I have a few questions about LT1 tuning, flow, rockers, heads, etc, any input is appreciated. I've done plenty of research, and I know my answers are out there, just looking for some quick advice, opinions, tips, etc from anyone who's already been there to maybe save me some headache.

Firstly here is my proposed setup:
(tech info is afaik)


-I'm currently running a stock 93 F-body LT1, and am moving to the 95 F-body pcm and transmission for tune-ability once I put in a different cam, trans shift tables, etc.

-For right now, I'm considering using a set of iron heads from a 95ish 5.7 B-body LT1, I understand stock flow better than the stock 93-F heads.

- went to vented optispark and I used the B-body cam, which I understand to have slightly more torque?

-Using some hooker shorty headers, 1 5/8" primaries, 3" collectors and y-pipe.

-Also have a set of 1.6 rocker arms to take advantage of the B-body heads, and also maybe "compensate" for the lower lift on the B-cam?


I know this is kind of a goofy setup, but right now Im only interested in playing around with the stock parts I have laying around. I'd like to get it breathing a little easier. Goal is to learn some minor tuning on the PCM to get started before I jump into 503 cams and strokers etc.


OK - My questions

-I don't have a maf. Does switching it over to speed density eliminate the multi-port functionality? Or any other 95yr pcm "upgrades" over the stock 93 ecm setup that I would miss? (Aside from the limped fuel and timing tables)

-Would going this route and some tunage give me any kind of even slightly noticeable advantage over running just the 93LT1 with stock heads, stock rockers, B-body cam, shorty headers, and stock 93 Fbody tune? (my current setup)

-Any reccomendations on exhaust pipe diameter/setup that would be suitable for some low level mods and give me room to upgrade further, maybe a LT4 hotcam or 503 or something similar down the road?

(I'm building my own pipes instead of using the one that comes with the hooker shorties, it's more expensive than it should be and it instantly drops to 2 1/4 or something similar, then chokes down to a single ~2 1/2 approx, etc. My plan is to use 2x 3" pipes that will meet up a little further down into a single 3")

-Does anyone see any major problems with my plan here? Any kind of mechanical issues that could prevent me from doing any of this? Will the 1.6 rockers cause issues? Valves, springs, etc. Everything else would be stock basically. .......

Anyway, thanks for reading my craziness. I'll post up a build on the 85Z this is going into somewhere with pics and pics and lots of pics and no more hard questions i swear.

 

Imo i’d leave it 93 heads and cam and put 1.6’s on the stock cam. Should look at fresh valve springs tho and double check its not getting to close to bind

95 pcm is nicer for flash tuning. I would do that

Speed density mode runs the same as maf. You can delete maf and click on speed density mode

 

Ah, I see. Im running the 95 B-body cam as it fits the vented optispark without any modification, the 93 would require some work im not trying to mess up yet heh. That's sort of the basis of this idea, I'm hoping to get away with the 1.6 without any more expensiveness. If I stick with the 93 heads the valve-train is relatively low mileage and seems to be in very good shape. I understand bind to be caused by the total throw of the valves interfering with the piston, Could I just multiply the b-body cam max lift by 1.6 to compare to the original 93 valve max throw? Is it that simple, or are there more complicated factors?

 

Bind is when coils in the valvespring stack up and make contact. Aka too much lift from cam/rocker combo and compresses spring too much

You can run the b body cam and vented opti then, no problem. The fbody cam will make more power up top tho

 

thanks for the correction, its been hectic trying to finish this build using only the parts i have laying around. i had to start over with a new body after realizing the first one i preped had a bent frame i didnt really notice until i upgraded the suspension.

quick question,
70k on the 93 heads, whole motor is in great shape, no signs of abuse whatsoever. what have you guys noticed as far as drop in spring rate and function with original parts?

i had it running before with absolutely no problems aside from some rocker nuts wanting to back off. considering a new set of those if i run into the same issue. i believe the 1.6 has lockers, another reason im leaning on those.

 

You should be ok since cams are relatively mild. I just like getting into the habit of refreshing things if the heads are coming off. Fresh valve job and deck. Or at very least new stem seals and possibly springs. But i havent done stock like cam swaps, most get bigger cams so springs are needed. You could have a local machine shop check the springs for pressures and if good reuse them

 

thanks for clearing that up, the 93 heads havent come off the motor, its too nice to risk it.

here was the original build thread, theres a pic of it as i got it in the back of my truck. almost too nice, was scared something was wrong with it, but it runs super nice. thanks for the advice guys.

i do have some more advanced questions for future plans. but thanks for the help