[Z06] Finally time to mod
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 19
From: Decatur AL
Finally time to mod
I just picked up an 03 Electron Blue Z06 with 32xxx miles. The car is wonderful and I love it. I have been around the LS world for quite a while but I am totally new to the Corvette world. I was just curious on the mods that I would need to achieve atleast 425 rwhp...I was thinking headers, exhaust, and a cam also a CAI(vararam)...I don't want to go to wild with the cam and was looking at a TSP 228R..I am on a budget and wanted to get some opinions and incite on the supporting mods that are required for the cam swap.
I was curious if I will need injectors, fuel pump, oil pump, and other things for the cam swap. I know they will be recommended just wondering if they are absolutely necessary. Any suggestion will be very helpful and appreciated.
I was curious if I will need injectors, fuel pump, oil pump, and other things for the cam swap. I know they will be recommended just wondering if they are absolutely necessary. Any suggestion will be very helpful and appreciated.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 19
From: Decatur AL
I just picked up an 03 Electron Blue Z06 with 32xxx miles. The car is wonderful and I love it. I have been around the LS world for quite a while but I am totally new to the Corvette world. I was just curious on the mods that I would need to achieve atleast 425 rwhp...I was thinking headers, exhaust, and a cam also a CAI(vararam)...I don't want to go to wild with the cam and was looking at a TSP 228R..I am on a budget and wanted to get some opinions and incite on the supporting mods that are required for the cam swap.
I was curious if I will need injectors, fuel pump, oil pump, and other things for the cam swap. I know they will be recommended just wondering if they are absolutely necessary. Any suggestion will be very helpful and appreciated.
I was curious if I will need injectors, fuel pump, oil pump, and other things for the cam swap. I know they will be recommended just wondering if they are absolutely necessary. Any suggestion will be very helpful and appreciated.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 19
From: Decatur AL
Thanks..i just think the stock exhaust is extremely to quiet. I know that headers will add power and that is what I want! I also want the muscle car sound. I have tried to find exhaust clips of the stock exhaust with headers and have been unable to find any. I also plan on replacing the x-pipe as I do not have to worry about vehicle inspections and will be getting it tuned to shut out the rear 02's. Are my power numbers reasonable with those mods? Thanks for the input!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 99
From: Arlington Texas
I made 403 rwhp with those mods. Your choice in cams might be a little small for that power level though. Do headers before you decide to change your catback. Headers especially without cats will give you a lot more sound. As far as brand of headers, all the top brand headers are going to make good power. Each brand will say theirs make more power blah blah. Or what ever brand someone has on their is the best. I personally have kooks and was happy with the results.
As far as supporting equipment for the cam minimum is going to be push rods and springs. I would highly recommend doing a timing chain. Your injectors, fuel pump and oil pump should be fine. You are going to have a lot of stuff apart and it is also a good time to do a crank pulley if you can fit it into your budget.
As far as supporting equipment for the cam minimum is going to be push rods and springs. I would highly recommend doing a timing chain. Your injectors, fuel pump and oil pump should be fine. You are going to have a lot of stuff apart and it is also a good time to do a crank pulley if you can fit it into your budget.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 19
From: Decatur AL
I made 403 rwhp with those mods. Your choice in cams might be a little small for that power level though. Do headers before you decide to change your catback. Headers especially without cats will give you a lot more sound. As far as brand of headers, all the top brand headers are going to make good power. Each brand will say theirs make more power blah blah. Or what ever brand someone has on their is the best. I personally have kooks and was happy with the results.
As far as supporting equipment for the cam minimum is going to be push rods and springs. I would highly recommend doing a timing chain. Your injectors, fuel pump and oil pump should be fine. You are going to have a lot of stuff apart and it is also a good time to do a crank pulley if you can fit it into your budget.
As far as supporting equipment for the cam minimum is going to be push rods and springs. I would highly recommend doing a timing chain. Your injectors, fuel pump and oil pump should be fine. You are going to have a lot of stuff apart and it is also a good time to do a crank pulley if you can fit it into your budget.
