[DeadpoolFan]

Just got a LT1 not long ago but just wondering what upgrades I could do for cheap first was thinking of doing cold air and cams first

[LT1ornothing]

Originally Posted by DeadpoolFan

Just got a LT1 not long ago but just wondering what upgrades I could do for cheap first was thinking of doing cold air and cams first

You might want to do a little research on the LT1 before you begin to mod. For starters, there is only ONE cam in the LT1. Secondly, there is nothing cheap about a cam swap on the LT1. I HIGHLY suggest taking a few hours to do some research on this forum so you learn and understand the LT1 platform.

[laynlo15]

Rotofab CAI, E85, Lt2 or MSD IM, Lt2 will be much cheaper and net close to the same power, stock or ported 95mm Lt5 TB, this will net about 35 to 40 rwhp over stock which is usually about 395 so after you should see 435 to 440 depending on the dyno. Mine made 436/441 rwhp/trq. You can add long tubes and X pipe, that should get you into the 450s to around 460 which is what my C7 made but it had ported Msd instead of Lt2. You can do the E85, Lt2 and Lt5 TB with tune for about 2000 to 2500 p assuming you can swap out the IM/TB. Not sure what your skill level is but you may have to get a shop to do the E85 sensor, it will need a tune.
CAI 350 to 500 used or new
Lt2 IM 300 to 500 Stock or ported plenty of used usually for sale
Lt5 TB 200 to 250 Used
E85 sensor 250 to 375 depending on which company you choose to purchase from and 550 or so installed including sensor
Tune 350 to 500

[SJFGTO]

OP, no disrespect but your post suggests that you are new to modding modern vehicles. Your stock engine is plenty quick, very few every day cars out on the road can touch it. Enjoy your muscle car right now. GM did a great job from the start. There is a progression to modding new cars, a science really. Unless you understand how an engine functions you will be doing yourself a disservice.

[laynlo15]

Originally Posted by SJFGTO

OP, no disrespect but your post suggests that you are new to modding modern vehicles. Your stock engine is plenty quick, very few every day cars out on the road can touch it. Enjoy your muscle car right now. GM did a great job from the start. There is a progression to modding new cars, a science really. Unless you understand how an engine functions you will be doing yourself a disservice.

Well said and true for sure.

[ST1LE]

I would probably start with tires.

[Vaska]

Originally Posted by DeadpoolFan

Just got a LT1 not long ago but just wondering what upgrades I could do for cheap first was thinking of doing cold air and cams first

Great choices. Both are DIY items in your driveway.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by DeadpoolFan

Just got a LT1 not long ago but just wondering what upgrades I could do for cheap first was thinking of doing cold air and cams first

No, drive the car as-is for a while, then do wider wheels and (proper) tires, which will allow you to actually access the 455 horses in your LT1. Then later if that's still not enough and you have good control over them, then start thinking about further mods. We're saving you a ton of money with these bits of advice and not taking any of the exhilaration away.

[laynlo15]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

No, drive the car as-is for a while, then do wider wheels and (proper) tires, which will allow you to actually access the 455 horses in your LT1. Then later if that's still not enough and you have good control over them, then start thinking about further mods. We're saving you a ton of money with these bits of advice and not taking any of the exhilaration away.

He mentioned Cai so it sounded to me like bolt ons but nothing on tires and wheels. I did E85 with less then a 1000 miles. Best mod for the price.

[That1guy_tim]

Cheapest easiest way to make your car faster? DRIVE MOD! go take some HPDE classes at your local track leave car stock.

[Tripwire1124]

When people say they want 'cams' for our cars I immediately cringe.
I'd say your first mod should be to educate yourself. Plenty of sources for finding how-to/why-to do certain things, including this forum.

[LT1ornothing]

Originally Posted by Tripwire1124

When people say they want 'cams' for our cars I immediately cringe.
I'd say your first mod should be to educate yourself. Plenty of sources for finding how-to/why-to do certain things, including this forum.

Same, this is exactly why post #2 was written the way it was. You would think that you would want to know the nitty gritty details of the platform you wish to modify before you begin to modify, but I have come to realize that there is an entire group of "quasi-enthusiasts" out there who got the mod bug but can not be bothered to research and learn their platform because they are not capable of generating enough self interest and motivation to read about it for a few hours.

[95 imp]

Originally Posted by 1LEornothing

Same, this is exactly why post #2 was written the way it was. You would think that you would want to know the nitty gritty details of the platform you wish to modify before you begin to modify, but I have come to realize that there is an entire group of "quasi-enthusiasts" out there who got the mod bug but can not be bothered to research and learn their platform because they are not capable of generating enough self interest and motivation to read about it for a few hours.

But what about the updraft carburetor and oil bath air cleaner mod?

[LT1ornothing]

Originally Posted by 95 imp

But what about the updraft carburetor and oil bath air cleaner mod?

it ain't easy 'I tells ya'.