looking for advice on LS2 Mod route
#1
looking for advice on LS2 Mod route
I recently picked up a 05 Z51 w/ a 6 speed and 25k miles. The car is basically stock. I live in Northern Cali and this will be my new daily driver.
I've been driving it for a few months and I love it. My biggest issue with it is that it seems to be missing about 100hp! I'm trying to come up with a plan to fix that without dealing with the Cali smog police. This is what I'm thinking of doing:
Vararam $400
Fast 102 w/ TB $1200
Full LS7 npp exhaust $1000
Cam that won't be obvious at idle (smog) $500
Tune $500-700
New balancer (preventative) $400
I will do all the work myself minus the tune. $4000 total for the build. Hoping to be in the 440-450whp range, but I'm not very concerned with the number. I do not want to sacrifice much low end.
Sound reasonable? If it was you $ what would you change? I would love to hear from someone with the same setup.
I've been driving it for a few months and I love it. My biggest issue with it is that it seems to be missing about 100hp! I'm trying to come up with a plan to fix that without dealing with the Cali smog police. This is what I'm thinking of doing:
Vararam $400
Fast 102 w/ TB $1200
Full LS7 npp exhaust $1000
Cam that won't be obvious at idle (smog) $500
Tune $500-700
New balancer (preventative) $400
I will do all the work myself minus the tune. $4000 total for the build. Hoping to be in the 440-450whp range, but I'm not very concerned with the number. I do not want to sacrifice much low end.
Sound reasonable? If it was you $ what would you change? I would love to hear from someone with the same setup.
#2
Racer
I live in Oregon now, so I did headers! but cant do that in my home state of Cali
I have an 05 6 speed. I will give what I did and where I'm at now. My build is in prep for an A&A supercharger. I did a lot of research on a N/A build and decided that I did not want to give up the drivability of the car by going the cam route.
I have:
Fast 102 intake
Ported TB
LG Long Tube Headers
Borla Atak Exhaust
Cold Air Intake
MSD Coils & Wires
Holly fuel rails
Tune
That set up pulled 408 RWHP on the Dyno
Low end torque and HP is awesome with this set. Cant find the freakin Dyno sheet to show you.
I think since you cant do Headers you are going to be asking a lot out of a mild Cam to pull 440-450whp. I don't know for sure but my headers have got to be good for at least 20hp and that's honestly probably is on the low end. So by that math you need the cam to pull 55 to 65 HP on its own. Maybe someone will respond with results that show that is possible.
Good luck with the Build. Keep us posted.
I have an 05 6 speed. I will give what I did and where I'm at now. My build is in prep for an A&A supercharger. I did a lot of research on a N/A build and decided that I did not want to give up the drivability of the car by going the cam route.
I have:
Fast 102 intake
Ported TB
LG Long Tube Headers
Borla Atak Exhaust
Cold Air Intake
MSD Coils & Wires
Holly fuel rails
Tune
That set up pulled 408 RWHP on the Dyno
Low end torque and HP is awesome with this set. Cant find the freakin Dyno sheet to show you.
I think since you cant do Headers you are going to be asking a lot out of a mild Cam to pull 440-450whp. I don't know for sure but my headers have got to be good for at least 20hp and that's honestly probably is on the low end. So by that math you need the cam to pull 55 to 65 HP on its own. Maybe someone will respond with results that show that is possible.
Good luck with the Build. Keep us posted.
Last edited by Travis S; 05-14-2016 at 07:41 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Mr.Nubain (05-17-2016)
#5
I live in Oregon now, so I did headers! but cant do that in my home state of Cali
I have an 05 6 speed. I will give what I did and where I'm at now. My build is in prep for an A&A supercharger. I did a lot of research on a N/A build and decided that I did not want to give up the drivability of the car by going the cam route.
I have:
Fast 102 intake
Ported TB
LG Long Tube Headers
Borla Atak Exhaust
Cold Air Intake
MSD Coils & Wires
Holly fuel rails
Tune
That set up pulled 408 RWHP on the Dyno
Low end torque and HP is awesome with this set. Cant find the freakin Dyno sheet to show you.
