Well, after getting my new ride that has an LT4 powered motor in it, I have decided not to go carb with my new setup that is going in my 91'.

I have also opted for a T56 instead of a built 700r4.

Here's the dilemma:

I don't know what heads to get. I already have a set of STOCK LT1 heads, and an intake, in great shape. I also have the 57cc Vortecs that are on the car now that could really be worked an produce serious power. Another option is to get a set of TRICKFLOW heads. 23 degree or Twisted Wedge series, I don't know which is best for my application.

Here are some of my ideas:

Work the LT1 heads and intake for optimal power. ( What ecm, I don't know)

Use my Vortec heads ( after porting etc.), get a TPI base from Scoggin Dickey, and run A high rpm plenlum and runners.

Get some trickflow heads ( for 87 up motors) and port the LT1 intake I have. I think this might be the best bet.

I want to supercharge this motor later on, to produce at least 600 horsepower.

I want this setup, naturally aspirated to produce upwards of 450 horsepower. The SPECS ON THE SHORTBLOCK are:

mid 70's 4 bolt block
bored .030 over
Sealed power hyperuectic pistons
Comp XE 268 cam ( will have 1.6 rockers for more lift)

I would prefer out of the box performance but whatever would work best and produce OPTIMAL power is what I want.

Let me know some thoughts fellas...

Thanks in advance.

 

which t-56 are you going with that will be able to safely hold 600+ hp?

 

A STOCK T56 will handle over 800 horsepower, not happily, but it will, for a while at least.

Check out the new issue of GMHTP, 2 SS's with well over 600 hp to the wheels and stock T56's.

 

Hold on, back up.

LT-1 heads? As in late model LT-1 heads from a 4th gen f-body? Won't work on an early model block. No way, no how. LT-1 heads are ONLY for the reverse-flow coolant system on an LT-1 or LT-4 block (with appropriate water pump, etc, etc.). They share the early-style intake ports but that's about it. Intake bolt pattern is unique to late model LT-1/LT-4 engines as well (not the same as 86-down, 87-up or Vortec bolt pattern). Totally unique animals, bolt pattern-wise.

LT-4 heads are similar to LT-1s but they have the taller Vortec-style intake ports, but share all the other unique quirks of the LT-1, above.

Sooooo............ Rework the Vortecs you have or buy aftermarket heads are the only choices I see.

TPIS makes a version of the MiniRam designed to work with Vortec heads, if you want an intake that is similar to those used on LT-1/LT-4 engines. They alo make a version of the MiniRam to work with 86-down and 87-up intake bolt pattern heads (which I have used in conjunction with Trick Flow heads with great success).

Another thing to consider is having a stock LT-1 intake reworked so it can fit on non-LT-1 heads (86-down or 87-up). Drilled for a rear-mounted distributor, colant passages tapped in where they need to be, etc. If this option had existed several years ago I probably would have gone this way instead of buying the very pricey MiniRam intake.