First off I will start off by saying I have a 87 L98. Its not going to be a race car and I am on a buget aswell as trying to keep it stock-ish. Just wanted a few upgrades that will put a little more pep in my step if ya know what I mean. I will not be replacing the heads or any other motor work besides the cam. I also want to keep the stock tune as I dont have the $$$ to get it tuned. Nor am I very good with electronics . All the other 3rd gens I have had (3 before this one) have been carbed with the exeption of my DD in highschool , TBI.


So after reading half of the threads in the 9 page tpi section , I have come up with these mods that I plan on doing. LT1 cam , 1.6 RR , LT1 injectors (24 pounds), loose the AIR system , exhaust/headers, cut out those air baffles on my lower intake piece, bypass coolent thing on the TB, and fresh up my ignition.

Now I have heard that the 24pound injectors are over kill. Others have said they are great . Thoughts ?

Also what valve springs should I use ? Cheaper the better and part #s would be great. I figured I would do this seeing the car needs valve seals anyways . So why not

Also have heard that removing the screen from the MAF will free up a tiny bit of power . Not sure if this is true , and cant see it making to big of a difference.

SO , please chime in and give me any thoughts , opinions , or advise. You guys have helped me so much in the past so I figured I would speak out before doing anything . THANKS !

 

Upgrades sound good. Will increase performance without requiring ecm tune especially since you have MAF.

I can't remember if stock injectors are 22lbs or 24lbs. 22's can handle 280hp at 80%duty cycle. Your build should make around that much HP.

Check into what is needed for removing AIR system. I think ECM may need to be modified in order for engine to work best.

Removing MAF screen not worth it since upgrades aren't significant air flow wise. Have you thought about aftermarket tube runners? Some aftermarkets look like stock. They are biggest restriction on L98 besides exhaust.

Have you looked into some minor head port work? Exhaust port flows poorly on heads. You might find a good deal at local speed shop for port, retainers and lightweight valves/springs. Just get estimate first cause price can jump up. Even without port work, cam upgrade and 1.6rr will help a lot.

Keep us updated!

 

If the LT1 cam has 0.450" lift with 1.5:1 rockers then the valve lift will jump to 0.480" with the 1.6:1 rockers.
That's right at the lift limit, and past on some castings (casting variance) to where the retainers will hit the seals. If you swap to 2001+ Vortec V6 retainers you will have the extra clearance and reduce retainer weight as well.

If your valve guides are worn as most are that have 40,000 miles or more, then they will need to be refreshed. You may then want to consider the LSX valve upgrade in the two links of my signature.

 

I dont want top pull off the heads just yet . Thats why I am sticking with just putting in a small cam . Because if I ever did pull off the heads , you can bet the stock ones are not going back on.

And blackdog36 , I have concidered different runners but they are a bit pricey right now. I am in the process of restoring the car right now so I want to get that done before I build it up. If you are interested to see the restoration at all, its in the history and restoration section .

 

You might consider just bolting on the 1.6 rockers for now and leaving the stock cam alone. Dont forget it involves dropping the oil pan to get a cam swap done...im just saying, if your not in for that much work 1.6 rockers is an afternoon and thats it.

And as far as not tuning it I really recommend you look into the guys over at PCMFORLESS.com. They pulled 25 hp out of my stock L98 with their $200 tune, and they give you lots of options as well (like disabling your A.I.R.) . Considering your budget, this might be the cheapest power you can get.

 

I have concidered the dropping the pan part. The pan gasket is starting to leak so I will be in there anyways. Its not the work I am worried about , its the $$$ . And really Im not to worried about that either but I want to stick to my buget on this one

As for the pcm, I think you are right. I mean I am just doing a few bolt ons ( the ones in my original post besides the injectors) would it really make a differance I will notice ? Because I just bought a cam for $20

 

The tune was worth .3 tenths in the 1/4. Which is like a car and a half in a drag race...yeah man your going to feel it.

 

That much huh. Well this is on my list for sure now. Thanks guys .

Now back to the cam talk if you will.

I am picking up a cam for $30 shipped and I need to replace my valve seals and oil pan gasket anyways so why not. BUT what springs do I need ? Remember cheap is good . Also I am looking at those scorpion 1.6rr on ebay . Will those work?