I think since you cant do Headers you are going to be asking a lot out of a mild Cam to pull 440-450whp. I don't know for sure but my headers have got to be good for at least 20hp and that's honestly probably is on the low end. So by that math you need the cam to pull 55 to 65 HP on its own. Maybe someone will respond with results that show that is possible.
Good luck with the Build. Keep us posted.
I have an 05 6 speed. I will give what I did and where I'm at now. My build is in prep for an A&A supercharger. I did a lot of research on a N/A build and decided that I did not want to give up the drivability of the car by going the cam route.
I have:
Fast 102 intake
Ported TB
LG Long Tube Headers
Borla Atak Exhaust
Cold Air Intake
MSD Coils & Wires
Holly fuel rails
Tune
That set up pulled 408 RWHP on the Dyno
Low end torque and HP is awesome with this set. Cant find the freakin Dyno sheet to show you.
I think since you cant do Headers you are going to be asking a lot out of a mild Cam to pull 440-450whp. I don't know for sure but my headers have got to be good for at least 20hp and that's honestly probably is on the low end. So by that math you need the cam to pull 55 to 65 HP on its own. Maybe someone will respond with results that show that is possible.
Good luck with the Build. Keep us posted.
My thought is that the LS7 manifolds are only giving up 10-15hp to a set of headers. The big question is what is a "mild" cam and what is it worth? Supercharger would be great, but by the time I'm done with the supporting mods it would be about double the price. That's before I inevitably smoke the stock clutch.
#6
Racer
Your engine bay looks beautiful.
My thought is that the LS7 manifolds are only giving up 10-15hp to a set of headers. The big question is what is a "mild" cam and what is it worth? Supercharger would be great, but by the time I'm done with the supporting mods it would be about double the price. That's before I inevitably smoke the stock clutch.
My thought is that the LS7 manifolds are only giving up 10-15hp to a set of headers. The big question is what is a "mild" cam and what is it worth? Supercharger would be great, but by the time I'm done with the supporting mods it would be about double the price. That's before I inevitably smoke the stock clutch.
I've talked to Andy at A&A about the clutch. I have replaced mine because of millage. There really is not any supporting mods you need to do, including the clutch. You could slap one of his kitsunami on there and be done. I went down the path I did because of the mileage on my car. Your clutch if in good shape will hold. I wish I would have just done one to start with. There kit comes with everything you need to hit 500+. PM Andy he is a good dude. Your car will drive like stock tell you WOT. I would not hesitate if I was in your shoes. If you did the install your self and the a tune you are not going to be to far out of your budget
Last edited by Travis S; 05-14-2016 at 10:23 PM.
#7
I recently picked up a 05 Z51 w/ a 6 speed and 25k miles. The car is basically stock. I live in Northern Cali and this will be my new daily driver.
I've been driving it for a few months and I love it. My biggest issue with it is that it seems to be missing about 100hp! I'm trying to come up with a plan to fix that without dealing with the Cali smog police. This is what I'm thinking of doing:
Vararam $400
Fast 102 w/ TB $1200
Full LS7 npp exhaust $1000
Cam that won't be obvious at idle (smog) $500
Tune $500-700
New balancer (preventative) $400
I will do all the work myself minus the tune. $4000 total for the build. Hoping to be in the 440-450whp range, but I'm not very concerned with the number. I do not want to sacrifice much low end.
Sound reasonable? If it was you $ what would you change? I would love to hear from someone with the same setup.
I've been driving it for a few months and I love it. My biggest issue with it is that it seems to be missing about 100hp! I'm trying to come up with a plan to fix that without dealing with the Cali smog police. This is what I'm thinking of doing:
Vararam $400
Fast 102 w/ TB $1200
Full LS7 npp exhaust $1000
Cam that won't be obvious at idle (smog) $500
Tune $500-700
New balancer (preventative) $400
I will do all the work myself minus the tune. $4000 total for the build. Hoping to be in the 440-450whp range, but I'm not very concerned with the number. I do not want to sacrifice much low end.
Sound reasonable? If it was you $ what would you change? I would love to hear from someone with the same setup.
