Daltonthirdgen

Ok, here goes a question for the masses,

I have a 1991 Z28 that I bought from Orr. It is a LB9 car that has some life left in it, though in my opinion not a whole lot. (smokes a bit on start, oil pressure drops to 7 when hot.)


My issue is either to build up what is there or to go 350/355 or 383(carb)

Where I live, people treat 350 blocks like gold. 500 at the least at a salvage yard, and that is before machining.

Keep in mind that this will never see track. It is street only. It is not for bragging rights or anything like that. Just for my pleasure.

I live in north Ga, and twisties will be an every day thing.

It already has a 4th gen rear (3.45 ((i think)) ) 4th gen tank, 255lph pump 36lb injectors tuned down for 19lbs for the 305, LCA relocation brackets, Moog springs, KYB AGX shocks and struts.


question being is, is that I have no Idea what would make it a blast to drive.

It is OK....only ok, now. I',m 5'10 400lbs.....so I barely fit in the thing.

I will be doing all the "work" myself. build, tune, etc....with help from the board.

stick with 305, since I don't have a 350, and put a lt1 cam and tfs heads with 918 springs, and call it a day, or is it worth looking for a 350 since all I really need is a prom and a knock sensor?

cost being a factor, a 383 carb?

The tranny is the stocker 700r4....shifts great,but we all know they are adequate with only 210hp/300tq.....


all that said, I really do not want to drop 7k on the whole driveline.

thoughts?

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

It does cost $ to build. If I wasn't going to the track and had confidence in tuning a speed density TPI because you will have to tune it.. I would swap cam maybe some porting on heads and such, torque converter, good shift kit, etc and call it a day. It will be a fun car with adequate power.

MSgt Luttrell

I went old school with a carbed 383 and love it. Nothing is cheap these days though, I've got nearly ten grand wrapped up in the engine and transmission.

Vanilla Ice

Lt1 cam is never the answer.

cosmick

I'd start with figuring ot the oil pressure reading, starting with the gauge. Then the oil pump. Not an HV, that would be just a temporary crutch at best.
If none of that solves it, then you need new bearings.
Back in 2000-2001 I worked as an automotive machinist in Gainesville, for Brad, stay away from him, then in '01-'02 over in Rome, for Larry Smith. Good guy, decent shop, equipment, and people, but old ideas about making power. If you decide on bearings, go to him.
I'd add a turbo to your LB9, and do forged dished pistons if you need bearings. Do valvesprings, too. The LT1 cam would be good for this. You can have the same power as the 383, for cheaper, with better mileage and driveability.

Turbok9

Personal opinion here... if you are into carving corners more than straight line speed, and $$$$ is tight, focus on stiffening up that beast's flexy unibody and her brakes/suspension.

Engine wise, you need torque to bring you from one brake stomp, turn, burn to the next, not HP. Personally I'd stick either with the 305 or a budget 350 build (mostly stock L31?) and pump my money into springs and sway bars and strut tower braces and sub frame connectors and Brembo brake kits. Put the money and effort where you will really notice it. If you really want to get crazy maybe some nice coil overs or a "drop in" IRS setup.

I'm slightly north of you in upstate SC and I know the twisties of which you speak. Love 'em!

Daltonthirdgen

This is why I can't have nice things.....

I put the damn thing into a telephone pole. Bounced off the pole and into a tree.

The front bumper assembly is trashed, both fenders, hood and drivers side door too.

Underneath looks good, and It starts right up, but the support for the radiator is bent, not horribly, but bent. I'm going to have it sent to a body shop to see If it can be straightened, but for now, It is a mess.

sonjaab

You have a car for 2 WEEKS then smash it into a pole?

You sound like a careless driver who is best off turning in your
license and taking public transportation FOREVER!

Just for the safety of others out on the roads and SIDEWALKS too!

Vanilla Ice

Definitely need more power...

Please fix the car. There's already too few remaining.

Daltonthirdgen

Really?!? I've driven these cars for 16 years. This is my first accident. You need to calm the f..k down lover. Ever heard of black ice? Thanks. GTFO

Daltonthirdgen

Thanks vanilla, I plan to. The damage is bad, but I've seen worse on this board that's been fixed. It'll see the light of day again.

sonjaab

LOL!

Ever heard of driving carefully?

I LIVE in snow and ice land.....................