Oddball
02-18-2006, 01:12 PM
All,
Following a posting on the electrical board about "tuning" an LG4 one of our members asked how I did mine. I thought I'd share this since many third gens came with this motor. I'm no expert but I tinker. An LG4 will never beat an LSx mod for mod (I don't compare modded to stock) without the phrase "drive off a cliff", but there are things you can do to make it quicker and more responsive without an engine rebuild. You can find a lot of this information on thirdgen.org. Search "LG4 tuneup" or "LG4 buildup".
You are not going to be able to just plug in a lap top or scanner like you see on SpikeTV's powerblock since our engines do not have that advanced conputer control. There may chips for the carb but I dont know too much about them.
The first thing you need to do is properly tune up your car. Without the equipment you have properly working there is no need to add additional equipment. I have not done the exhaust and cam but may in the future
Step 1: LG4 Tune up
1. Plugs / wires.
2. Cap / rotor / ignition module.
3. Air filter.
4. Fuel Filter.
5. Carb cleaner (put this down the carb with someone else revving the engine at 2500 RPM).
6. Check / change all of your fluids.
7. Get your alignment checked and tires properly inflated, all 4 tires.
8. Use a bottle of "dry gas" for your gas tank.
9. Check / change the belts and hoses.
10. Check / replace the battery and alternator. Most auto parts stores will do a free charging system check.
11. Fix and fluid / oil leaks.
12. Get your brakes checked and replace any worn components. You might have to replace the rubber hoses with steel braided ones.
13. Perform a cooling system check.
14. Replace the O2 Sensor.
15. Adust timing to spec or whatever advancement suits you.
Step 2: Breathing
The most restrictive pieces of the LG4 is the single-snorkel air cleaner and tiny exhaust. Get the dual-snorkel or make a homemade version. Get a header-back sysem for either an L69 or TPI setup. The dual snorkel and L69 will give you the breathing room and still be emissions legal.
Step 3: Cam
Replace that stock peanut cam. Thirdgen has many threads on cam selection.
Step 4: Carb / Intake
The folks on third gen seemed to have mixed opinions on this. Some felt it ws a waste of money, especially considering emissions issues, others felt you could make changes. On this one I'll leave it to you. Once I complete step three I'll see how much power I have.
Good luck.
Following a posting on the electrical board about "tuning" an LG4 one of our members asked how I did mine. I thought I'd share this since many third gens came with this motor. I'm no expert but I tinker. An LG4 will never beat an LSx mod for mod (I don't compare modded to stock) without the phrase "drive off a cliff", but there are things you can do to make it quicker and more responsive without an engine rebuild. You can find a lot of this information on thirdgen.org. Search "LG4 tuneup" or "LG4 buildup".
You are not going to be able to just plug in a lap top or scanner like you see on SpikeTV's powerblock since our engines do not have that advanced conputer control. There may chips for the carb but I dont know too much about them.
The first thing you need to do is properly tune up your car. Without the equipment you have properly working there is no need to add additional equipment. I have not done the exhaust and cam but may in the future
Step 1: LG4 Tune up
1. Plugs / wires.
2. Cap / rotor / ignition module.
3. Air filter.
4. Fuel Filter.
5. Carb cleaner (put this down the carb with someone else revving the engine at 2500 RPM).
6. Check / change all of your fluids.
7. Get your alignment checked and tires properly inflated, all 4 tires.
8. Use a bottle of "dry gas" for your gas tank.
9. Check / change the belts and hoses.
10. Check / replace the battery and alternator. Most auto parts stores will do a free charging system check.
11. Fix and fluid / oil leaks.
12. Get your brakes checked and replace any worn components. You might have to replace the rubber hoses with steel braided ones.
13. Perform a cooling system check.
14. Replace the O2 Sensor.
15. Adust timing to spec or whatever advancement suits you.
Step 2: Breathing
The most restrictive pieces of the LG4 is the single-snorkel air cleaner and tiny exhaust. Get the dual-snorkel or make a homemade version. Get a header-back sysem for either an L69 or TPI setup. The dual snorkel and L69 will give you the breathing room and still be emissions legal.
Step 3: Cam
Replace that stock peanut cam. Thirdgen has many threads on cam selection.
Step 4: Carb / Intake
The folks on third gen seemed to have mixed opinions on this. Some felt it ws a waste of money, especially considering emissions issues, others felt you could make changes. On this one I'll leave it to you. Once I complete step three I'll see how much power I have.
Good luck.