My son has a 95 Buick Roadmaster with an Lt1 in it that has very serious suspension problems and is not worth repairing. I think that I may acquire this engine and put it into my 84 z-28 camaro.

The LT1 by itself should give me a signicant performance boost over the l69 HO that is in it now. However, I would like to squeeze a bit more out of it without investing a lot of coin, especially initially.

As a first step, I am going to have to put in a new exhaust system (The Buick's won't fit...I don know if the Camaro's manifold would fit the Lt1).

In the old days, usually the first step towards building a performance car (I'm 54..so I talking 60's and 70's) was putting in Headers. Since I have to put in a new exhaust system anyway Might as well put in a good one.

These days, things are a bit more complicated because Exhaust systems are intimately tied in with emissions (I want the car to be emissions legal).

So here are my questions:

1) Shorty headers, Mid length headers, long tube headers...I have read that shorty headers don't buy you anything and long tube headers are not emissions legal. Are headers important to performance, and what would be my best bet?

2) Is the exhaust manifold different on an LT1 versus a TPI or other 350 (305?) smallblock engine?

3) If there is a difference between LT1 exhaust manifolds and other 350s, how much different are Gen3 and Gen4 Camaros, can I buy a set of headers designed for a gen 4 Camaro and put them in a gen 3 Camaro?

4) What other exhaust components are most critical for good street performance (I expect to later put in a somewhat warm street cam , and maybe somewhat better flowing heads).

5) I intent to put in the exhaust myself, can I get a decent set of components for around $500?

as always

AtDhVaAnNkCsE

George Clay

 

I dont think the 4th gen headers work because they hit or interfere with stuff on the 3rd gen

 

You will need to run 3rd gen headers on your LT1 motor. 4th gen headers will not clear the firewall. 3rd gen headers will bolt right up but you will want to look at headers that won't compromise the large D-port exhaust ports. Hedman makes d-port headers and many opt for the SLP 1-3/4" headers. Any header is better than a stock exhaust manifold. Long tubes are ideal for power but come with a cost. They require you to fab a y-pipe and limit ground clearance. Shorties are your next option.

 

ShiftyCapone

can you get long headers that are emmissions legal?

 

Negative on the longtubes. i have yet to see a pair emission legal. go with hedman with air provisions. 135$ or so i think then wrap them with header wrap to lower heat. you also can get the hedman y 99$ and mod it to 3'' and wrap that were it goes under your oil pan.

 

As soon as you get a chance to lose those heads, get rid of em! The Impys and Roadmasters got the iron heads, they don't flow as well and they're only rated at 260hp instead of 275/285.

I suggest LE1s or LE2s. Good for 390 to 430RWHP

 

I believe the iron heads flow better but have less compression. Or at least have better porting options.

 

same for hooker 2055 I believe