Man, have I been spending a lot of time lately searching the net on this subject. Maybe too much time (according to my fiance), but hey, when you catch the bug....
I'm getting a little ahead of myself with deciding on which way I want to take this T/A but I want to possibly start collecting parts sooner than later so... Ok, here's where I'm at:
I've got a 93 Trans Am, 6 speed M29, Moroso CAI, SLP 1 3/4" SS headers and Y-pipe, Random Tech single cat, Borla catback, stock 3.23's, and some little odds and ends (ie. MSD coil, etc. etc).
This car has about 100K miles on it (160K kilometers or so) and has absolutely no issues. It's always had Mobil 1 Syn and (knock on wood) has been a great ride so far. Only changed the water pump, and nothing else. Very lucky so far.
Anyway, because the engine has been so solid up to now, I really don't know if I want to pull it apart to stroke it. So here is my problem:
I also plan on building a Jeep Wrangler 4x4 (I've been heavy into 4x4's for the last several years and want to get back in ASAP) and would like to swap out the Jeep drivetrain to run SBC, etc. If that happens, I would LOVE to drop in the LT1 I have now in the TA because it is in such great shape, and has all the accessories. Now, if I do that, I would need to "replace" the engine
My options?
Well, I could get a 383 stroked LT1 built already, minus intake and accessories. The intake is OK because I can get a LT4 or ported LT1 for "cheap." Accessories are no biggie because I would replace most of them anyway (ie. water pump, Opti) but it would require buying AC, power steering, etc because I would be transfering all that to the Jeep too with the old LT1. If I decide to do this, I would at least be able to drop it in the stroked LT1 with no wiring, etc. I would have to reprogram the chip, but beyond that, it would be done. Now, depending on the options, and wanting to keep it daily drivable, what HP should I be looking at? Should I swap out the rear to maybe 3.42? With the M29 6 speed, the 3.42 will be equal to 3.73 in a later model F-body.
OR, should I just get a complete (with accessories and all) LS1??? Man, that sounds so tempting, but would it really be a wise choice? I have to admit, my knowledge of LT1's is limited, but even worse with the LS1's, so I could use a hand. My biggest concern is that I'll only be getting modest performance increase with the LS1 because it will essentially be in stock form aside from headers (new ones for the LS1), Y-pipe, and the existing Borla. Because the LS1's are OBD 2 (or is it 3?), I remember always hearing and seeing that simple power programmers can get A LOT of power out of them! That, I like
And because it's all aluminum, no Opti, etc. is even better. And for the cost of a stroked LT1 with all its goodies, compared to a complete LS1, I'm not looking at much of a difference..... hmmm......
The only difference is that the LS1 would need a new harness but if I got a complete one, wouldn't it really just plug right into the F-body, with a new computer? I would think so..... but again, I don't know. Anyone know?
SO, what would you do???? Please, I'm not interested in adding a blower, turbo, NO2, or the like. It's really a NA choice. Or if you can suggest something even better than the above?
I thought about even getting a LS2 but was concerned about wiring, parts, etc. because it is still a relatively "new" engine. Maybe even a stroked LS1? Anyone?
The other question was if someone could provide me with HP figures from various LS1 mods and parts. If I'm looking at 450-500 HP with a stroked LT1 what would I be looking at with a HPP, exhaust, etc. on an LS1? Even a stroked LS1? Anything you guys can say to swing me one way or the other would help. Please do
Thanks for listening.... wow, that was long....
Cheers,
Steve
![Stick Out Tongue](https://f-body.com/core/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
I've got a 93 Trans Am, 6 speed M29, Moroso CAI, SLP 1 3/4" SS headers and Y-pipe, Random Tech single cat, Borla catback, stock 3.23's, and some little odds and ends (ie. MSD coil, etc. etc).
This car has about 100K miles on it (160K kilometers or so) and has absolutely no issues. It's always had Mobil 1 Syn and (knock on wood) has been a great ride so far. Only changed the water pump, and nothing else. Very lucky so far.
Anyway, because the engine has been so solid up to now, I really don't know if I want to pull it apart to stroke it. So here is my problem:
I also plan on building a Jeep Wrangler 4x4 (I've been heavy into 4x4's for the last several years and want to get back in ASAP) and would like to swap out the Jeep drivetrain to run SBC, etc. If that happens, I would LOVE to drop in the LT1 I have now in the TA because it is in such great shape, and has all the accessories. Now, if I do that, I would need to "replace" the engine
![Wink](https://f-body.com/core/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Well, I could get a 383 stroked LT1 built already, minus intake and accessories. The intake is OK because I can get a LT4 or ported LT1 for "cheap." Accessories are no biggie because I would replace most of them anyway (ie. water pump, Opti) but it would require buying AC, power steering, etc because I would be transfering all that to the Jeep too with the old LT1. If I decide to do this, I would at least be able to drop it in the stroked LT1 with no wiring, etc. I would have to reprogram the chip, but beyond that, it would be done. Now, depending on the options, and wanting to keep it daily drivable, what HP should I be looking at? Should I swap out the rear to maybe 3.42? With the M29 6 speed, the 3.42 will be equal to 3.73 in a later model F-body.
OR, should I just get a complete (with accessories and all) LS1??? Man, that sounds so tempting, but would it really be a wise choice? I have to admit, my knowledge of LT1's is limited, but even worse with the LS1's, so I could use a hand. My biggest concern is that I'll only be getting modest performance increase with the LS1 because it will essentially be in stock form aside from headers (new ones for the LS1), Y-pipe, and the existing Borla. Because the LS1's are OBD 2 (or is it 3?), I remember always hearing and seeing that simple power programmers can get A LOT of power out of them! That, I like
![Big Grin](https://f-body.com/core/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
The only difference is that the LS1 would need a new harness but if I got a complete one, wouldn't it really just plug right into the F-body, with a new computer? I would think so..... but again, I don't know. Anyone know?
SO, what would you do???? Please, I'm not interested in adding a blower, turbo, NO2, or the like. It's really a NA choice. Or if you can suggest something even better than the above?
I thought about even getting a LS2 but was concerned about wiring, parts, etc. because it is still a relatively "new" engine. Maybe even a stroked LS1? Anyone?
The other question was if someone could provide me with HP figures from various LS1 mods and parts. If I'm looking at 450-500 HP with a stroked LT1 what would I be looking at with a HPP, exhaust, etc. on an LS1? Even a stroked LS1? Anything you guys can say to swing me one way or the other would help. Please do
![Smilie](https://f-body.com/core/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thanks for listening.... wow, that was long....
Cheers,
Steve
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