Last edited by Ferg03 Z06; Feb 10, 2014 at 03:03 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 594
Likes: 51
From: Kenosha WI
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
On the exhaust I went with a set of melrose headers and x pipe with the cats hollowed out that I got from a forum member and did the bypass mod on the stock titanium and my car sound absolutely amazing. Has a low rumble cruising with no drone and really livens up at full throttle!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
I just finished with my c/h swap. Not going to lie ist sucked getting the pulley and timing cover off.
My mod list consists of
catless exhaust with x pipe
SLP loud mouth exhaust
long tubes
PRC stage 1 ported heads
Brian tooley .670 valve springs
texas speed 7.400 push rods
comp cam trunnion rocker upgrade kit
Ls7 lifter and trays
Ported ls6 oil pump
Ls2 timing chain
MS3 cam
Power bond 25% underdrive pulley
Ported ls2 throttle body
Ported fast 90mm intake
MLS head gaskets
Underdrive serpentine belt and a/c belt
Ford red top injectors (not installed yet)
I havent tuned it yet but I am curious to see what numbers I will get. Hoping in the 450 range.
I have read about some people making crazy numbers on cam only set ups so just do you research and you should easily be able to achieve you desired numbers
My mod list consists of
catless exhaust with x pipe
SLP loud mouth exhaust
long tubes
PRC stage 1 ported heads
Brian tooley .670 valve springs
texas speed 7.400 push rods
comp cam trunnion rocker upgrade kit
Ls7 lifter and trays
Ported ls6 oil pump
Ls2 timing chain
MS3 cam
Power bond 25% underdrive pulley
Ported ls2 throttle body
Ported fast 90mm intake
MLS head gaskets
Underdrive serpentine belt and a/c belt
Ford red top injectors (not installed yet)
I havent tuned it yet but I am curious to see what numbers I will get. Hoping in the 450 range.
I have read about some people making crazy numbers on cam only set ups so just do you research and you should easily be able to achieve you desired numbers
Last edited by SAz06rEP; Feb 10, 2014 at 03:28 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 19
From: Decatur AL
I just finished with my c/h swap. Not going to lie ist sucked getting the pulley and timing cover off.
My mod list consists of
catless exhaust with x pipe
SLP loud mouth exhaust
long tubes
PRC stage 1 ported heads
Brian tooley .670 valve springs
texas speed 7.400 push rods
comp cam trunnion rocker upgrade kit
Ls7 lifter and trays
Ported ls6 oil pump
Ls2 timing chain
MS3 cam
Power bond 25% underdrive pulley
Ported ls2 throttle body
Ported fast 90mm intake
MLS head gaskets
Underdrive serpentine belt and a/c belt
Ford red top injectors (not installed yet)
I havent tuned it yet but I am curious to see what numbers I will get. Hoping in the 450 range.
I have read about some people making crazy numbers on cam only set ups so just do you research and you should easily be able to achieve you desired numbers
My mod list consists of
catless exhaust with x pipe
SLP loud mouth exhaust
long tubes
PRC stage 1 ported heads
Brian tooley .670 valve springs
texas speed 7.400 push rods
comp cam trunnion rocker upgrade kit
Ls7 lifter and trays
Ported ls6 oil pump
Ls2 timing chain
MS3 cam
Power bond 25% underdrive pulley
Ported ls2 throttle body
Ported fast 90mm intake
MLS head gaskets
Underdrive serpentine belt and a/c belt
Ford red top injectors (not installed yet)
I havent tuned it yet but I am curious to see what numbers I will get. Hoping in the 450 range.
I have read about some people making crazy numbers on cam only set ups so just do you research and you should easily be able to achieve you desired numbers
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 255
Likes: 1
From: Enterprise AL
I have a mild cam, LG Longtube Street headers, B&B Bullets, no cats, K&N CAI and tune and made 415 to the wheels, 402 torque. The cam you suggested should be good for still ripping around in it whenever you'd like. Mine is still DD'able if I wanted. I have a 227/234 113 lsa. I think it's the same specs as a Brian Tooley stage two. Also valvesprings and pushrods are usually thrown in a package. I don't know how close to FL you are, but there are vendors I see advertising on here with cam install specials.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 5
From: Loveland CO
Stock you should dyno 355-365. (anything higher then that is the dyno being generous or the opperator tweeking the figures to look better)
LT headers, CAI, Medium/Mild cam and a tune can get you north of 400, 420 will need a slightly larger cam (doesnt have to be real lumpy). Other guys have also ran thinner head gaskets to gain some compression and bump the power a little more.
