Sorry but stock castings LS heads are pretty good way they are. Cam only and full exhaust and tune will get you in the 11"s. Obviously aftermarket castings are better but stock LS heads are not junk. Remove that bump in the intake port and mill them down to a 59cc-60cc to bump up the compression and you'll notice a difference and make some power. If you're staying NA just leave it 5.7 and just drive it and have fun. My old c5z made 470 rwhp and 400 rwtq on a ms4 cam and stock ported and milled 243 heads and was super fun car. Ive got a 01 ws6 now and it's all stock pretty mint. I'm not doing anything to it cuz I want a big NA setup so I got a 6.0 lq block and was going to swap that but I think I'm going to do a 408 so going to purchase a rotating assembly over winter. I'd like to get into the ten second range NA. But the 5.7 is pretty decent if you do h/c/i. Just depends on what you want to do with it. Sorry bout the long post.
All cars have good and bad things on them you have a future collectable that is fun and turns heads .Enjoy it for what it is remember to make horsepower cost money the more horsepower you put into the more things break. It is part of the game. Dont get down on such a iconic car, i love mine.
I love this car i’m not hating on it or anything just pointing out things i wish were better. I’m making a 5 things i Love version in a few weeks. I enjoy every second with this car even when it’s down. Breaking it doesn’t even get me down anymore i just pull it all back apart and make it better. This car is my passion and a part of me.
My Performabuilt 4L60E Level II , with a Yank SS3600 , and a Derale plate style 11x13 cooler , never gets over 180° F , in Tennessee summer heat, even in Nashville rush hour traffic. It's sitting behind an LS2 long block , with an LS6 style intake, and those "crappy" 243 heads , cnc`d through TSP . It's a big cam (244/246@0.050") car , with all forged and a 250 wet shot (Nitrous Outlet) , and the trans has been a beast , (sunshell) , taking everything the combo has, like it was effortless. It's consistent, and never shows heat stress after several runs in the low to mid 11s on motor, low 10s on spray . If you're having problems with a GM transmission, I'd highly recommend Performabuilt. I've had great luck with an ATI in a previous car , too . The Yank SS3600 is a high torque multiplication ratio (2.6:1) so it launches hard , doesn't lose RPM on the shifts , but drives almost like stock . It's the best street focused street/strip combo I've had , though the ATI trans with their 4000 stall was close , but looser , as was the FTI . They seemed more focused on drag strip use , with a couple tenths better 60' , but the Yank has the best MPH . Imo a good converter and a solid reliable transmission, (with a taller first gear) , are a huge part of going fast in an F body . It doesn't shock the tires , doesn't load the engine , acts like it's got twice as much torque as stock (I'm sure it does ) and it sounds so badass when I'm in traffic . If you're unhappy with your weak stock 4L60E , Performabuilt can make it awesome.
Thanks for the suggestions. I’ve heard great things about Yank. I have a 3600 FTI converter in now that performs pretty well but isn’t going to handle my plans. I will for sure look into performabuilt.
I used to own a 3rd gen Camaro with leaky T-Tops, and someone told me to rub a bit of petroleum jelly on them. I did that a couple times and holy crap did the seals swell up and the leaking stop, but it wasn't a long term solution and required reapplication every so often. I heard that it could also dry them out, which may or may not be true. I didn't own it long enough to experience it myself. It kept them from leaking and having to keep a towel on the seat in the rain, so it worked for me.
@@walkerhaules Exactly my view haha. You know, I bet a lot of good would come from just doing basic maintenance and cleaning the seals once in a while too. Letting the usual dirt just sit can't be beneficial!
Well I’m old and on my 1981 Ta I used vasoline every now and then and u have to replace the rubbers Get you a national parts depot book for Trans am to order some
Hey! enjoyed the video. I'm looking to purchase a trans am or a camaro z28. is there anyway I can contact you and ask you what you think I'm going after. I live in Idaho and there's not to much to pick from. although I found 2 I would really like your opinion on. thanks!
