I'm looking for Cylinder Heads, Intake Manifold, Chip, and a Cam combination for my stock LO3 Camaro.

I'd like to get the above from a used LB9, L98, LT1 and/or LT4 Camaro engine (I can't afford the new stuff).

I'm looking for something that is close to bolt-on as possible (hopefully smog legal too ), yet gives pretty good performance/drivability gains.

Any thoughts/opinions/recommendations?!

Akshay
1989 TBI 5-spd.

 

I'm currently doing what most seem to do. I have to remain emmissions legal as well. But I haven't started yet (heads at shop now, so I can't give any good or bad feedback on the brands I chose - I just chose them 'cause they were cheap.

Cam - LT1 cam from ebay ($35)

Intake - Weiand Action Plus #8000 ($140) - I haven't seen anyone else use this intake, but it was relatively cheap, has EGR provision, and has to be better than stock)

Heads - I got a set of used #416's from a parts car I had. They are supposed to flow well when ported and polished - almost as good as Vortechs if you do it right - I did them myself (about $90 for the tools - I'd be happy to tell you where/what I got for tools). Adding Manley Street Flo 1.94 intake valves ($70), leaving exhaust valves at stock 1.5, new springs ($40), and Summit Roller-tip Rockers ($100). $150 for valve job, another $50 to bore for the 1.94 intake valves, and shave .030. - Total head expense $500 for the pair + whatever you'd pay for a set of #416's - I'd expect you could get 'em cheap at a yard.

I've never ported/polished anything before, but it wasn't hard, just took some time and patience. I don't expect them to be perfect, but way better than stock.

The #416's are pre-86 - so I got the Weiand intake with pre-86 bolt pattern. Will also need adapter plate for TBI - as these intakes are for carbs and TBI won't just bolt on without an adapter.

Also adding:
-Ultimate TBI Mods
-Homemade dual snorkel
-Hedman Headers with air - $315 from Summit
-Catco Cat ($100 maybe? - I haven't gotten it yet)
-hi-flo muffler (undecided)

My brother is doing same basics to his 305 carbed '87 bird - He just installed LT1 cam, headers. Chip-tuning may be required with this setup, but most on here say that it will run OK - just not optimal without custom chip. I'd be happy to keep you informed as I progress.

 

the stock lb9 heads are supposed to be much better than the swirl-port lo3 heads. or look at world heads

and any intake is better than stock, just make sure you can use it with your tbi

and if you are gonna do a cam, get a new one. i've been told that some of the used ones are worn down.

as for a chip, get a custom burn, not an off the shelf one, it will work better with your combo

don't forget your tbi mods too...try turbocity.com, they have spacers and complete units.

 

You suppose the chip from an L98 will work?

Akshay

 

A chip from an L98 wont work. That motor was TPI and you have TBI. The ECM would be trying to run 8 injectors instead of two all the time and it just gets worse from there. Get a custom chip from TBIchips.com or something similar. DO NOT get a hypertech chip or a JET chip. They are generalized and not specific to the mods and will not give you performance gains.