Hello all, I'm a relatively new C5 owner. I picked up a good deal on a 97 with only 35,000 miles a while back. I'm not new to cars in general, I've been a german car enthusiast ever since I could drive but the C5 has always been my dream car.

So I need some advice on my next upgrade since I'm on a limited budget but I think I already have all the bases covered.

Car currently has:
Vararam Intake
Comp Cam
SLP headers
high flow cats
X pipe
straight pipes
The car is still on the stock ls1 clutch

So the next order of business, I think is to upgrade my clutch to an LS7 clutch since I'm looking at upgrading to some more power, if I'm off base on that too, please let me know. After that, I'm not sure where to go I was considering the following 3 options, it would be either/or since I can only afford 1 option:

1) Fast Intake manifold, nick Williams throttle body, billet aluminum fuel rails (not sure whether to go 92mm or 102mm)

Or

2) Upgrade to Lingenfelter Heads w/ comp springs & stainless valves (I chose lingenfelter because they have the heads $650 rebate)

or

3) Nitrous Outlet wet shot w/ 10 lb. bottle (not sure what shot since I'll have stock internals, maybe a 60 shot?)

or

4) Any suggestion you guys have if there is a better engine bang/buck out there... car will be drag raced maybe twice a year and will be driven at Watkins glen or summit point maybe twice a year. Primarily it is just used for a fun weekend car.

Thank you!!!

 

It sounds like with the headers already in that an intake would make sense...

 

or a LS 6 intake ????

 

If you Autox it i would do a good set of heads and a Fast 92/92 If you do drag racing look into a AA corvette procharger kit. It would probably cost the same as a good set of heads and intake would cost. Or just put some nitrous on it since you don't plan on racing to much lol.

 

Its really hard to beat the bang for you buck with nitrous. Our plate kit for your vehicle with the stock manifold costs $819.99. I would recommend a purge kit ($119.99) and a bottle heater $199.99) as far as electronics go i would suggest a lingenfelter LNC-2000 to retard the timing while you are spraying. (274.99) and a tps/window switch ($164.99). For about $1600 you can safetly add 150hp to your application. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 254-848-4300 ext 111
-Matt

 

Hi Matt. I appreciate the detailed info. One of your distributors here on the east coast, Race Proven Motor sports, already sold me on your product and gave me similar pricing which is why I listed your brand by name. If I choose nitrous, I will certainly be going this direction. I will keep you posted if I have any questions.

 

Ok thanks for the reply.

 

Haha I would like to do all three but my budget will only allow for a clutch upgrade and one of the three options which is why I'm trying to see what you guys would do. I checked out those AA supercharger kits and they're way out of my price range.

 

I don't believe you Matt, I think you should install one on my car to prove it ??????

 

i had the ls7 clutch and honestly i dont see why they get raved about so much maybe low cost? it might hold better then the ls6 stock one but not even close to the monster stage 2

I had the monster stage 2 in my last z06, when i bought my current car it had a ls7 clutch both cars was h/c/i making around 430/440rwhp so going straight from the monster clutch to the ls7 i could really tell the difference and hated the ls7 so i pulled the monster clutch out of the other car and installed it in this one very happy i did. not trying to sell you on monster but since your swapping it go for something better then the ls7. with the ls7 3rd gear would barely chirp the tires it was so weak with the monster i'm not chirping but spinning 4th gear shifts now the rear of the car kicks out it grabs and holds so well

+1 fast 92mm from what i have read guys are having problems getting the 102mm tuned on a ls1/ls6

 

I appreciate the info. I'm going with the Ls7 clutch for budgetary reasons and since I won't be launching the car or driving it very hard very often. And just so I understand you correctly, you're saying you would go for the 92mm intake/throttle over the 102mm?

 

I've always heard the most bang for the buck was a supercharger

 

i was thinking about a 102mm for my car after reading up on it i found out some guys have nothing but problems getting the tune dialed in, some say its fits with out a problem others say it hits the cowl and unless you have a really good set of heads with a big cam its not needed on a ls1/ls6

 

Ok good deal, you've given me plenty to think about.

 

I've been thru this, with my previous C5. Here's a little more to think about. If you have a stock displacement LS1, the big intake is a poor investment. Good heads and an LS6 intake (used, cheap at 300-400)will do within a few HP; adding the FAST to good heads on 346 cubes is a waste of good $$, which is in short supply for most of us. If you plan a stroker or new 6 liter or more block, then the FAST will pay off then, where the LS6 intake will run out of flow.

 

Ahh thank you. Yeah displacement will stay stock, so the LS6 was a 76mm intake manifold/76mm throttle body?

 

Heads!!!! Then intake down the road.

 

Did an intercooled procharger on a previous car and was absolutely thrilled with it. Enormous power gain but retained all the driveability. Couldn't really tell it was there until you punched the loud pedal! The car stayed trouble free throughout my ownership. I can only report on my experience which was great. If I go looking for a big gain with my vette that will be my route. Best wishes!

 

I think that is the route I'm going for now. After I build the engine up, then I'll do the N20 afterwards.