I paid 800 for the 102, 500 for the rockers, 285 for the vararam, and 800 for the exhaust and 500 for the tune. With a 220s cam you won't sacrifice anything down low.
#8
I have close to this setup. I varied from the cam and went with 1.8 rockers. I have the Vararam, LS7 exhaust, 1.8 rockers and tune with that the car put down 402/384. I've since added the 102 intake but haven't dynoed it yet. My guess based on other reported gains is 415-420 with the intake. I can definitely tell it pulls harder from around 4500 up to redline. I think with what you propose a cam somewhere in the 220s on the intake side along with the under drive pulley you will be right where you think at 440-450.
I paid 800 for the 102, 500 for the rockers, 285 for the vararam, and 800 for the exhaust and 500 for the tune. With a 220s cam you won't sacrifice anything down low.
I paid 800 for the 102, 500 for the rockers, 285 for the vararam, and 800 for the exhaust and 500 for the tune. With a 220s cam you won't sacrifice anything down low.
#9
Advanced
If possible bump your budget up a bit and go the supercharger route. Either A&A or eforce with an ls9 cam and then exhaust of your choice. A&A is less money but a bit more involved install. They make better top in power and are a little more usable. Eforce is a fairly easy install that makes great power still but lots of torque down low so it breaks the tires lose with ease. Also if you track it they suffer from heat soak. They also cost more. Both are CA smog legal. And the ls9 cam will give you more power, won't idle rough, and can be had for less than $150. Either way you will put down more than 500 who, have very street able cars, it would just run closer to 6-9 grand depending on which blower and that doesn't necessarily include an exhaust. I think overall you would be happier though.
#10
Le Mans Master
I have close to this setup. I varied from the cam and went with 1.8 rockers. I have the Vararam, LS7 exhaust, 1.8 rockers and tune with that the car put down 402/384. I've since added the 102 intake but haven't dynoed it yet. My guess based on other reported gains is 415-420 with the intake. I can definitely tell it pulls harder from around 4500 up to redline. I think with what you propose a cam somewhere in the 220s on the intake side along with the under drive pulley you will be right where you think at 440-450.
I paid 800 for the 102, 500 for the rockers, 285 for the vararam, and 800 for the exhaust and 500 for the tune. With a 220s cam you won't sacrifice anything down low.
I paid 800 for the 102, 500 for the rockers, 285 for the vararam, and 800 for the exhaust and 500 for the tune. With a 220s cam you won't sacrifice anything down low.
#11
#12
Le Mans Master
I have close to this setup. I varied from the cam and went with 1.8 rockers. I have the Vararam, LS7 exhaust, 1.8 rockers and tune with that the car put down 402/384. I've since added the 102 intake but haven't dynoed it yet. My guess based on other reported gains is 415-420 with the intake. I can definitely tell it pulls harder from around 4500 up to redline. I think with what you propose a cam somewhere in the 220s on the intake side along with the under drive pulley you will be right where you think at 440-450.
I paid 800 for the 102, 500 for the rockers, 285 for the vararam, and 800 for the exhaust and 500 for the tune. With a 220s cam you won't sacrifice anything down low.
I paid 800 for the 102, 500 for the rockers, 285 for the vararam, and 800 for the exhaust and 500 for the tune. With a 220s cam you won't sacrifice anything down low.
Fast 102 w/ TB
Full LS7 npp exhaust
Cam that won't be obvious at idle (smog)
Tune
no chance he is getting 450 to the ground
Last edited by walleyejack; 05-15-2016 at 10:15 PM.
#13
Le Mans Master
I have the Vararam, LS7 exhaust, 1.8 rockers and tune with that the car put down 402/384
and this is making you 60hp, i need to come and use your dyno.. i should be 550 to the ground then with my current setup
and this is making you 60hp, i need to come and use your dyno.. i should be 550 to the ground then with my current setup
#14
West Bend Dyno, feel free to mention my name. How do you figure 60hp? LS2 6 speed cars dyno mid 350s stock.
#15
Le Mans Master
so a Vararam and exhaust and rockers give you 60 hp Wonder why people go to the trouble of doing cams and such to get the same. LS2 is 400 - 15% = 60 = 340, 340 to 402 = 62
Last edited by walleyejack; 05-16-2016 at 08:56 PM.
