iv cut no telling how many 1.5x 60 foots on a 100% stock 10 bolt

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Its true. Many have been unicorns.

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