[Steve91T]

So I've got a 97 SS that now looks like a mismatched LS1 SS. I'm running a craigslist LT1 that's bone stock, down to the mani's and Y pipe. The engine sat for years before I got it. I did a dry compression and leak down test and my numbers were all over the place. I took the chance that it just needed to be run. Long story short, it took a while but it started to run pretty good. So now I've done 3 track days and it and it blew me away. I fully expected to go home with no less than half of the Pistons I started the day with. Not only did it not miss a beat, it used at most 1/2 quart of oil, no smoke, and seemed happy as hell all day long.

So my plan was for an LS1 swap later this year. But now I'm thinking this engine might be healthier than I thought. TT3 rules require me to have around 350 rwhp for my comp weight (3400 lbs). I can knock 100 lbs off the nose by going to an LS1 and light flywheel and clutch. The problem I have is my LT1 isn't worth anything. $500? Maybe? I figure the LS1 swap will cost me at least $3k. But LT's, cam and tune will be about $1500. I figure both should get me close enough to 350 rwhp.

Right now I'm way down on power, so I have to do something. I really want an LS1, but is it worth an extra $1500? At the same time I'm afraid I'm going to buy headers and a cam and the next day it's going to blow up. What would you guys do?

[nape]

Unless they're really cheap, the answer is no.

Work on setup and driving. There's a lot more to be found in the chassis and learning to tweak the suspension than in 20RWHP. You'll still have the same chassis after the engine swap, not so for the LTs.

[Steve91T]

Unless they're really cheap, the answer is no.

Work on setup and driving. There's a lot more to be found in the chassis and learning to tweak the suspension than in 20RWHP. You'll still have the same chassis after the engine swap, not so for the LTs.

Looks like around $400 ish for LT's and a Y.

I was only considering it because I have to redo my exhaust soon anyway too add a cat. Also I'm going to be racing TT3, which means I'll be way low on HP. That's why I was kinda thinking whatever extra hp I can gain will be nice.

Actually I just remembered there might be a new class, TT4, which is a lower power to weight. I might fight that class better.

When I was setting up the car. I copied what worked for others and I'm really happy with how the car handles. I'm not going to change a thing for a while. I'll see how it is at VIR which is a much faster track. That's where I may have to make some changes.