Check out my mates video it will give a nice update to see what’s all going on. Waiting on my pistons to get back now from getting wrist pins pressed. Shouldn’t be too much longer my friend
What mileage does this "slipper" have? my tranny lasted fairly long, but I'm the cruiser type of driver. It crushed the 4th gear clutches on highwaypass on half to 3/4 throttle and apeared to get a 3L60e X-D But I like the automatic transmission and let it rebuild by a shop next to me. We decided together after a few mistakes to get a cheap v6 transmission, full taken apart and rebuild it with many Sonnax parts, e.g. smart shell, smart tech housing etc. and (very important) Borg Warner high friction clutches! They puttet Alto red eagle clutches in first and were junk 2 weeks of normal daily driving without any pulls! Alto Red Eagle is completely waste of money and totally garbage! My rebuilt 4L60E lasts since christmas 2019 without any issue and is doing what it should to do with my H/C/I Engine who is putting a reasonable power and torque. Regards
@@walkerhaules my slipper lastet 114k mils with the v6 and around 50k miles with the ls1 before it broke down. If You're going to turbo this thing I recommend to put a T56 swap or a 4l80 swap. Both are expensive build ups. Or maybe looking for a T56 trans am and make an LQ9 swap. the cast iron block withstands the turbo load very good in comparison to the aluminum LS1/2/6 blocks
@@walkerhaules you're right...it's not even close. Pulling from the top is way easier. I've done it both ways. It's not even close. Over the years I have removed and installed over 100 4th gen LS engines. My car has had the engine out almost 20 times. Not to mention I have had my engine out in under an hour if I hustle. I have a lift in my garage.....and still pull from the top.
@@walkerhaules yup....I'm one of those guys with actual experience. You should listen to people who have more knowledge of these cars than you. But by all means....waste your time and do it the hard way. I always get a good laugh out of guys thinking they know best even when they are obviously wrong.
Why would i take advice from a guy that’s had his own motor out 20 times sounds like someone doesn’t know what they are doing. Build it right the first time boomer.
Sorry but stock castings LS heads are pretty good way they are. Cam only and full exhaust and tune will get you in the 11"s. Obviously aftermarket castings are better but stock LS heads are not junk. Remove that bump in the intake port and mill them down to a 59cc-60cc to bump up the compression and you'll notice a difference and make some power. If you're staying NA just leave it 5.7 and just drive it and have fun. My old c5z made 470 rwhp and 400 rwtq on a ms4 cam and stock ported and milled 243 heads and was super fun car. Ive got a 01 ws6 now and it's all stock pretty mint. I'm not doing anything to it cuz I want a big NA setup so I got a 6.0 lq block and was going to swap that but I think I'm going to do a 408 so going to purchase a rotating assembly over winter. I'd like to get into the ten second range NA. But the 5.7 is pretty decent if you do h/c/i. Just depends on what you want to do with it. Sorry bout the long post.
Sounds like you had a fun car on your hands i appreciate the long comment🙌
All cars have good and bad things on them you have a future collectable that is fun and turns heads .Enjoy it for what it is remember to make horsepower cost money the more horsepower you put into the more things break. It is part of the game. Dont get down on such a iconic car, i love mine.
I love this car i’m not hating on it or anything just pointing out things i wish were better. I’m making a 5 things i Love version in a few weeks. I enjoy every second with this car even when it’s down. Breaking it doesn’t even get me down anymore i just pull it all back apart and make it better. This car is my passion and a part of me.
My Performabuilt 4L60E Level II , with a Yank SS3600 , and a Derale plate style 11x13 cooler , never gets over 180° F , in Tennessee summer heat, even in Nashville rush hour traffic. It's sitting behind an LS2 long block , with an LS6 style intake, and those "crappy" 243 heads , cnc`d through TSP . It's a big cam (244/246@0.050") car , with all forged and a 250 wet shot (Nitrous Outlet) , and the trans has been a beast , (sunshell) , taking everything the combo has, like it was effortless. It's consistent, and never shows heat stress after several runs in the low to mid 11s on motor, low 10s on spray . If you're having problems with a GM transmission, I'd highly recommend Performabuilt. I've had great luck with an ATI in a previous car , too . The Yank SS3600 is a high torque multiplication ratio (2.6:1) so it launches hard , doesn't lose RPM on the shifts , but drives almost like stock . It's the best street focused street/strip combo I've had , though the ATI trans with their 4000 stall was close , but looser , as was the FTI . They seemed more focused on drag strip use , with a couple tenths better 60' , but the Yank has the best MPH . Imo a good converter and a solid reliable transmission, (with a taller first gear) , are a huge part of going fast in an F body . It doesn't shock the tires , doesn't load the engine , acts like it's got twice as much torque as stock (I'm sure it does ) and it sounds so badass when I'm in traffic . If you're unhappy with your weak stock 4L60E , Performabuilt can make it awesome.
Thanks for the suggestions. I’ve heard great things about Yank. I have a 3600 FTI converter in now that performs pretty well but isn’t going to handle my plans. I will for sure look into performabuilt.
If your boosting a ls motor go 5.3 it’s cheap and you can throw an enormous amount of boost at it and be fine
4.8
You have to hand wash a classic. Take care of those seals. Lubricate them They are only rubber
I used to own a 3rd gen Camaro with leaky T-Tops, and someone told me to rub a bit of petroleum jelly on them. I did that a couple times and holy crap did the seals swell up and the leaking stop, but it wasn't a long term solution and required reapplication every so often. I heard that it could also dry them out, which may or may not be true. I didn't own it long enough to experience it myself. It kept them from leaking and having to keep a towel on the seat in the rain, so it worked for me.
