[Z06] Build or Blow?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Illinois
Build or Blow?
I am extremely interested in purchasing a 2001-2002 Z06 and have been for years and now with the prices dropping I could finally afford one, I cant wait. The problem arises that I would like to get some extra power out of her. I have never owned a corvette or a chevy for the matter. I have no idea how well the engines handle boost with their compression ratios and what the weak points of the internals are. I understand the clutch and fuel system would also have to be replaced. The question is should I go with a head/cam combo or a s/c. If you could please help me with this decision I would greatly appreciate it. My budget is around +/-$6000 and I would like to have decent gas mileage.
Thank you all for your help,
Michael.
Thank you all for your help,
Michael.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,448
Likes: 4
From: Sarasota Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
H/C setups are expensive. FI is even more expensive. Always leave plenty of slack in a hotrod budget.
If I had a budget limit of $6k and wanted a nice hotrod Z06, I would do good headers (AR/LG/Kooks), do the drill mod on the stock airbox, do a quality cam package, with an underdrive pulley, and do the clutch, with an aluminum flywheel. That's $6k right there.
I would not crack the engine (take off or change the heads) at a $6k limit, especially since a Z06 already has pretty good heads. I would not even consider FI without an available budget at least double that.
A car built like I outlined above would make 425 or so at the rear wheels, a bit more if you went really wild on the cam. It would be reliable and fun to drive, would run high 11s at the strip with decent driving, and would top out somewhere over 180. Very sensible and fun combo.
Don't try to do too much hotrodding on too little money. That way lies misery.
Just ime. Good luck in your pursuit of your dream car!
If I had a budget limit of $6k and wanted a nice hotrod Z06, I would do good headers (AR/LG/Kooks), do the drill mod on the stock airbox, do a quality cam package, with an underdrive pulley, and do the clutch, with an aluminum flywheel. That's $6k right there.
I would not crack the engine (take off or change the heads) at a $6k limit, especially since a Z06 already has pretty good heads. I would not even consider FI without an available budget at least double that.
A car built like I outlined above would make 425 or so at the rear wheels, a bit more if you went really wild on the cam. It would be reliable and fun to drive, would run high 11s at the strip with decent driving, and would top out somewhere over 180. Very sensible and fun combo.
Don't try to do too much hotrodding on too little money. That way lies misery.
Just ime. Good luck in your pursuit of your dream car!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Spicewood, TX
6K is a nothing budget for a nice s/c.
Like has been said, you will need a clutch and fuel if you do either of these which will be upwards of $2000 w/ install if you are not wrenching yourself.
On a stock motor, 8lbs max for a blower unless you got the ***** to push 10, which I would not recommend. Most people leave it around 5-6 and you can still make 500+ pretty easily with a conservative tune.
Now heads/cam can be done for 6K. You won't have the top line parts (heads mostly), but it is certainly doable on that budget. Depending on how big and bad you go expect 440-500rwhp w/ all the boltons.
So much depends if you are paying labor, because some shops will try and take you to the cleaners........
Like has been said, you will need a clutch and fuel if you do either of these which will be upwards of $2000 w/ install if you are not wrenching yourself.
On a stock motor, 8lbs max for a blower unless you got the ***** to push 10, which I would not recommend. Most people leave it around 5-6 and you can still make 500+ pretty easily with a conservative tune.
Now heads/cam can be done for 6K. You won't have the top line parts (heads mostly), but it is certainly doable on that budget. Depending on how big and bad you go expect 440-500rwhp w/ all the boltons.
So much depends if you are paying labor, because some shops will try and take you to the cleaners........
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,183
Likes: 2,125
From: Right Corner Pocket of Illinois
No-IL Events Coordinator
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
2019 C6 of Year Winner (appearance mods)
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St. Jude Donor '12 thru '26
Whine vs. lope is a difficult decision. You must determine your goal, autocross, drags or show and go? The supercharger can be installed on a stock motor, the H/C wants headers and intake to go along, both need drivetrain bolstering. The choice of head and cam combo is another tough one that must be made wisely. I think one advantage to the S/C is you can sell it when the time comes easier than the H/C teardown. There are even differences in the styles and manufacturers of blowers, you came to the right place for valuable information. 
6K is too light for either these, save your shekels and do it right. Maybe gears, long tubes, the new Halltech intake and a tune would get you a good start with an extra 50 HP and have some change left to gas her up. I'm sitting on 15K and am not sure which way to go, heck I could apply my fund to an 08'! Besides you will find the Z06 is one heck of a performer right out of the box!
6K is too light for either these, save your shekels and do it right. Maybe gears, long tubes, the new Halltech intake and a tune would get you a good start with an extra 50 HP and have some change left to gas her up. I'm sitting on 15K and am not sure which way to go, heck I could apply my fund to an 08'! Besides you will find the Z06 is one heck of a performer right out of the box!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 27
From: Torrance Calif
I would get more money and go for the whine.
No reason to take apart a running motor (at least until you get a lot more money!).
It's the $2k for the hood that's a ball buster, but once you get past that, all is good.
No reason to take apart a running motor (at least until you get a lot more money!).
It's the $2k for the hood that's a ball buster, but once you get past that, all is good.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,183
Likes: 2,125
From: Right Corner Pocket of Illinois
No-IL Events Coordinator
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
2019 C6 of Year Winner (appearance mods)
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '26
heavymetals, can you share your reasons for going with a Maggie instead of the others?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 27
From: Torrance Calif
2.Proven performanc plus Magnusson has a very good reputation and I got great support when I did my V.
3. Ease of install. (I did the V myself and I made a great deal with the seller of the maggie on the Z install included)
4. Price. You can get deals on maggies if you are willing to shop. My whole job was under $10k with a polished maggie (the only way to go).
5.It is one true "bolt on" performance mod.
( I will be checking my mail for my shill check from Magnuson)
LOL
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