Engine Mods - Help me build my motor
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 1
From: Rugby North Dakota
Engine Mods - Help me build my motor
I'm not sure if this belongs in Tech or in Scan & Tune, so I'll start w/ Tech -
You might think I'm off my rocker, or that the North Dakota winter has gotten to me, but I'm already thinking towards mods I can do next winter, and I'm focusing on the engine. However, I really have NO CLUE what items will work well together, and what to mod or not mod, so I'm going to list items I think I'd like to mod (engine wise), and I'm looking for feedback as to specs, do it, don't do something etc.
I've got a 2001 coupe - It's a daily driver, but I'm gonna mod the heck out of it (if I don't have a good start already). It currently has Dynatech Supermaxx LT headers, Magnaflow catback, Melrose spark plug wires, 2002+ ZO6 air intake lid (larger opening), ECS 3.73 rear carrier, Yank SS3200 t/c and DTE strut brace.
I'm NOT looking to add Nitrous, a blower/supercharger, or turbocharger. I'm also NOT looking to swap the engine. I'm essentially looking for bolt on items to put on the stock engine. I'm not planning on drag racing or autocrossing - I'm looking for power on the street.
Mods I'm considering:
Heads and Cam - Stage 2 or Stage3 heads??? What's the difference? do they come w/ different valve sizes - give me your recommendations. Or are LS6 / ZO6 heads (what year) sufficient?
Roller rockers or use what comes on the heads? If RR, which ones?
Cam I have NO CLUE what lift, duration, etc - so tell me what cam, lift, duration, etc. goes best w/ the mod's I'm considering. I don't want totally radical, but I want to hear the lope in it, and I obviously want to match the cam to the heads.
Timing chain - double, I assume? Particular brand?
Oil pump - LS6 ported - I assume?
Pushrods - what rods (legnth, etc) to use w/ the heads and cam?
LS6 (or other) intake - if other, which one - Fast intake?? Should I go ported?
Throttle body - 90mm or something else - ported? is bigger better for the throttle body?
thermostat - 160 degree or something else? Have fans reprogrammed to kick in when?
Fuel injectors? what size - is bigger better?
Anything else that fits w/ the general scheme of engine mods that I'm considering? If so, what?
I'm looking for those of you w/ more knowledge in the engine mod area than me to dream up a mod "package" consisting of the above items (and others if I've missed anything) which would work well together. Essentially, I'm looking for a shopping list of parts to get.
Final note - go easy on me if I've combined things above that don't go together or don't get modded, etc. Again, I think I know what sounds good to talk about, but when it comes to putting together a package of everything that works, I'm in the dark.
Thanks in advance!!
You might think I'm off my rocker, or that the North Dakota winter has gotten to me, but I'm already thinking towards mods I can do next winter, and I'm focusing on the engine. However, I really have NO CLUE what items will work well together, and what to mod or not mod, so I'm going to list items I think I'd like to mod (engine wise), and I'm looking for feedback as to specs, do it, don't do something etc.
I've got a 2001 coupe - It's a daily driver, but I'm gonna mod the heck out of it (if I don't have a good start already). It currently has Dynatech Supermaxx LT headers, Magnaflow catback, Melrose spark plug wires, 2002+ ZO6 air intake lid (larger opening), ECS 3.73 rear carrier, Yank SS3200 t/c and DTE strut brace.
I'm NOT looking to add Nitrous, a blower/supercharger, or turbocharger. I'm also NOT looking to swap the engine. I'm essentially looking for bolt on items to put on the stock engine. I'm not planning on drag racing or autocrossing - I'm looking for power on the street.
Mods I'm considering:
Heads and Cam - Stage 2 or Stage3 heads??? What's the difference? do they come w/ different valve sizes - give me your recommendations. Or are LS6 / ZO6 heads (what year) sufficient?
Roller rockers or use what comes on the heads? If RR, which ones?
Cam I have NO CLUE what lift, duration, etc - so tell me what cam, lift, duration, etc. goes best w/ the mod's I'm considering. I don't want totally radical, but I want to hear the lope in it, and I obviously want to match the cam to the heads.
Timing chain - double, I assume? Particular brand?
Oil pump - LS6 ported - I assume?
Pushrods - what rods (legnth, etc) to use w/ the heads and cam?
LS6 (or other) intake - if other, which one - Fast intake?? Should I go ported?
Throttle body - 90mm or something else - ported? is bigger better for the throttle body?
thermostat - 160 degree or something else? Have fans reprogrammed to kick in when?
Fuel injectors? what size - is bigger better?
Anything else that fits w/ the general scheme of engine mods that I'm considering? If so, what?
I'm looking for those of you w/ more knowledge in the engine mod area than me to dream up a mod "package" consisting of the above items (and others if I've missed anything) which would work well together. Essentially, I'm looking for a shopping list of parts to get.
Final note - go easy on me if I've combined things above that don't go together or don't get modded, etc. Again, I think I know what sounds good to talk about, but when it comes to putting together a package of everything that works, I'm in the dark.
Thanks in advance!!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Tx
Well, I could have recomended a supercharger since it's fairly easy to uninstall if you don't like it. But since you dont want to go that route then i'll give you some of my personal recomendations.. And this is taking into account that you're keeping your stock LS1 short block and dont plan on drag stripping or autocrossing the car. Sounds like you're like me and looking for a nice quick car that can be easilly daily driven.