I will be trying this! If it ends up drying them out it’s fine they leak anyway so will find replacement seals. Will try the jelly trick first!
@@walkerhaules Exactly my view haha. You know, I bet a lot of good would come from just doing basic maintenance and cleaning the seals once in a while too. Letting the usual dirt just sit can't be beneficial!
Well I’m old and on my 1981 Ta I used vasoline every now and then and u have to replace the rubbers Get you a national parts depot book for Trans am to order some
My 4l60 is currently sitting at 310,000 miles i’m just waiting for it go out at this point
That’s crazy!
Hey! enjoyed the video. I'm looking to purchase a trans am or a camaro z28. is there anyway I can contact you and ask you what you think I'm going after. I live in Idaho and there's not to much to pick from. although I found 2 I would really like your opinion on. thanks!
You can message me on insta with any and all questions would love to help ya get lined out! My instagram is Wrogier2366
Hey brother, I am checking in. Did you have to replace that piston?? Did you get the T/A back up and running???
Check out my mates video it will give a nice update to see what’s all going on. Waiting on my pistons to get back now from getting wrist pins pressed. Shouldn’t be too much longer my friend
I have owned a 2001 Firebird formula for 8 years now, The only remedy for the leaking t-tops is to keep it in a garage bro. I tried everything.
Tried multiple covers, they just made it worse. Finally built a small pole building for my bird.
good ole brian lewis vlog special
damn 5.3 in Sonoma been beat on over a year with that little 5.3 and 4l65e still holding up
5.3 is also a good set up for boost and extra power!
Where do u even get replacement t top weather stripping bc I have the same problem on my 02 camaro
I just typed in year and model of vehicle into google and found first place auto has the interior strips i have yet to find the t top ones.
If you’re gonna race. Keep the automatic
The leaking windows is just part of owning a classic pretty much anything old does it
What mileage does this "slipper" have? my tranny lasted fairly long, but I'm the cruiser type of driver. It crushed the 4th gear clutches on highwaypass on half to 3/4 throttle and apeared to get a 3L60e X-D But I like the automatic transmission and let it rebuild by a shop next to me. We decided together after a few mistakes to get a cheap v6 transmission, full taken apart and rebuild it with many Sonnax parts, e.g. smart shell, smart tech housing etc. and (very important) Borg Warner high friction clutches! They puttet Alto red eagle clutches in first and were junk 2 weeks of normal daily driving without any pulls! Alto Red Eagle is completely waste of money and totally garbage!
My rebuilt 4L60E lasts since christmas 2019 without any issue and is doing what it should to do with my H/C/I Engine who is putting a reasonable power and torque.
Regards
the transmission had right at 120k on it before it started “slipping”.
@@walkerhaules my slipper lastet 114k mils with the v6 and around 50k miles with the ls1 before it broke down.
If You're going to turbo this thing I recommend to put a T56 swap or a 4l80 swap. Both are expensive build ups. Or maybe looking for a T56 trans am and make an LQ9 swap. the cast iron block withstands the turbo load very good in comparison to the aluminum LS1/2/6 blocks
@@navybluethunder I’ve really been looking into the 6.0 and th400 swap. Main thing is fitment and finding a rear end. But yes lq9 is top of my list!
We'll Give It Up, I need parts, for my 02 firebird?!!! Httredwolves scr
i love it too much to just give up as much as i want too i doubt i could
It's easier to pull the engine from the top. Get a lifting plate
Not even close. If you have a lift it’s 10000 times easier from bottom. Now down to pulling it in under 2 hoirs
@@walkerhaules you're right...it's not even close. Pulling from the top is way easier. I've done it both ways. It's not even close. Over the years I have removed and installed over 100 4th gen LS engines. My car has had the engine out almost 20 times. Not to mention I have had my engine out in under an hour if I hustle. I have a lift in my garage.....and still pull from the top.
Oh god your one of those guys…. Thanks for the feedback👌
@@walkerhaules yup....I'm one of those guys with actual experience. You should listen to people who have more knowledge of these cars than you. But by all means....waste your time and do it the hard way. I always get a good laugh out of guys thinking they know best even when they are obviously wrong.
Why would i take advice from a guy that’s had his own motor out 20 times sounds like someone doesn’t know what they are doing. Build it right the first time boomer.
the rear ends are also junk and expensive to upgrade.
Not true lol, my rear end is perfectly fine
It's an auto. The junk 10 bolt lasts longer. Stick cars break them easily. Mine broke 4 times on stock power.
Sounds like you need to sell it.
true dat
@@walkerhaules used car prices are nuts right now, might be best bang for the buck to sell and save for a few months for a new ride.
Thats a beater WS6.
I beat the PISS out of it too😊