[Z06] New guy, new Z06, new mods
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Dec 2014
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BTR Stage IV E85 Build
Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. Recently purchased an 07 Z06. So far I've installed long tubes, Magnaflow catback modified to work with the headers, Vararam intake, and tuned on E85. Getting ready to get serious with the build. Parts I have so far are SPEC twin disc clutch, BTR Stage IV cam and dual springs, New LS7 Lifters and trays, Manton 3/8 pushrods, Comp trunion upgrade, C7R timing chain, ARP balancer, head, and timing gear bolts, New stock head and front cover gaskets. Still waiting for 2 piece timing cover and MSD intake mani to come in. Heads will be milled down, ported and polished, and valve guides will be replaced. Don't have the money for a NW 102mm tb yet, so that will likely be in a month or two. Hoping for mid 600s. I'll update with pics as my build goes. Want it done before the Plastic Fantastic car show in May. What do you guys think. Am I missing anything major? Anyone have recommendations on milling the heads? I was planning on .040, but am open to suggestions. Not worried about having to run it on pump gas again.
Last edited by MaxKamai; 05-10-2015 at 04:31 PM.
#2
Drifting
Hey guys, I'm new to the forum. Recently purchased an 07 Z06. So far I've installed long tubes, Magnaflow catback modified to work with the headers, Vararam intake, and tuned on E85. Getting ready to get serious with the build. Parts I have so far are SPEC twin disc clutch, BTR Stage IV cam and dual springs, New LS7 Lifters and trays, Manton 3/8 pushrods, Comp trunion upgrade, C7R timing chain, ARP balancer, head, and timing gear bolts, New stock head and front cover gaskets. Still waiting for 2 piece timing cover and MSD intake mani to come in. Heads will be milled down, ported and polished, and valve guides will be replaced. Don't have the money for a NW 102mm tb yet, so that will likely be in a month or two. Hoping for mid 600s. I'll update with pics as my build goes. Want it done before the Plastic Fantastic car show in May. What do you guys think. Am I missing anything major? Anyone have recommendations on milling the heads? I was planning on .040, but am open to suggestions. Not worried about having to run it on pump gas again.
1. Great idea to go ahead and replace some collateral things like the timing chain and other odds and ends while you're in there.
2. Who is doing the head work? If you are trying to be and running by May (that's 6-7 weeks away), you may be out of luck since the vendor may need your heads for a few weeks now that we are getting into "spring mod season". I could be wrong about that, but wanted you to set your expectations that this could be your critical path or long pole to getting this all done in time.
3. Not sure if you are referring to wheel or crank HP, but I'd expect your car to make in high 500's with all the bolt-ons you are talking about (dynojet), slightly lower if it's a conservative dyno and 610-625 if it's on a dynapack. 600+ WHP on a dynojet/mustang dyno is tough to do, even with all of the bolt ons. E85 will likely add power, just not familiar enough to tell how much. Milling 40 thousandths will likely put you around 12:1, IIRC, so you are still in 93 octane world.
4. What headers are you running and can you tell us what modifications had to be made to the exhaust to fit? I have seen most header/x-pipe setups match up with any factory position axle back.
Have fun with the build!!
#3
Melting Slicks
This is the best part of getting a Corvette. I started with a 2013 Z06 add starting building it with headers supercharger and different exhaust. I'm putting in a new clutch in and might do meth this spring. Best thing I can tell you is make sure you pick a good shop to do the work. Good luck!!
#4
Team Owner
.040 is fine even if you want to run pump. If you want to go e85 only, you can go even more. I would talk to Vette-air about their X package heads for 13:1+ compression.
Never seen a 2 piece cover that fits ls7, and unless you are doing it for an adjustable upper to dial in the cam advance/retard it is just a waste of money.
Fuel system? Stock pump/injectors probably wont' do 650ish on e85. Also drivetrain may need some work, axles and tires for sure. Not needed to make power, but needed to enjoy it.
ATI UD pulley good on a NA build.
EWP helps too.
Never seen a 2 piece cover that fits ls7, and unless you are doing it for an adjustable upper to dial in the cam advance/retard it is just a waste of money.
Fuel system? Stock pump/injectors probably wont' do 650ish on e85. Also drivetrain may need some work, axles and tires for sure. Not needed to make power, but needed to enjoy it.
ATI UD pulley good on a NA build.
EWP helps too.
#5
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Dec 2014
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the responses guys. Heads will be done by someone I trust and wait time won't be an issue. Headers are Kooks 1 7/8" primaries. The catback is the magnaflow with the mufflers in the tunnel, so I had to build a short X to connect between the mufflers and the collectors. I'll get a pic next time it's on a lift. Fuel system is stock pump and have some 80lb injectors. Have a couple aeromotive 340lph pumps laying around if I need to use them. The timing cover was listed for LS7. I got it in hopes that if I ever need to pull the cam back out I wouldnt need to pull the rack and balancer. Not sure if it will work like that or not. Tires, balancer, and elec water pump will have to wait for a later date.
Last edited by MaxKamai; 03-21-2015 at 12:16 AM.
#6
Team Owner
Yah, I would return cover as it won't work for that. Get your $150 back and just run stock. I know a few of them list ls7 but the people who tried have them rub the timing chain or gear, or oil pump, so not worth the hassle to put it together to find out it won't work.
If you want to spend money on something to do now do the balancer, as the stock ones do fail. Just from a reliability and save time/money I would do the balancer now then the intake manifold later.
If you want to spend money on something to do now do the balancer, as the stock ones do fail. Just from a reliability and save time/money I would do the balancer now then the intake manifold later.
#8
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Dec 2014
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sending the timing cover back. Don't think I'm gonna cancel the intake mani as it has been on order for a while now. Has everyone had good luck with the ATI balancers? Just sold my factory axle backs today and was going to use that towards a 102tb, but balancer seems more reasonable since the stock one is coming off for the cam install. Sorry about the pics. Taken with iPhone.
Last edited by MaxKamai; 03-22-2015 at 09:05 PM.
#9
Team Owner
ATI makes a great balancer.
#12
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Dec 2014
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Still waiting on intake mani and now balancer. On a side note I noticed some blue smoke the other day. I mention it to my boss and he says, "Oh yeah, it's been smoking for a little while now. When you get on it and I'm behind you I smell a little oil." Thanks for telling me. So now I'll be pulling the motor and doing a hone, re-ring, bearings, and main studs. This car is great at emptying my pockets so far.
#13
Team Owner
I wouldn't touch the bottom end. I bet the new heads clear that up.
#15
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Dec 2014
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just a quick first startup clip. Will try to get it on the dyno this weekend. I was expecting this cam to be a lot harsher drivability wise. It actually runs very smooth with slight bucking below 1400 at light throttle. Very impressed so far.
Last edited by MaxKamai; 05-08-2015 at 02:08 AM.
#16
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Dec 2014
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Got her on the dyno last night. Not bad numbers, but I ran out of injector at 5900rpm. Still think I can get to the 600 mark. Thought my 65lb/hr would get me a little further. Will order up some new ones Monday.
#17
Drifting
#18
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Dec 2014
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Put back on 91 for the time being. Had to pull quite a bit of timing with the higher compression. Made 574/519. This is still stock intake mani too.