Top 10 Budget LT1 Bolt-Ons NOS Universal EFI Kit
Single-nozzle wet nitrous kit, complete with all the basics to start spraying. Again, the rpm window switch and pressure safety switch are too pricey to include but you should consider them.
The Catch:
Has the potential to blow an engine--be careful. Not active all the time.
Ease of Install:
Moderate
Wear and Tear:
Heavy
Approximate HP gain / ET reduction:
70 HP
Cost:
$457.99
Cost versus gain:
$6.54 PER HP
Royal Purple Synthetic Oil
Again, Royal Purple products gain their performance advantages through Royal Purple's proprietary Synerlec(R) additive technology--and using the oil, rear gear lube and the coolant additive really do make a difference.
The Catch:
A little pricey (but worth it!)
Ease of Install:
Easy
Wear and Tear:
Negative
Approximate HP gain / ET reduction:
4 HP
Cost:
$57.00
Cost versus gain:
$14.25 PER HP
SLP Throttle Body Airfoil
So easy it is hard to understand how GM missed it. The airfoil attaches to the throttle body, between the two barrels. The purpose is to split airflow in a smooth and non-turbulent manner as it passes through the dual barrels of an LT1 throttle body. You'll have trouble finding a performance minded LT1 F-body owner without one. Possibly because of its simplicity and palatable price, this could be the single most popular LT1 F-body mod around.
The Catch:
The gain is small, albeit a good gain per cost.
Ease of Install:
Easy
Wear and Tear:
Mild
Approximate HP gain / ET reduction:
1.8 HP
Cost:
$34.95
Cost versus gain:
$19.42 PER HP
Headers
Long tube headers have as good an affect on the LT1 F-body as the LS1 cars. Pacesetter, historically known as a good bargain brand, is a newcomer to LT1 performance and these headers look to be a viable low-cost option for the often budget-restrained hot rodder. Long tube headers are available with a mating Pacesetter 3-inch off-road y-pipe and install kit.
The Catch:
Emission illegal. You'll set catalytic converter codes without popping for O2 simulators or zapping the codes in the tune. They are not coated and not made from stainless steel. Generally not for lowered cars.
Ease of Install:
Difficult
Wear and Tear:
Moderate
Approximate HP gain / ET reduction:
20 HP
Cost:
$415.98
Cost versus gain:
$20.80 PER HP
TCI Torque Converter
Factory converters are all tuned for fuel economy and lock up as soon as possible. Letting the transmission-to-engine connection slip until the engine reaches power-rich rpms allows for getting into the powerband at launch. The TCI converter is compatible with the factory lockup strategy for good cruising efficiency. Looser converters are available and do offer greater gains, but they require tuning, sacrifice in lockup function, and a lot more cash.
The Catch:
Fuel economy will suffer a little, primarily around town. The transmission and driveline will receive a little more stress with the loose converter. Drivability will change but you'll like it.
Ease of Install:
Difficult
Wear and Tear:
Moderate
Approximate HP gain / Et reduction:
21 HUNDREDTHS
Cost:
$436.88
Cost versus gain:
$20.80 PER HUNDREDTH
March Performance Power and Amp Pulleys
The underdrive pulley kit increases horsepower by reducing accessory drag. The package is engineered to make power, yet retain charging and accessory drive function. Better looking than the factory pulleys.
The Catch:
Not the way to go if you have a big-assed stereo pulling on your battery.
Ease of Install:
Easy
Wear and Tear:
Mild
Approximate HP gain / ET reduction:
5 HP
Cost:
$104.88
Cost versus gain:
$20.98 PER HP
Quick Time/FlowTech Electric Cut Out
Exhaust back pressure is bottled-up horsepower. The quickest way to uncork the power is to literally uncork the exhaust. The QTP electric cutout is a great alternative for those who don't want to (or legally can't, to put it more correctly) drive around in race mode all the time. Slick toggle-switch electric control eliminates the need to crawl under and uncap the dumps.
The Catch:
Not legal for street use, you law-breaking scurv.
Ease of Install:
Difficult
Wear and Tear:
Mild
Approximate HP gain / ET reduction:
7 HP
Cost:
$184.99
Cost versus gain:
$26.43 PER HP
4.10 Gears
One of the best ways to improve your car's acceleration is to lower your rear-axle ratio. For a few hundred dollars, you can get the gears and a complete install kit. The hottest ratio ever offered in the Fourth-Gen F-body was a whopping 3.42 in the M6.
The Catch:
Difficult to install properly--experienced professional install only. Even they can botch the install. Often, they make noise ... because they are not set up right. Kiss away some fuel economy, and your tires--well, you've heard this spiel before! Your speedometer (and auto trans) will be out-of-whack until you reprogram the PCM.
Ease of Install:
Difficult
Wear and Tear:
Moderate
Approximate HP gain / ET reduction:
13 HUNDREDTHS
Cost:
$274.99
Cost versus gain:
$21.15 PER HUNDREDTH
Comp Cams 1.6 Aluminum Roller Rockers
A higher ratio, roller tip and roller bearing, narrow body, self-aligning rocker arm that beats the stock part in every aspect. The high ratio (stock is 1.5) facilitates increased engine induction by increasing valve lift. Fancy roller-bearing design helps cut parasitic losses from valvetrain. The rockers give a good boost to an otherwise lethargic stock LT1 valve lift.
The Catch:
May require some minor clearance work to factory steel valve covers.
Ease of Install:
Moderate
Wear and Tear:
Moderate
Approximate HP gain / ET reduction:
10 HP
Cost:
$366.69
Cost versus gain:
$36.67 PER HP
K&N Cold Air Filter Kit
A complete induction system replacement. The cold air kit channels fresh cold air directly into the engine, and replaces a load of crappy-looking factory airbox plenums, bellows, and clamps in the process. The cold air kit is a close second in popularity, behind the airfoil.
The Catch:
May create some induction noise (note: if you object to a little throttle music (aka noise), you shouldn't even be reading this article, nancy-boy).
Ease of Install:
Easy
Wear and Tear:
Mild
Approximate HP gain / ET reduction:
6 HP
Cost:
$224.95
Cost versus gain:
$37.49 PER HP