#16
So tell me, how much does my car make if my dyno sheet is wrong? You apparently have the correct answer.
#17
Le Mans Master
Your in Calif.
The Fast intake and the Vararam I don't believe won't pass the visual smog test.
Tune, camshaft and cat back exhaust will pass.
Here's a referral.
Synergy automotive which I believe is in Fremont Calif.
They'll know your best options.
Have fun installing the balancer as a DIY.
Good luck with your plans.
The Fast intake and the Vararam I don't believe won't pass the visual smog test.
Tune, camshaft and cat back exhaust will pass.
Here's a referral.
Synergy automotive which I believe is in Fremont Calif.
They'll know your best options.
Have fun installing the balancer as a DIY.
Good luck with your plans.
#18
Drifting
Vararam $400
Fast 102 w/ TB $1200 -- not too sure about this. When I bought my Vette I lived in SoCal and there were alot of those getting the Fast 92 (102 wasnt out yet).
Full LS7 npp exhaust $1000
Cam that won't be obvious at idle (smog) $500 - remember when you do this, you have to buy components for the heads. That can add up.
Tune $500-700
Fast 102 w/ TB $1200 -- not too sure about this. When I bought my Vette I lived in SoCal and there were alot of those getting the Fast 92 (102 wasnt out yet).
Full LS7 npp exhaust $1000
Cam that won't be obvious at idle (smog) $500 - remember when you do this, you have to buy components for the heads. That can add up.
Tune $500-700
#19
Le Mans Master
I live in Oregon now, so I did headers! but cant do that in my home state of Cali
I have an 05 6 speed. I will give what I did and where I'm at now. My build is in prep for an A&A supercharger. I did a lot of research on a N/A build and decided that I did not want to give up the drivability of the car by going the cam route.
I have:
Fast 102 intake
Ported TB
LG Long Tube Headers
Borla Atak Exhaust
Cold Air Intake
MSD Coils & Wires
Holly fuel rails
Tune
That set up pulled 408 RWHP on the Dyno
Low end torque and HP is awesome with this set. Cant find the freakin Dyno sheet to show you.
I think since you cant do Headers you are going to be asking a lot out of a mild Cam to pull 440-450whp. I don't know for sure but my headers have got to be good for at least 20hp and that's honestly probably is on the low end. So by that math you need the cam to pull 55 to 65 HP on its own. Maybe someone will respond with results that show that is possible.
Good luck with the Build. Keep us posted.
I have an 05 6 speed. I will give what I did and where I'm at now. My build is in prep for an A&A supercharger. I did a lot of research on a N/A build and decided that I did not want to give up the drivability of the car by going the cam route.
I have:
Fast 102 intake
Ported TB
LG Long Tube Headers
Borla Atak Exhaust
Cold Air Intake
MSD Coils & Wires
Holly fuel rails
Tune
That set up pulled 408 RWHP on the Dyno
Low end torque and HP is awesome with this set. Cant find the freakin Dyno sheet to show you.
I think since you cant do Headers you are going to be asking a lot out of a mild Cam to pull 440-450whp. I don't know for sure but my headers have got to be good for at least 20hp and that's honestly probably is on the low end. So by that math you need the cam to pull 55 to 65 HP on its own. Maybe someone will respond with results that show that is possible.
Good luck with the Build. Keep us posted.
#20
Le Mans Master
Vararam $400
Fast 102 w/ TB $1200 -- not too sure about this. When I bought my Vette I lived in SoCal and there were alot of those getting the Fast 92 (102 wasnt out yet).
Full LS7 npp exhaust $1000
Cam that won't be obvious at idle (smog) $500 - remember when you do this, you have to buy components for the heads. That can add up.
Tune $500-700
Fast 102 w/ TB $1200 -- not too sure about this. When I bought my Vette I lived in SoCal and there were alot of those getting the Fast 92 (102 wasnt out yet).
Full LS7 npp exhaust $1000
Cam that won't be obvious at idle (smog) $500 - remember when you do this, you have to buy components for the heads. That can add up.
Tune $500-700