Juicing up the ole LT1

[ZoomieFoosh]

Alright, I have a stock LT1 in my '69 Camaro. I was debating on doing the whole LT4 conversion, but didn't know if that is the best option. I don't want to throw a supercharger or nitrous on it. Any suggestions from anyone as what to do? Just a new cam and heads?

[TPI Monte SS]

There are a lot more budget-friendly options out there than a LT4 conversion. If you already have an aluminum-headed LT1, you could bring them to a reputable machine shop and have them worked over (new springs, valves, port/polish), install a new cam and be very close in power to the LT4 conversion for much less coin.

[rocketman]

If are looking for alittle power.I would head and cam it.The Lt4 conversion is not that great of a package IMO,and I believe is discounted because GM quite making Lt4 intakes.I would either have your heads ported and polished etc,or buy a set of AFR heads.I like the Comp Lt1 line of cams for a street motor,a 230/236 in a 350 lt1 is a thumpin street motor.

For alot of power I would stroke it to a 396,use afr's and a big roller and bump compersion to 11.5,it will run on pg.

[WS6]

What's already been said. Just port the heads and slide a good cam in there. Make sure your exhaust is up to the challenge and you'll be good to go. Lloyd Elliot does good work. www.eportworks.com. If your going to spin the engine or have high mileage I would suggest going ahead and rebuilding the bottom end. It can be done cheaply and easily. The one thing to be careful with when doing a cam swap on an LT is that the number one cam bearing carries a lot of weight due to the water pump and opti spark being driven off the front. Consequently the number one bearing wears on the bottom heavily. You may need to have new cam bearings installed if your number one is too bad off. If you desire to spend some money get some AFR 195s or 210s or get some LT4 heads and have them ported. You will need to get an LT4 intake as well. just keep in mind that ported LT1 heads out flow stock LT4s. AFRs can be ported even more so than the LT4 heads. They simply cost more to begin with.