Simple Formula
John Lovic of New Kensington, PA found the winning "formula" for his '97 with a GMPP LS1 crate engine and 4L65E trans. GMPP was also sourced for a PCM and wiring harness, while Prothane motor and tranny mounts, Race Part Solutions silicone coupler and step hose, and Dynatech long tube headers and Y-pipe also made the swap possible. For Lovic, though, a stock LS1 simply wouldn't do, so he replaced the top end with AFR 205cc heads, a FAST LSX intake ported by Tony Mamo at AFR, FAST 90mm throttle body, Comp cam, and SLP double roller timing chain. Meanwhile an SLP 160-degree thermostat, heavy-duty oil pump, and Elite Engineering oil catch can preserve the stock bottom end. The fuel and spark are in good hands with FAST fuel rails, Ford 42-lb/hr injectors, Aeromotive fuel gauge, Aeroquip regulator and fittings, SLP 85mm MAF, MSD coil packs, 8.5mm plug wires, and PCMforLess tuning. The new combo made an impressive 420 rear-wheel horsepower that is well transmitted to the pavement via 3.73 gear, SLP suspension, and Nitto drag radials mounted on 17-inch Torque Thrust IIs.
Flame On
Some people are lucky if fortune smiles on them once-let alone twice. Shawn Pergande of Hugo, OK belongs to the latter group, owning two stunning LS1 Ram Air TAs. The first of which is his 425-horsepower '99 WS6 with a custom paint job from Twin City Collision of Texarkana, TX. The Dupont Chromalusion flames, embroidered headrests, and HID headlights are just a few of the many aesthetic enhancements. Meanwhile an AMS Stage II heads and cam package, ported LS6 intake, MTI throttle body, Ed Wright tune, SLP long tube headers, Y-pipe, QTP cutout, and ATR 3-inch exhaust provide enough power to run 11.95 at 116mph on a set of ET Streets. On the street, the WS6 rolls on Goodyear GSD3 rubber and Torque Thrust II 17x10 and 17x11s. Metco billet aluminum lower control arms, Hotchkis adjustable Panhard bar, LG Motorsports torque arm, MAC lowering springs, and QA1 shocks work with the sticky rolling stock to increase handling. Wolfe Racecraft subframe connectors and roll cage stiffen up the chassis. A SPEC Stage 3 clutch, Pro 5.0 shifter, 3.73 gear, and Air Lift air bag have helped enable 1.65 short times.