In a few monthes I will have an extra L05 for building. Its a 92 2 bolt main, roller cam motor. It will be going in a 93 caprice approx. 4200lbs with 700r4/4l60 trans and 3.42 posi rear end.
HERES WHAT I WANT OUT OF IT:
Reliable, daily drivable, smooth or smoothish idle, 20 mpg,87 octane (but may bump that figure to 89 if unrealistic) use stock torque convertor and have enough vacuum for power brakes, torquey with at least 300rwhp and more tq, I dont want all my power to be real high in the RPMs, 5-6000 rpms max would be fine with me. As it is now, Im running 2100 rpms at 65mph in 4th. I dont want no slug, I gotta be able to have enough power to smoke a stock LT1 caprice and fry the tires off from a stand still.
First of all... are my expectations realistic?
Second, here is my rough list. I need help here.
fully checked, align honed, deck honed, and .030 bored block with main studs
stock crank cleaned up, machined and balanced
5.7 rods, should I go stock, powdered metal or forged aftermarket?
Forged speed pro flat top pistons with "duracoated" skirts
approx 9.75:1 compression ratio
vortec heads, modified for extra lift and mildly ported and gasket matched
cam... unsure of cam, thinking of maybe the compcams XE258 (206/212 degrees @.050 .480/.488, 112 lobe seperation) or the crane compucam 2030 (204/214 .429/.452, 116 lobe sep.). Not sure if I should use 1.5 or 1.6 rockers.
TBI unit, either a holley 670 (2" bores) that uses the delphi injectors or a modded stocker
intake, dependant on TBI, but Ive only got a couple choices, holley or GMPP.
mostly stock distributor with hi output coil, maybe msd6
electric fans
better flowing air box
1 5/8" long tube headers running to true dual exhaust
Tuned PCM EPROM, maybe EBL and/or an ostrich emulator
Let me know what your experiance has shown you otherwise. Thanks!
HERES WHAT I WANT OUT OF IT:
Reliable, daily drivable, smooth or smoothish idle, 20 mpg,87 octane (but may bump that figure to 89 if unrealistic) use stock torque convertor and have enough vacuum for power brakes, torquey with at least 300rwhp and more tq, I dont want all my power to be real high in the RPMs, 5-6000 rpms max would be fine with me. As it is now, Im running 2100 rpms at 65mph in 4th. I dont want no slug, I gotta be able to have enough power to smoke a stock LT1 caprice and fry the tires off from a stand still.
First of all... are my expectations realistic?
Second, here is my rough list. I need help here.
fully checked, align honed, deck honed, and .030 bored block with main studs
stock crank cleaned up, machined and balanced
5.7 rods, should I go stock, powdered metal or forged aftermarket?
Forged speed pro flat top pistons with "duracoated" skirts
approx 9.75:1 compression ratio
vortec heads, modified for extra lift and mildly ported and gasket matched
cam... unsure of cam, thinking of maybe the compcams XE258 (206/212 degrees @.050 .480/.488, 112 lobe seperation) or the crane compucam 2030 (204/214 .429/.452, 116 lobe sep.). Not sure if I should use 1.5 or 1.6 rockers.
TBI unit, either a holley 670 (2" bores) that uses the delphi injectors or a modded stocker
intake, dependant on TBI, but Ive only got a couple choices, holley or GMPP.
mostly stock distributor with hi output coil, maybe msd6
electric fans
better flowing air box
1 5/8" long tube headers running to true dual exhaust
Tuned PCM EPROM, maybe EBL and/or an ostrich emulator
Let me know what your experiance has shown you otherwise. Thanks!
Member
Well...if you bored it .30 over it would end up being a 355 right?
I would say that what you have is good and your goals are attainable. A stock LT1 B-Body would only have 260 hp anyway. There should be now reason you can't achieve 330-350 hp on a tuned out 350 TBI.
