JDuffy32

I'm currently in the process of upgrading my ls1 C5. Has Cai, exhaust, and long tube headers. I will be soon adding either a 224 or 228 cam, Also plan on adding an ls6 intake and finally have the car tuned. Suspension wise just billstien shocks and upgraded sway bar. Are there any other upgrades to improve the already exciting driving of these cars? It's my first Vette so any opinions are appreciated. Wanting to keep it as a fun weekend driver.

Drewstein

Aftermarket shifter if it's a M6 car. Needs better throw.

If it's an auto do a stall.

GRAND SPORT GUY

JDuffy32, keep us apprised of what you end up doing to your C5, I am interested in some of the same upgrades.

-Ray

JDuffy32

Sorry forgot to mention it is an automatic.

JDuffy32

Will do! Hoping to have everything complete by July or so, so the parts should start rolling in soon.

Drewstein

Definitely do a converter and a tune. Enjoy some neck snapping excel.

JDuffy32

while upgrading the converter should I go ahead and go to 3.15 gears? Or will the right converter be ok with the 2.73's.

Crosis

From what I've read the LS1 intake was retired after the 2000 engine model year and replaced with the LS6. If thats true then there is no need to buy an LS6 intake for 2001 and beyond. Is this correct?

Rob 02

^I think 2001 when all C5's got the the LS6 intake. After the Z06 came out.

As for the gears. The 3.15 is okay but if you are going to spend the money go with 3.42 gears. The gear swap is not a shade tree mechanic job and wont fit on a 2.73 carrier any way. You will have to swap the whole differential.

Vetteman Jack

Yes, that is correct - the '01-04 LS1 motor got the LS6 intake.

Drewstein

Converter and 3.42s. The car will pick up around 1 second in the 1/4.

JDuffy32

well update time, been tied up at work so been moving slowly, finally got my cam kit ordered. Ended up going with a texas speed 224r cam with new springs, psuhrods, lifters, timing chain and high flow oil pump, should have everything on in the next couple weeks, cant wait to get it all together I am going to be purchasing a stall, texas speed recommended a 2800-3000rpm, sound about right? and recommendations on which to buy and am i going to run into needing a tranny cooler? thanks

Rob 02

If you have money left in your budget some rebuilt 799 or 243 heads (same casting) would help things flow better. The 799's are sand cast and the 243's are die-cast. 799's can be purchased rebuilt for around $500-$550. I used a thinner .040" head gasket for higher compression and better quench for less detonation. The heads will probably increase the HP of your build by at least 30-40 HP.

Silverwolf_pup

Im curious my car is stock with a aftermarket exhaust, could I do this setup to mine and get the same hp ratings?

Rob 02

I would assume that the LS6 heads would add about 25Hp to a stock LS1. With the higher compression ratio from the thinner head gasket you may gain 3% or about 10hp more. With the stock LS1 cam you don't have the same flow requirement to gain a lot from the head swap. With an LS6 or bigger cam you would see bigger gains.

Also having the '01-'04 intake (same as LS6) helps.

road pilot

Performance springs. Port/Polish TB or a larger ( just a little) TB.
Upgrade the heads.
Good luck.

Rob 02

And a tune. Even a mail order tune. The OP could be making 470 FWHP with good street manners.