I haved worked on about everything else on a car, but have no experience with engine internals. I am definetly no engine guru and am still learning about the basics, so need some help here please!!! Seems I have seen a lot of guys on this board swap cams in their L03, does that change compression? What does? Does anyone think its worth changing the heads/cam on a low mileage great condition L03 or are they generally just swapping for a 350? I don't need more hp. than that because I am looking to beef up my L03 to about 250 hp without pulling the motor? I doubt the T-5 can handle more and want to keep that as well. What mods would make the most sense to achieve that? Am I dreaming?

Alex

 

Its very doable.
as example: http://members.tripod.com/GRK_Taz/tech/fnotes.html
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-Tas
'89 Formula WS-6

305, TBI, auto, 14x3 chrome flat based open element with K&N, Milodon 160* thermo, functional Formula hood, cross-flow Flowmaster, '99z28 rear pipes and tips....

To be installed eventually far far far into the future: Yours if the price is right and I don't have to ship :
Hooker 1-5/8" 50 state legal headers, Dynomax 3" I pipe (PN 44063 and 43248), Catco 3" cat, and injector spacer.

Super GRK_Taz World
F-Body Dual Exaust
EFI & Intake Options
AOL IM: superGRtaz

[This message has been edited by Tas (edited August 16, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Tas (edited August 16, 2001).]

 

nitrous will do it and it can be safe

 

A simple solution to 250hp is:

• headers
• vortec heads milled
• vortec performer (or RPM if LT4 hot cam) intake
• LT1 or LT4 cam or some good roller cam
• milled/worked TB unit w/ 55 injectors
• adjustable fuel pressure regulator for tuning

You will need to understand that when you do the cam, you'll want (need) to replace the timing chain and probably a GREAT idea to spend $60-80 on a 8" harmonic balancer from Summit Racing.
Once you figure how much this will cost you can always think about just swapping in the 330hp 350 crate motor (brand new) for around $3000 and that's including everything from air cleaner to oil pan, ALL new. That figure includes a $330 670cfm Holley unit and a $160 Stewart waterpump. You don't NEED these units so figure $60 for stock 350 injectors (55#) and a mill job then another $100 for a normal waterpump. The swap should take a week if you have ALL the tools/parts and work on it every afternoon-evening.
Some people like spending money on the Lo3 but I honestly don't understand why unless they plan on taking the road less traveled (for a reason...$$$ for less potential). NJSpeeder is making more than 250hp and he didn't even swap out the cam. He's using stock TB milled, TBI performer intake on edelbrock $1100 heads and 1.6 rockers. The key to making good hp is not bolt ons, it's heads and piston design. Everything else just helps the engine make a few extra hp here and there. I strongly recommend scrapping the stock Lo3 heads for countless reasons. Don't just do a cam swap and keep those nasty heads unless you're really on a tight budget (even then...wait... it'll be well worth it). Check out my website if you're considering the 350 swap. If you plan on keeping the Lo3 then keep asking questions on this board.

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, Jon (350 TBI!)
91 Red My website

[This message has been edited by JPrevost (edited August 20, 2001).]