I know you mentioned Vortec's and they are the "Everybody's doing it" head right now but there are companies that make iron heads that are the same flow wise and better if ported. Dart Iron Eagle, World S/R Torquers, RHS are some examples. These heads will also allow for the extra lift you need. This way you could keep the stock intake...if you wanted...or go to the less expensive Edlebrock TBI Performer.
The Comp Cams cam seems like a nice choice. Just call Comp Cams and ask them for a cam that will match your goals. They will most likely give you one that is computer compatible. If you are interested in tuning it out...then let them know that...that will offer a upgraded one. That's what they did for me when I called them about my supercharged TBI. (I have since passed on the idea.) Just make sure you get it at 112* lobe separation like you got so there are no problems with the vacuum related accessories.
Remember that if you decide to use the stock Caprice distributor...the dist hole will need to be machined out to allow the Caprice's larger distributor shaft to fit properly. The main reason it uses a bigger dist. shaft is to make it easier to get the dist. in and out from underneath the Caprice's confined cowl area.
With 3.42's you will already have a good edge on a stock LT1 B-Body. Most of them...if not all of them came with the 3.08's...the LT1 police package did come with the 3.42 as an option though. The 91-93 9C1 came with the 3.42's more often than not. I would recommend going to a 2200 rpm S10 stall converter. It will make a great deal of a difference. That's what I got on my LTZ and it made a good difference.
As far as rods go...you wouldn't need forged. That is for 800hp plus strip engines. You should be able to use the the stock one. Maybe look into getting them upgraded to the stronger ARP rod bolts. I would also recommend the Vortec rods. They are better then the previous SBC rods and less expensive. They were put in the 270hp Vortec truck engines. They should more than suffice for your engine.
That Holley isn't what it is cracked up to be. A mod'd after market one from xTreme FI or Turbo City or CFM Technologies should o the trick. I would say the 700 CFM one would be fine with the 68lb/hr 9C1 injectors.
I think the 9.75:1 compression ratio is pretty much what it was stock right? You may be able to get a little closer to 10:1 and that would be pretty nice.
I have the MSD Blaster coil and that did a nice job by itself to increase spark.
The electric fans shouldn't be an issue. I have the FLex-A-Lite dual electric universal fans...expensive...but worth every penny. I also swapped over to the LT1 upper fan shroud and it look almost stock for Lt1 cars. I have gotten a lot of compliments on it. You could also get the electric fans off the 94-96 B-Body...they are pretty easy to swap. I have seen many 91-93 Caprice guys do that swap.
Don't forget about under drive pulleys too. I have a set from March. They are for a Third Gen Camaro/Firebird. Noticeable improvement in response.
With a full dual exhaust...the electric fans...under drive pulleys and a good CAI...you looking at a possible 40-45 hp gain minimum.
A cold air intake shouldn't be that hard...you just have to decide on what set up you want.
As far as tuning goes...you should just get the Dynamic EFI one. Its easy... straight forward...and works really well.
I also have a Vortech TBI Supercharger kit that I was gonna put on my Caprice. I want 1500 firm for it. Its all almost new. (Sorry for the shameless plug)
JB
I would say that what you have is good and your goals are attainable. A stock LT1 B-Body would only have 260 hp anyway. There should be now reason you can't achieve 330-350 hp on a tuned out 350 TBI.
I know you mentioned Vortec's and they are the "Everybody's doing it" head right now but there are companies that make iron heads that are the same flow wise and better if ported. Dart Iron Eagle, World S/R Torquers, RHS are some examples. These heads will also allow for the extra lift you need. This way you could keep the stock intake...if you wanted...or go to the less expensive Edlebrock TBI Performer.
The Comp Cams cam seems like a nice choice. Just call Comp Cams and ask them for a cam that will match your goals. They will most likely give you one that is computer compatible. If you are interested in tuning it out...then let them know that...that will offer a upgraded one. That's what they did for me when I called them about my supercharged TBI. (I have since passed on the idea.) Just make sure you get it at 112* lobe separation like you got so there are no problems with the vacuum related accessories.