Texas Speed Headers are good price for Name brand headers. XSPower headers are good for Cheaper headers. most LT headers will gain about the same power with the same Primary sizes.
CAI i like the Callaway Honker Personally. Alot of guys here run the Vararam and love it but i also hear of some fit issues that are kinda silly. Callaway is also CARB cert IIRC and if that makes a difference.
Might try the Bypass mod on the stock Ti mufflers after the LT headers and XPipe are in. and see what you think..
S
LT headers, CAI, Medium/Mild cam and a tune can get you north of 400, 420 will need a slightly larger cam (doesnt have to be real lumpy). Other guys have also ran thinner head gaskets to gain some compression and bump the power a little more.
Texas Speed Headers are good price for Name brand headers. XSPower headers are good for Cheaper headers. most LT headers will gain about the same power with the same Primary sizes.
CAI i like the Callaway Honker Personally. Alot of guys here run the Vararam and love it but i also hear of some fit issues that are kinda silly. Callaway is also CARB cert IIRC and if that makes a difference.
Might try the Bypass mod on the stock Ti mufflers after the LT headers and XPipe are in. and see what you think..
S
Last edited by RedZMonte; Feb 10, 2014 at 08:40 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 6
I made 403 rwhp with those mods. Your choice in cams might be a little small for that power level though. Do headers before you decide to change your catback. Headers especially without cats will give you a lot more sound. As far as brand of headers, all the top brand headers are going to make good power. Each brand will say theirs make more power blah blah. Or what ever brand someone has on their is the best. I personally have kooks and was happy with the results.
As far as supporting equipment for the cam minimum is going to be push rods and springs. I would highly recommend doing a timing chain. Your injectors, fuel pump and oil pump should be fine. You are going to have a lot of stuff apart and it is also a good time to do a crank pulley if you can fit it into your budget.
As far as supporting equipment for the cam minimum is going to be push rods and springs. I would highly recommend doing a timing chain. Your injectors, fuel pump and oil pump should be fine. You are going to have a lot of stuff apart and it is also a good time to do a crank pulley if you can fit it into your budget.
Thanks...I was definitely planning on doing springs and push rods..I may go with a larger 233/239 .595 .603 cam...I was unsure of the timing chain and the oil pump. I will NOT be spraying the car in the future and that power level should get me where I want to be. The car will be a weekend only in nice weather(rarely track) car. I just want the power to be there..also I have to beat my brother's car so he will shut up!! Gotta love sibling rivalry. I will be going with the dual beehive springs and hardened pushrods. I will take your advice and do the headers and x-pipe before and keep the factory cat-back..that is most likely the most cost effective option for me. I just want to make sure the factory cat-back will mate up with my headers/x-pipe. I will be going with a cat-less x-pipe and I am sure that will get me the sound that I am looking for. Thanks again for all the input.
As for Headers, whatever you choose LG, ARH, or Kooks (the top 3 IMO) make sure to get 1 7/8" primaries. You'll want the extra throat.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 19
From: Decatur AL
Thanks for all the input guys!! I most likely will keep the stock heads since the LS6 heads pretty well as it is for stock. I am also probably gonna go with the TSP headers and cat-less x-pipe. Also i like what i have seen and heard about the Vararam. I am working on a deal with a member for a used one at a good price. Thanks for all the advice. There is a great local tuner that will be doing the install and tune. He is the only person I trust to work on my car. He has worked on several other guys I personally know car and I highly recommend him and trust no one else. I will also look into the Tooley cams..those sound real nice too!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 6
Thanks for all the input guys!! I most likely will keep the stock heads since the LS6 heads pretty well as it is for stock. I am also probably gonna go with the TSP headers and cat-less x-pipe. Also i like what i have seen and heard about the Vararam. I am working on a deal with a member for a used one at a good price. Thanks for all the advice. There is a great local tuner that will be doing the install and tune. He is the only person I trust to work on my car. He has worked on several other guys I personally know car and I highly recommend him and trust no one else. I will also look into the Tooley cams..those sound real nice too!
