Next logical mod?

[tclelland]

OK...what do you guys think my next logical mod to add HP should be? I want to stay N/A. Someone suggested headers? I thought the stock LT1 manifolds were pretty good. Also everone I talked to said headers are a PITA to install. Thoughts appreciated as always.

BTW I have the 160 degree thermostat, LT4 KM and T/B bypass mod all set to go. Just finding the time to get it done.

[Christopherrr]

where's the fun if installs don't require some work...headers would be next if you already have a cat back...LT1s sound nasty with a catback and headers. I heard a LT1 with hooker longtubes, no cat, flowmaster...it was niiicce.

[Fastbird93]

OK...what do you guys think my next logical mod to add HP should be? I want to stay N/A. Someone suggested headers?

Good suggestion

I thought the stock LT1 manifolds were pretty good.

You thought wrong!!! LT1 manifolds suck. Headers are the biggest bang for the buck you're going to find. Short if Nitrous at least. BIG gains.

Also everone I talked to said headers are a PITA to install.

They are, but well worth the invested time. If you can get the front of the car high enough off the ground, you don't even need a lift. It can be done in a matter of a single day with a lot of hard work.

Do you need to stay emissions legal?? Also don't fall for the "long tubes are the only way to do" BS. Yeah, Long tubes are good, I'm not knocking them at all, but they're not you're only option. There's a few mid length headers out there that are on par with the LT's, and keep you emissions legal too.

[LoudLT1]

an aftermarket y-pipe and hi flo cat will wake your LT1 up, plus mine sounds sweeeet with the addition of the SLP loudmouth. go with a y-pipe and then add some 373's for an auto or 410's manual. you will then need to work on suspension to plant all that extra power.
lates...

[ryan34]

what's the LT4 KM, i know the LT4 was the firehawk engine but i'm confused about the KM.

[tclelland]

The LT4 Knock Module explanation can be found here: http://www.projecttransam.com/projects1.asp

[ryan34]

Makes perfect sense now...about the next mod, what about CAI. That would be the first mod i would do. I always thought you should take care of intake before exhaust, for performance reasons anyway.

[wood]

CAI, headers, high flow cat or no cat, LT4 hotcam.. if you have the money and the tools, you could just get the LT4 conversion kit.. you would be sitting pretty sweet then.

[Dave M]

I would suggest one of the following:

3.73 gears or 1.6 roller rockers.

Headers on a 97 aren't really necessary at your power level yet. The dual-cat manifolds don't "suck" like the single cat cars did. 93-95 cars can benefit greatly from headers, but for the 96+ you really don't need them at your point yet.

the 1.6 rr would be the most economical choice, but you'd likely see a little more performance difference from the gears. If you can afford to, do a cam and 1.6 rr's. If it were me, I'd do the gears. It'd be a good excuse to have your computer reprogrammed for more performance as well, to recalibrate for the new gears. You can save the 1.6 rr's for when you do a cam change.

[Hobbs95]

why not? i can see the performance comes in a packaged deal cam, ported heads, makes sense but explain more what power level would headers be necessary?
i have dual cats too and i want to do long tubes, but i haven't read to much on long tubes on a LT1

[Dave M]

everything I've read indicates the dual cat manifold flow pretty well. That's not to say they can't benefit from headers, but the gains would be small until the engine is making some serious power (350+ hp). Until this point, the exhaust is not the worst restriction in the system. Again, this is what I've been lead to believe. i don't have numbers to back this up.

[Fastbird93]

Let me rephrase it a little for you. Why bring in more air if the engine can't efficiently expel the burnt gasses. I.E. why do a cam when you're going to have a choking point at the exhaust manifolds. I'll admit I've heard that the dual cat setup flows "better" than the single cat style, but just what exactly is that based on?? An extremely restrictive piping system. The dual cat system may flow better, but it still is EXTREMELY inefficient when compared to any mid length header (or better) out there. If you throw a cam in now, you're just going to be disappointed with the lackluster power gained out of it. All it takes is one look at a manifold sitting right next to a header, and you'll see the light.

Oh, and please don't get suckered in by the LT4 conversion kit. It's a waste of money. There's plenty of other options out there that will net you more power across the board (a lot more power) for less money. LE and Advanced Induction both come to mind.

[Dave M]

I agree that if a new cam is put in, then headers would be wise. I just don't think he needs them now, as his next mod. He'll end up with both anyway, I guess. If you get a cam, you need headers to maixmize it's effect. If you get headers, they'll have the most effect with cam and/or heads. So I guess it doesn't matter which he starts with.

[tclelland]

OK...so it looks like headers are the next logical choice. Then cam and 1.6 rr. If I hit the slots anytime soon I can splurge on the gears and computer tune.

Suggestions for headers? I need to stay PA emission legal and would need to have someone do the install.

[tclelland]

How about these since I am a SLP freek.SLP Headers