Remember that if you decide to use the stock Caprice distributor...the dist hole will need to be machined out to allow the Caprice's larger distributor shaft to fit properly. The main reason it uses a bigger dist. shaft is to make it easier to get the dist. in and out from underneath the Caprice's confined cowl area.
With 3.42's you will already have a good edge on a stock LT1 B-Body. Most of them...if not all of them came with the 3.08's...the LT1 police package did come with the 3.42 as an option though. The 91-93 9C1 came with the 3.42's more often than not. I would recommend going to a 2200 rpm S10 stall converter. It will make a great deal of a difference. That's what I got on my LTZ and it made a good difference.
As far as rods go...you wouldn't need forged. That is for 800hp plus strip engines. You should be able to use the the stock one. Maybe look into getting them upgraded to the stronger ARP rod bolts. I would also recommend the Vortec rods. They are better then the previous SBC rods and less expensive. They were put in the 270hp Vortec truck engines. They should more than suffice for your engine.
That Holley isn't what it is cracked up to be. A mod'd after market one from xTreme FI or Turbo City or CFM Technologies should o the trick. I would say the 700 CFM one would be fine with the 68lb/hr 9C1 injectors.
I think the 9.75:1 compression ratio is pretty much what it was stock right? You may be able to get a little closer to 10:1 and that would be pretty nice.
I have the MSD Blaster coil and that did a nice job by itself to increase spark.
The electric fans shouldn't be an issue. I have the FLex-A-Lite dual electric universal fans...expensive...but worth every penny. I also swapped over to the LT1 upper fan shroud and it look almost stock for Lt1 cars. I have gotten a lot of compliments on it. You could also get the electric fans off the 94-96 B-Body...they are pretty easy to swap. I have seen many 91-93 Caprice guys do that swap.
Don't forget about under drive pulleys too. I have a set from March. They are for a Third Gen Camaro/Firebird. Noticeable improvement in response.
With a full dual exhaust...the electric fans...under drive pulleys and a good CAI...you looking at a possible 40-45 hp gain minimum.
A cold air intake shouldn't be that hard...you just have to decide on what set up you want.
As far as tuning goes...you should just get the Dynamic EFI one. Its easy... straight forward...and works really well.
I also have a Vortech TBI Supercharger kit that I was gonna put on my Caprice. I want 1500 firm for it. Its all almost new. (Sorry for the shameless plug)
JB
Thanks for the reply! Its good to see a fellow caprice guy here, especially a TBI one.
My main interest in the vortecs comes from the fact that they are inexpensive and that they feature the heart shaped "vortec style" combustion chamber which allows one to run a slightly higher compression ratio versus some other heads. At least thats what I hear from a few engine building gurus over at chevytalk.org . Im not ruling out other heads yet either. My goals for the build come first, then bragging rights to having a particular set of heads or cam come second
I know about the distributor issue with the 91-93 caprices, if the only issue is being able to pull the distributor I might be willing to sacrificie that luxery for a better flowing intake. I hear the stock unit runs out of breath around 300hp.
Oh and a supercharger on a caprice seems just.... wrong!
My main interest in the vortecs comes from the fact that they are inexpensive and that they feature the heart shaped "vortec style" combustion chamber which allows one to run a slightly higher compression ratio versus some other heads. At least thats what I hear from a few engine building gurus over at chevytalk.org . Im not ruling out other heads yet either. My goals for the build come first, then bragging rights to having a particular set of heads or cam come second
I know about the distributor issue with the 91-93 caprices, if the only issue is being able to pull the distributor I might be willing to sacrificie that luxery for a better flowing intake. I hear the stock unit runs out of breath around 300hp.
Oh and a supercharger on a caprice seems just.... wrong!
Supreme Member
I say go right to 3.73's or 4.10's. I run 4.10's among other things and get ~19.5 mpg with ported 083 heads. If you go aftermarket you'll be better off than I in that department.