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 257
Likes: 12
From: las vegas nevada
Mod #1: Dual valve springs. Just do it now. You have an 03Z. Based on your build date, your engine is a ticking time bomb. I bought mine and broke a spring in the first month, luckily did not do any damage. The shop noticed another spring on the engine had already been replaced. I pussyfooted around about getting the springs, and in 1,000 miles I lost another one that hit the piston and messed up the head. I did my own work and it cost me about $2,000, including having to timesert all the holes in the block. There are worse horror stories if you read up. GLWMods
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 21
From: Sunniest city on Earth
I recommend you take advantage of the labor that's already going to be done and replace your oil pump now. I did the timing chain but not the oil pump when I did mine; the oil pump died a week after getting it back together and all that labor had to be redone. What's another couple hundred vs $700 in labor after you've already done it?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 326
Likes: 19
From: Decatur AL
I will do an oil pump just to be safe! Also will use duel beehive springs with titanium retainers when the cam is installed. Any thought on rocker arms? I have seen most use factory rockers. Lifters? Injectors? Fuel pump? I dont think any of that is necessary but just want a few more opinions.
Also i dont think my motor is gonna just blow up due to spring failure..i am aware of the spring issues but i dont see it as an issue. Car only has 324xx miles on it and i will put less than 1000 miles a year on it. Thanks again for all the input! Its greatly appreciated!
Also i dont think my motor is gonna just blow up due to spring failure..i am aware of the spring issues but i dont see it as an issue. Car only has 324xx miles on it and i will put less than 1000 miles a year on it. Thanks again for all the input! Its greatly appreciated!
Advanced
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
From: Huntsville AL
Mod #1: Dual valve springs. Just do it now. You have an 03Z. Based on your build date, your engine is a ticking time bomb. I bought mine and broke a spring in the first month, luckily did not do any damage. The shop noticed another spring on the engine had already been replaced. I pussyfooted around about getting the springs, and in 1,000 miles I lost another one that hit the piston and messed up the head. I did my own work and it cost me about $2,000, including having to timesert all the holes in the block. There are worse horror stories if you read up. GLWMods
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 971
Likes: 0
From: new orleans louisiana
St. Jude Donor '14
If I had the chance to do it all over again I would go the supercharger route instead of heads and cams..that 425rwhp is going to get played out and your going to want more power.
Im at 450 rwhp and need bigger injectors
Mods are
LG custom cam 239/242
Lt headers
Port and polished heads and TB
Custom exaust no cats(very very loud but I love it see video)
I want to get an aa supercharger but I might hold out and just go the cheap route and get a 100shot nitrous setup.
Im at 450 rwhp and need bigger injectors
Mods are
LG custom cam 239/242
Lt headers
Port and polished heads and TB
Custom exaust no cats(very very loud but I love it see video)
I want to get an aa supercharger but I might hold out and just go the cheap route and get a 100shot nitrous setup.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 15,449
Likes: 1,716
From: Everywhere and Nowhere at all
Prior to my recent build I ran the G5X2, ported 243's, FAST 92, LG Super Pros', Corsa Indy's, UD pulley.. made 450/410 to the wheels... that being said... The GHL is a sweet sounding car back that won't break the bank.. I have a few buddies running these on their C5/Z's..
You def want to upgrade push rods, valve springs, and oil pump (port/shim) just for piece of mind. LS7 lifters if you do anything to the heads...
just my experience and .02
You def want to upgrade push rods, valve springs, and oil pump (port/shim) just for piece of mind. LS7 lifters if you do anything to the heads...
just my experience and .02
Thanks for all the input guys!! I most likely will keep the stock heads since the LS6 heads pretty well as it is for stock. I am also probably gonna go with the TSP headers and cat-less x-pipe. Also i like what i have seen and heard about the Vararam. I am working on a deal with a member for a used one at a good price. Thanks for all the advice. There is a great local tuner that will be doing the install and tune. He is the only person I trust to work on my car. He has worked on several other guys I personally know car and I highly recommend him and trust no one else. I will also look into the Tooley cams..those sound real nice too!