Drew24

Ok so my car has 107k on it and I have about 1200 that I want to spend on the motor but idk what to get should I just save and get an ls1 or should I do cam and heads what do you guys think

96z28_lt1

definetley try to do the cam and heads, an ls1 swap will cost you way more then 1200

RamAir95TA

A good heads/cam package will cost you a hell of a lot more than $1200. You could do a cam swap, but that's about it.

Bersaglieri

Have a built transmission or clutch? Might want to look into those before you go modding up the motor.

What do you want from the car? Drag/daily driver/etc?

Sad thing is no one ever used to post "save for an LS1". Everyone want's the easy way out

-Dustin-

slomarao

I would do a cam. What kind of shape is the shortblock in?

96capricemgr

Good point. I think we need a detailed mod list and a longer term goal list before we get too far into answering.

That said I might look at rockers, springs and tune at this stage. Look at good rockers, guideplates and studs that you can keep as you later upgrade further but probably go cheap like LT4 springs because you will want new matching ones for a later cam.

Drew24

Would it be a better bet in just buying new interior or just to save up for a new motor. The motor thats in it was beat on the guy i bought it from was running 150 shot and i got it when it was at 84k no problems but idk if it would hold up with cam and heads what do you guys think. I just want good performance but not over the top that might blow the motor

RamAir95TA

Uh, we can't answer the interior/motor question for you. If it were up to me, I'd spend the money on a nice love seat for my living room.

Just because nitrous has been run through it doesn't necessarily mean it's on it's way out. If you have good oil pressure and good compression in the cylinders, I wouldn't hesitate to dig into the valvetrain.

Right now you simply don't have enough funds to do a heads/cam package. Cam yes. What are your goals for the car? Answer Dustin's post and we can go from there.

Drew24

Oh im sorry yeah i want it to be able to be a daily driver. I was thinking about the cc503 cam do you think that would be to big for a dd and also im doing my opti so i might as well do it then. My other question would be you have to take the intake manifold off right and change the springs and rockers

RamAir95TA

Lots of guys DD the 503. It's a well known proven grind. You don't HAVE to buy new rockers, but IMO, it's a waste not to upgrade to a full 1.6 roller. Valve springs will need to be replaced as well. You will also need a PCM tune for it to run at it's full potential.

Honestly, it sounds like you aren't too sure about what you're getting yourself into. The fuel rails, intake ducting, intake manifold, water pump, optispark, crank hub and puller, timing cover, timing chain and sprockets, AIR pump, and a host of other things need to be removed for a cam swap. I suggest you read, re-read and re-re-read the following 2 links inside and out.

http://shbox.com/ci/cam_removal.html
http://shbox.com/ci/cam_install.html

Drew24

Ok got it i have done all of that stuff on previous cars just have never changed a cam. Should i just buy the cam package that comes with the roller rockers and springs or should i get bhive springs with the cam. or do a lt 4 hot cam

slomarao

get a custom grind from LE/AI, you should get very good results.

Dont get a hotcam, lots of better grinds out there.

Drew24

How much it be for a good set of heads and a good cam that sounds really good with the best performance and still be a dd. Cause if i just have to save some more i will but just want to know like the price range for the cam and heads

RamAir95TA

Ported stock castings can run you anywhere from $1300 to $2000, but you get what you pay for. Add on the cost of the subsequently necessary modifications and you'll end up around $1800 to $2500, possibly more.

Jlo

LE1 is pretty good...I'd try that if I had 1200.00 bucks