[LT4 650]

So I am starting to decide on what I want to do for what I am calling my "Stage 1" Build. I already have a Roto-Fab CAI and I have read through many threads and I have done some research from a couple of (according to Camaro 6 and others) reputable builders.

Below are examples of what two different top builders are calling stage 1. I know I could do other things for my Stage 1 decision but I am focusing on one of these first and then headers for stage 2:

1) Stage 1 - CAI, Upper pulley (2.3), Ported throttle body, Gates HD green belt, Catch Can & Tune

2) Stage 1 - CAI, ATI balancer, Lower pulley, GM Crankshaft bolt, Gates HD green belt, Catch can & Tune

Thoughts on if either is better and why according to your experience. Thanks

[KingLT1]

Flex sensor and E85 tune would be my stage 1 mod. Then CAI and Headers. Pulley would be last. The LT4 supercharger just hammers the tires with torque when you pulley down. Plenty of power to be made on stock boost with other mods and it will be more efficient.

[Z OH 6]

I agree flex sensor and E85 and tune, too easy to make good power if you have E85 available.

[LT4 650]

Originally Posted by KingLT1

Flex sensor and E85 tune would be my stage 1 mod. Then CAI and Headers. Pulley would be last. The LT4 supercharger just hammers the tires with torque when you pulley down. Plenty of power to be made on stock boost with other mods and it will be more efficient.

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

I agree flex sensor and E85 and tune, too easy to make good power if you have E85 available.

Thanks for the response but E85 is not really available (one station and it is far)...I do have access to 100 octane but it is $8.29 a gallon. Otherwise we have only crappy 91 octane here in AZ.

So to my original post if I want to start with pulley and headers...which would be the best route? UPPER or LOWER pulley???

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by LT4 650

Thanks for the response but E85 is not really available (one station and it is far)...I do have access to 100 octane but it is $8.29 a gallon. Otherwise we have only crappy 91 octane here in AZ.

So to my original post if I want to start with pulley and headers...which would be the best route? UPPER or LOWER pulley???

Doing the lower means it is less likely to see belt slip vs doing a smaller upper pulley. Do a minimum 95mm throttle body if you’re going down this road (along with CAI, headers, and pulley). If you don't have E85, or even 93, I'd plan on a splash of Boostane with every fillup to get your octane number decent.

[Markoz28]

I agree with previous about boostane. Put 4oz for every fill up of 91. It should raise octane to 94

[dbs1]

Where in AZ r u located? E85 available at I10/Elliot and Higley/Williams field.

And it is for sure the quickest, easiest phase 1.