Beating an LS1

[Revenga444]

I drive a 1999 Firebird 3.8L, and I'd like to make it faster (Just like everyone else on this board). I've done my fair share of research and am having trouble deciding on which way to go in terms of upgrades. My final goal is to be as fast as or faster than an LS1.

After researching I see that one path is to go with a turbo, which alone would cost me probably around 4k dollars. On the other hand I could just ditch the V6 and go with an engine swap, possibly find an LT1 or LS1. If I took this path though don't I basically have to swap countless other things to make the car run making it easier to just go with buying the whole car?

And another option is my friend would give me his 305 from an 89 Formula and I could stroke it or maybe change the cam. Only thing is I'd have to rebuild the engine... It has 144k miles. Also, I don't know how hard it would be to get this engine running in my car. (He could basically give me it and everything with it because he's putting his old Camaro engine into his car along with everything else from that Camaro)

Another option is maybe Nitrous??? Idk anything about nitrous though.

Last, would be putting a new cam and heads on my car.

So basically, my question is what would be the cheapest and best way to match the power of an LS1? I'm really just looking for any opinions/suggestions.

Thanks.

[BobDoLe]

Re: Beating an LS1

as an old owner of a newer 2001 3800 camaro with nitrous (and a new owner of a older 1999 camaro ss), i think the quickest/cheapest way to mod your car to beat an LS1 would be with nitrous.

check out the ntirous section. you can get a kit for a couple hundred bucks, but then you need accesories (heater) and safety equipment (tps switch, window switch, fuel pressure safety switch) which can all be had for another couple hundred. for your particular application, you'd need AT LEAST a 100 shot, so it would be in your best interest to upgrade the fuel pump (and injectors if you decide to go with a dry shot - said to be not as effective as a wet shot).

with nitrous, a 100 shot is going to be a 50% increase in power - which is said to be as far as one should dare to go as a general rule.

if you use nitrous and spray as low/early as you can (3000rpm or higher), you'd probably stand a chance since the guy in the LS1 is certain your v6 is an easy kill - you're going to need to get the jump on him/her so learn to launch and get sticky tires.

[97rs4life]

Re: Beating an LS1

Nitrous or a supercharger are ways to go if you are not interested in making a turbo kit. Get the bolt on stuff like exhaust, intake, and gears/lsd done first.

[Smoke Panther]

Re: Beating an LS1

I drive a 1999 Firebird 3.8L, and I'd like to make it faster (Just like everyone else on this board). I've done my fair share of research and am having trouble deciding on which way to go in terms of upgrades. My final goal is to be as fast as or faster than an LS1.

After researching I see that one path is to go with a turbo, which alone would cost me probably around 4k dollars. On the other hand I could just ditch the V6 and go with an engine swap, possibly find an LT1 or LS1. If I took this path though don't I basically have to swap countless other things to make the car run making it easier to just go with buying the whole car?

And another option is my friend would give me his 305 from an 89 Formula and I could stroke it or maybe change the cam. Only thing is I'd have to rebuild the engine... It has 144k miles. Also, I don't know how hard it would be to get this engine running in my car. (He could basically give me it and everything with it because he's putting his old Camaro engine into his car along with everything else from that Camaro)

Another option is maybe Nitrous??? Idk anything about nitrous though.

Last, would be putting a new cam and heads on my car.

So basically, my question is what would be the cheapest and best way to match the power of an LS1? I'm really just looking for any opinions/suggestions.

Thanks.

several things...matching the power of an LS1 is not the same as going as fast/faster than an LS1, so you need decide which one you want to do.

With regards to going as fast as a stock LS1 (mid 13's), it can be done with a cam, tuning, full bolt-ons, gear, and tire. How much you spend on that can vary (buying new vs. buying used).

Alot of people talk about going FI, but few do...I'll admit, i have a bias towards the cam option, but it's really the more manageable of your choices

[Revenga444]

Re: Beating an LS1

...I think I blew my engine... Last night after flooring it to get out of some snow my engine started making what sounded like an engine knock. Then after that the car wouldn't start, which seems to be something different. So I'm not sure but I think my cars pretty messed up.

If this is the case what do you think of getting the engine rebuilt, bored and possibly stroked and getting a new cam and maybe heads?

[Meatyshells]

Re: Beating an LS1

just buy an ls1 car, it would be cheaper

[Renzo]

Re: Beating an LS1

If your motor did get messed up, and you're willing to pay for a new motor and get all the performance parts that you really want then your ride will be pretty set to go head-to-head with a LS1 or LT1. However, if you think about it, if you're willing to dig deep down your pockets to pay for performance parts, why not just sell your car now and then use the money you were gonna use to buy performance parts for the 6 and just get a newer model Trans Am or SS?

[BobDoLe]

Re: Beating an LS1

...I think I blew my engine... Last night after flooring it to get out of some snow my engine started making what sounded like an engine knock. Then after that the car wouldn't start, which seems to be something different. So I'm not sure but I think my cars pretty messed up.

If this is the case what do you think of getting the engine rebuilt, bored and possibly stroked and getting a new cam and maybe heads?

was the car warmed up before you floored it?

if you have blown your motor and you have the option to get another car, really consider just getting an LS1.
if you want power, the LS1 has plenty. its a total kick in the pants compared to our v6's. heavy engine work can get a L36 to 300 crank hp, but at that point you've maxed out the motor and the required tuning alone will bankrupt you. an LS1 will give you more than 300 crank hp and you can build it up relatively easy. the aftermarket performance market on the LS1 is insane.

if you're not sold on the LS1 idea, then you can rebuild your motor for nitrous (cheaper than turbo in the short run) and beat LS1's all day - or at least until your bottle pressure runs low.