1996 Camaro Z28 LT1 Project

[JoeliusZ28]

Not sure about scorpions but id go with NSA rockers and guideplates. Im using comp pro mags.

[Fox Slaughter]

I have heard a few stories about the scorpions. Also if you are going to do rockers, do 7/16 ones and studs. Cheap insurance.

[meissen]

As always, someone please correct any mistakes in this post - the difference between self aligning and non-self aligning is that self aligning rockers have little bumps which keep the rocker on the pushrod and valve tip. you're literally dependent on those little bumps to keep the geometry of the valvetrain. The way I've always seen it - although "self aligning" sounds good, it basically means you have little insurance for failure. Non-self aligning, though sounding bad, means that the guideplates help "guide" or keep the pushrods in place and in alignment. Basically it's a more robust way of keeping the geometry.

That said - yeah, I have the Comp Pro Mags or Ultra Pro Mags or whatever theyre called. 7/16th stud, and full Comp Cams roller rockers. They will clear stock valve covers but you have to clearance the inside of the valve covers to get them to fit. Someone else will have to elaborate on that more - I went with the canton valve covers so I wouldn't have to worry about it.

[ryanwarby01]

I got most of my valve train from Speed Engineering: http://www.speedengineeringlsx.com/1...d/rockers-arms . Some people will recommend NSA or SA based on your cams lift and desired rpm range.

[Fox Slaughter]

Yes basically you're right Brian.
SA are generally "safe" for under like 6K.
Over that or long times in the uppers NSA are recommended.
I would run NSA. Its just more insurance and you know your valvetrain can handle it. All you need are the rockers, (same price) guide plates (less than 50 bucks) and hardened push rods (about 100). Then spin that baby to the moon.

Also thats not a part list. You didn't tell use what you plan on using.

[alone_and_insane]

Also thats not a part list. You didn't tell use what you plan on using.

Ok...how's this then?

So here's what I'm thinking: full rebuild. Then, get this cam kit:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/COMP-CAM-CHE...8ef722&vxp=mtr

Other parts:

Pushrods (do I need a different length?) Don't have any picked out, because I don't know where to get custom-length pushrods
Rockers NSA 1.6 ratio 7/16 stud roller rockers, probably Comp Ultra Pro Mags
Valve seals
Rocker studs
Impala head gaskets http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ed...t/model/impala
Timing chain http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...umber=10128485
timing cover gasket http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...1955&ppt=C0026
new oil pan (mine's rather beat up and rusty) http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...eyword=oil+pan
Converter (looking at this one...thoughts? http://www.ebay.com/itm/130887041689...S:1123&vxp=mtr)
trans cooler http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...26+accessories
trans temp gauge http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...on+temperature
LS1 steering shaft craigslist or junkyard
oil pump should I get the whole pump, or just the white spring I've read about?
tune probably from @BLKHAWK
engine bay paint
shop use (going to tow the car to Tech Shop in Allen Park and do the work there. $75/mo with my MSU ID)


Should come out to about $3500. Any thoughts? Anything I missed?

Better?

[Fox Slaughter]

Ok...how's this then?



Better?

Yes thats better.

Pushrods can be ordered from Summit. Most guys get TFS hardened rods as they cost 100 bucks.
If nothing has been honed or decked generally 7.2 will get you buy but its always best to check.
Rocker studs obviously ARP.
Valve seals, doesn't really matter.
If you are doing the timing chain might as well do a timing set. Generally people run Cloytes. 3145.
Don't ask me on converters, I've only modded manuals.
I don't know about the Impala gaskets all I know is if you want those you want the crush to be .026.

[c0ncEpT]

I would just get the pushrods from Trend. They probably have them in stock.

[alone_and_insane]

I would just get the pushrods from Trend. They probably have them in stock.

Trend? link?

[c0ncEpT]

http://trendperform.com/

[birdie2000]

I was going to suggest Trend too. Used them a few years back and the price was very reasonable from what I remember.

This is the headgasket you want (assuming .026" compressed thickness is appropriate for your application): http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...er=128376_0_0_

[meissen]

And FWIW - from what I understand (and from my personal experience) if you go with the CC503 and you're not having a lot milled off of the heads then you can use stock length pushrods. But the correct (ie: not half assed way) would be to measure first, then buy the pushrods.

[alone_and_insane]

Car got towed to Tech Shop in Allen Park today. Might start working on it after work today, we'll see. If not, then hopefully this weekend.

[mcalus]

Get a new oil pump and do the white spring. New pumps aren't expensive and are worth the insurance.

[alone_and_insane]

And we're underway:








I took the intake tube/elbow, STB, front air dam, AC condenser, battery, and a couple other things tonight. I didn't have anything to drain coolant into, otherwise I would've taken out the radiator and fans also.