Help me blow my budget on my C4!

**pushrodv8** · 04-20-2017, 03:58 PM

So I need help maximizing my budget to benefit the car the most. I have an automatic 94 C4 LT1

I have long tube headers already, running a true dual with x-pipe. I -will- need new gears, my 94 came with 2.90(95?) gearing. I want to be able to keep the dana 36(will up to 44 if the car ever needs it), I don't plan on running slicks. This will be a fun car to drive to work on different nights/weekend car.

I like an aggressive cam, as long as it benefits the build and doesn't take away. Ultimately performance > sound.

I can do all the build myself minus any machine work, may or may not try changing the gears in the rear end myself.

I have a total of $3500 to spend on motor/gears. If you had my car, and my budget. How would you maximize budget to squeeze out the most horsepower?

Thanks for your time!

**kitt8090** · 04-20-2017, 03:59 PM

What kinda rwhp are you trying to accomplish?

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**pushrodv8** · 04-20-2017, 04:07 PM

I don't know if this is helpful, but whatever I can squeeze out with this budget. While I can do the work, I am still learning what is, and isn't possible with this motor and different combinations, so I would be completely uninformed.

Is 500 wheel out of the realm of possibility? or is that running the risk of damaging the trans/rear end?

**ChazWhiteZ28-** · 04-20-2017, 05:08 PM

500 wheel horse is hard NA with lt1 or ls1,$3500 wont get you anywhere near it unless you go with nitrous, but you would be on borrowed time before the engine/ tranny went to spray as much to get to 500rwhp.
you are going to need a converter when you get a cam so budget for that, (ive never had a auto so i cant give you details but im guessing around $1000 for a good one, assuming you install it yourself, like i said im not completely sure how much or who makes good ones, but you will need a converter regardless) you can go cam only but its best to get ported heads and intake, but not neccesary with a cam, if you go cam only you will need lifters and pushrods, there is a couple/few hundred bucks depending on what kind you get. good set of gears is few hundred, another few hundred to have someone install it, of course that price varies depending on shop. llyod elliot is a member here as well an lt1 guru he shoud be able to tell you exactly what you need for your goals.
In summary, i think just a cam, lifters, rods, converter, gears, more than likely injectors and fuel pump, and a tune, misc gaskets and fluids, budget for little shit you may break, can possibly be done for $3500 bucks. you'll be looking at aroud 330-375 rwhp with a cam only build

**SSlowBoat** · 04-20-2017, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by ChazWhiteZ28-

500 wheel horse is hard NA with lt1 or ls1,$3500 wont get you anywhere near it unless you go with nitrous, but you would be on borrowed time before the engine/ tranny went to spray as much to get to 500rwhp.
you are going to need a converter when you get a cam so budget for that, (ive never had a auto so i cant give you details but im guessing around $1000 for a good one, assuming you install it yourself, like i said im not completely sure how much or who makes good ones, but you will need a converter regardless) you can go cam only but its best to get ported heads and intake, but not neccesary with a cam, if you go cam only you will need lifters and pushrods, there is a couple/few hundred bucks depending on what kind you get. good set of gears is few hundred, another few hundred to have someone install it, of course that price varies depending on shop. llyod elliot is a member here as well an lt1 guru he shoud be able to tell you exactly what you need for your goals.
In summary, i think just a cam, lifters, rods, converter, gears, more than likely injectors and fuel pump, and a tune, misc gaskets and fluids, budget for little shit you may break, can possibly be done for $3500 bucks. you'll be looking at aroud 330-375 rwhp with a cam only build

list: @pushrodv8

LE2 heads - $1200
LE cam - $300
1.6 rockers - $250
guideplates - $50
pushrods - $100
PROTORQUE B29SS converter - $350
Cahall Performance trans - $1000-1400 pending performance or race build
injectors - $100+ pending new/used
TUNE - $-$$-$$$ pending what you get.

this is a simple list that works well for a fun street car. id be a dick and leave the gears highwayish for a bit because you will have less chance of blowing the tires off initially and just freight train thru 100+mph. I loved having a cammed lt1 with 2.73's. leave like a turtle then from 30+mph hold on.

you will be anywhere from 360-380whp (stall will make it dyno a hair lower) with a proper tune, but the car will feel/be alot quicker than that. all depends on how much you are willing to spin the stock bottom end vs longevity and driveability

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**pushrodv8** · 04-20-2017, 08:54 PM

Thanks guys, I should probably mention that I need to rebuild the motor at this point as well. 140,000 on the odo. I was going to do new bearings, as long as pistons/rods/crank looked ok. I have the engine out to do headgaskets, and figured I was this close might as well refresh it.

I like the Lloyd Elliot route, could I go forged bottom end, gears, all the valvetrain from LE AND add spray? How much borrowed time would the 4L60E be on while spraying?

And $3500 is not a hard budget per say, if I needed to drop another $1000 that would not be out of the realm but I am going to try to stick to it as I have plans for a C5 in the future.

**SSlowBoat** · 04-20-2017, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by pushrodv8

Thanks guys, I should probably mention that I need to rebuild the motor at this point as well. 140,000 on the odo. I was going to do new bearings, as long as pistons/rods/crank looked ok. I have the engine out to do headgaskets, and figured I was this close might as well refresh it.

I like the Lloyd Elliot route, could I go forged bottom end, gears, all the valvetrain from LE AND add spray? How much borrowed time would the 4L60E be on while spraying?

And $3500 is not a hard budget per say, if I needed to drop another $1000 that would not be out of the realm. I just don't want to outspend to the point I could have purchased a C5 lol

forged components require rebalancing bottom end. id personally go the le route on a stock rebuild WITH a built trans and spray it, before building a forged bottom end. basically add $2k to your budget if not more if forging it

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**pushrodv8** · 04-20-2017, 09:16 PM

Yeah, a stock rebuild sounds like the better option. I appreciate it, thank you

**fullforce** · 04-21-2017, 10:30 AM

I just went through this, honestly $3500 will get you a cam swap if the car is completely stock because you will also need headers/exhaust, new optispark, plugs, wires, gaskets , fluids, and replacing all the worn out crap belts hoses ECT. Like other posts have said whatever you think it will cost, you can pretty much double it by the time its all said and done.
With that being said if I was spending the money to do a rebuild I would definitely find the cash to at least get the LE1 package from Loyld

And like Tubby said if the trans hasnt been rebuilt you can add that in too.

**SSlowBoat** · 04-21-2017, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by fullforce

I just went through this, honestly $3500 will get you a cam swap if the car is completely stock because you will also need headers/exhaust, new optispark, plugs, wires, gaskets , fluids, and replacing all the worn out crap belts hoses ECT. Like other posts have said whatever you think it will cost, you can pretty much double it by the time its all said and done.
With that being said if I was spending the money to do a rebuild I would definitely find the cash to at least get the LE1 package from Loyld

And like Tubby said if the trans hasnt been rebuilt you can add that in too.

it can be done for less if you're willing to look and find used parts/deals and stuff. or you have really good friends lol

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