Mods ain't cheap
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
Likes: 341
From: Database Error Indiana
[QUOTE=jsup;1562986350]No doubt. All I'm saying that Chevy could have done some very simple things, things that we do and talk about here every day.If they just let the heads, intake, and exhaust flow a little bit. No real engine mods, just loosen up the airflow through the engines.
What could it possibly cost to make the standard 113 heads flow 180 CFM or 240 CFM, not too much I'd say.
Or to put a little more cam in it. What's the price difference between grinding one cam over another for GM?
I think they could have done a few things better, with the same parts.[/QUOTE]
Remember, GM has to deal with smog laws and corporate average fuel mileage requirements. When my 87 was stock it got killer mpg. With the mods it took to run 12s, not so much.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,695
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Illinois
JSUP, my h/c and headers and all the little supporting mods like injectors,tb,tune and install cost me 5 grand. Its more then the 3 grand I had planned to spend but end result is well worth it. Stock it ran 13.8 at 103 with 1.9-2.0 60' times with 275 rwhp and 300tq. Now Ive ran a best of 12.2 at 114 with 1.7s 60' times with 365rwhp and 350tq . My LT1 is running with the big dogs now, considering the stock C5 ZO6 runs 12.5 and new ZO6 run high 11 low 12s. From what it sounds like to me you have done a lot of research and are on right track to having yourself one hell of a car. 5 grand is well worth the end result. In the end of your build you will see the tunner is the most important thing so dont go cheap there. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 35,065
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County, NJ Democrats, doing for the country what they did for Michigan
JSUP, my h/c and headers and all the little supporting mods like injectors,tb,tune and install cost me 5 grand. Its more then the 3 grand I had planned to spend but end result is well worth it. Stock it ran 13.8 at 103 with 1.9-2.0 60' times with 275 rwhp and 300tq. Now Ive ran a best of 12.2 at 114 with 1.7s 60' times with 365rwhp and 350tq . My LT1 is running with the big dogs now, considering the stock C5 ZO6 runs 12.5 and new ZO6 run high 11 low 12s. From what it sounds like to me you have done a lot of research and are on right track to having yourself one hell of a car. 5 grand is well worth the end result. In the end of your build you will see the tunner is the most important thing so dont go cheap there. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,262
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From: E. Amherst NY
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,413
Likes: 9
From: The Old Dominion
I think it's silly to think that it is trivial to throw heads and a cam on a car that has to meet economy, emissions, warranty, and cost requirements that are imposed on new cars. Also, during the points in time, work was in progress on the LT5, then the LT1, and then the C5 and LSx motors.
The L98 was probably "adequate" for a few years, until it wasn't and it was replaced.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
GM knows these things are going to be hot rodded anyway so if they are just adequate for production thats usually good enough. I imagine their emissions/budget criteria is hard to meet.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 35,065
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County, NJ Democrats, doing for the country what they did for Michigan
I think it's silly to think that it is trivial to throw heads and a cam on a car that has to meet economy, emissions, warranty, and cost requirements that are imposed on new cars.
Also, during the points in time, work was in progress on the LT5, then the LT1, and then the C5 and LSx motors.
The L98 was probably "adequate" for a few years, until it wasn't and it was replaced.
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
And during LT1 production, LS1s were being designed. During LS1 production, LS2s were being designed, I don't see your point.
Anyhow, (aside from the gas embargo) every year has been more powerful and efficient than the previous year. And with few exceptions, faster than any other American car. I don't have a problem with that.
