1. I'm looking to do a budget build but no matter what I'm told I just can't make up my mind! Here is what I'm considering. Swap in an Lt1, buy a vortec intake manifold and heads, or get some used l98 heads port them and use the accel superram runners and plenum.

2. I called Gm looking for a set of gears and they told me $700 for a gear set(12471191) so I called summit racing and they told me that Richmond gears aren't compatable with ABS because they don't work with the reluctor! So they told me tht I would have to get a set of superior gears but they won't work if I have the 7.7.5/ 9 bolt gear ratio only the 10 bolt??!!! My rear end says borg warner on the bottom do I have a 9 or 10 bolt?

3. Also what are the are the ls1 injectors rated at and will they work on our cars and who make a gigantic rear sway bar for a 3rdgen?

 

The LT1 is logical ..

how much is it costin' ya ??
I like the your Tuned Port Setup ..ecause its a nice street
setup..

then again so is the LT1

see!! I cant even make up my mind and its not even my car!

 

How about a L98 style engine with an LT1 manifold conversion? Sans the reverse flow cooling, it's practically the same thing and you can retain the gen 1 block if you want to change the manifold to something else later on.

 

If you stick with the current motor, get a set of aluminum L98 heads. They are basically the same thing as LT1 heads and flow very well and can be made to flow even better. They will cost as much as a set of Vortecs but will perform better.

I'm going with an LT1 intake and head setup on my 305. It may be "budget" but it isn't easy. Quite a bit of work and requires welding parts of the aluminum heads.

Otherwise, the LT1 motor is awesome if you eliminate the optispark and use a standard distributor. The block has the capability, you just need to get the intake drilled..though you will lose the EGR function.

And the 700R4 and 4L60E are basically the same thing. The 4L60E is obviously electronically controlled though.

 

If you can get the LT1 Conversion for your current engine and it's emissions legal for you, I'd go that way.

 

I chose the TPI/Vortec because that what I have Actually there all good builds just depends how you're going to be pushing on the pedal, and if you're looking for numbers, to statisfy a need for speed, or winning races.

If you're like the rest of us no matter what budget you start with it'll end up being open ended.

 

TPI is in the lead

I was predictin' he was gunna go LT1 all the way..

 

Well the tpi is what I have and its always easier to work with what you have but its kinda outdated tech right?

 

So what's out there that's considered new technology?

 

I think that it all lies in what gears you will use and how you will drive it. If you go with the super ram set-up (my vote) than you will find a middle from TPI and LT1. Then you can always go for better heads later. An Lt1 would be a more expensive swap and time consuming.

 

rgarcia63

The lt1 isn't new buy it is def newer tech than the l98

 

The opti-spark is the only new technology to come from the LT, and reverse flow was just GMs answer to detonation instead of finding and solving the root cause which they did with the LS i.e. better heads with improved coolant passages.

 

hmm that good to know...but I decide to stay with the tpi any ways...since the milage is starting to stack up on my car I decide to buy a complete lower milage l98 from a newer Firebird. I want speed density, then I will buy a set of used aluminum l98 heads and the intake manifold and have them ported. I'm on a budget...lol so I wanna keep it 350tpi!

 

I as well. I went with a beefer aftermarket block so I wouldn't have to worry about thin walls when doing a 388, or larger, but kept the MAF, and opted for alum fast burn heads, and SDPCs high-flow TPI Vortec intake. I started with a budget, now I just buy what I want when I can. You've heard of the "Never Ending Story," well this is it, budget wise that is. I've started in on the suspension, and I'm in a sore need of a paint job, like I said a never ending story.
When I finish my website I'll post a link.

 

well I've decide on a 91 firebird 350 tpi...speed density! I'm gonna get the vette intake manifold($200) and vette tpi heads($600). If im putting a speed density motor in my originally maf equiped car what problem might arise. The engine is complete and with all harnesses and ecm. Also I don't care about emmissions

 

Why would you buy used Vette heads for 600.00$!!!And then invest time and/or money in porting when you can get new aftermarket Edelbrock or Trickflow with stainless valve, 2:02 1:60 and a better flowing chart compared to the old L98 style...

I would keep your SLP runners and invest the $ in good heads, manifold and exhaust... If you are willing to invest more $ later then you could buy the Superram.

I mean, you can easily find used L98 for 300$. I sold mines (fully ported for 350.00$...

Just my 2 cents