Youve got the 2 best things out of the way for an automatic already. full exhaust and a higher stall torque converter so
Heads, on a stock displacement motor it's not hard to decide. The biggest factors are how much you're willing to spend on the pair. And for the price i make these recomendations.
AFR 205's = $2500/pr
Texas-Speed & Performance CNC Ported #243's (LS6 heads) = $900/pr
Totally Stock #243's = Usually ~$500 - $600 shipped
The AFR's are better than the TSP's and the TSP's are better then plain unported LS6 heads. But it's all in what you can afford and even the unported LS6 heads will net you some power gains. That is the direction i'm going. The difference between stage 2 and 3 heads is usually the porting, valve size, and re-enforcement. You DON"T need stage 3 heads.
Use your factory rockers. It's not worth getting an aftermarket set. The origonals hold up GREAT.
There are a LOT of cams out there. the G5X2 and G5X3 are popular cams. You really cannot go too terrably wrong these days as many people have cams making good power. The one thing i would reccomend is that you get a cam with a 114 lobe seperation. This will net you better idle characteristics.
WARNING: If you get a cam with over .600 lift you're going to want to get a real good valve spring setup on your heads. such as the Comp921's. For can usually spec that from wherever you order heads. The Spring kit is usually between $550 and $600.
You'll want to use stock legnth pushrods but i recomend getting Chromolly ones. Also might be a good idea to upgrade to Comp R roller lifters while you have the heads off.
Intake, IF you get big heads like AFR's or the ported TSP's then a FAST 90/90 setup would be worth it. If you're just going with unported or mildly ported #243's then a regular LS6 intake will suit you just fine and you can re-use your LS1 throttle body although having it ported and polished might be a good idea.
fuel Injectors. If you're not running nitrous or forced induction then the factory injectors should be fine.
Timing Chain = a LS2 timing chain will be fine.
Ported LS6 oil pump = Definately since you'll be in there anyway.
Thermostat - Would be a good idea. definately not a bad $60 to spend
Computer Tune is a must. Get that after everything else is installed. For multaple reasons, Timing, Disable Torque Managment, Fan temps. And fuel maps.
I hope i've given you a few decent ideas. Everybody has their own system and most of them work well. Most everybody will probably echo what i've said. The biggest decisions you ahve to make are how much you want to spend on heads and which cam to get.
Hope this helps
Shane
Youve got the 2 best things out of the way for an automatic already. full exhaust and a higher stall torque converter so
Heads, on a stock displacement motor it's not hard to decide. The biggest factors are how much you're willing to spend on the pair. And for the price i make these recomendations.
AFR 205's = $2500/pr
Texas-Speed & Performance CNC Ported #243's (LS6 heads) = $900/pr
Totally Stock #243's = Usually ~$500 - $600 shipped
The AFR's are better than the TSP's and the TSP's are better then plain unported LS6 heads. But it's all in what you can afford and even the unported LS6 heads will net you some power gains. That is the direction i'm going. The difference between stage 2 and 3 heads is usually the porting, valve size, and re-enforcement. You DON"T need stage 3 heads.
Use your factory rockers. It's not worth getting an aftermarket set. The origonals hold up GREAT.
There are a LOT of cams out there. the G5X2 and G5X3 are popular cams. You really cannot go too terrably wrong these days as many people have cams making good power. The one thing i would reccomend is that you get a cam with a 114 lobe seperation. This will net you better idle characteristics.
WARNING: If you get a cam with over .600 lift you're going to want to get a real good valve spring setup on your heads. such as the Comp921's. For can usually spec that from wherever you order heads. The Spring kit is usually between $550 and $600.
You'll want to use stock legnth pushrods but i recomend getting Chromolly ones. Also might be a good idea to upgrade to Comp R roller lifters while you have the heads off.
Intake, IF you get big heads like AFR's or the ported TSP's then a FAST 90/90 setup would be worth it. If you're just going with unported or mildly ported #243's then a regular LS6 intake will suit you just fine and you can re-use your LS1 throttle body although having it ported and polished might be a good idea.
fuel Injectors. If you're not running nitrous or forced induction then the factory injectors should be fine.
Timing Chain = a LS2 timing chain will be fine.
Ported LS6 oil pump = Definately since you'll be in there anyway.
Thermostat - Would be a good idea. definately not a bad $60 to spend
Computer Tune is a must. Get that after everything else is installed. For multaple reasons, Timing, Disable Torque Managment, Fan temps. And fuel maps.
I hope i've given you a few decent ideas. Everybody has their own system and most of them work well. Most everybody will probably echo what i've said. The biggest decisions you ahve to make are how much you want to spend on heads and which cam to get.
Hope this helps
Shane
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 1
From: Rugby North Dakota
Originally Posted by Shane_S
Sounds like you're like me and looking for a nice quick car that can be easilly daily driven.
You DON"T need stage 3 heads.
Shane
You DON"T need stage 3 heads.
Shane
You have given me some great starting advice and guidance - I'll keepthinking, asking questions, and building from there.
Reason I ever questioned Stage 3 heads, was that there recently was a guy selling them for about $1100.00 on the forum - I don't know anything about them or what I want to do, but from what guys were saying, that was a HECK of a deal - anyway, I didn't get them.
Thanks again, I'll post again as I develop my package.
Bill.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 26,795
Likes: 614
From: Elmhurst, IL (West Suburb of Chicago) & Home of MEGA Horsepower
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by Shane_S
Well, I could have recomended a supercharger since it's fairly easy to uninstall if you don't like it. But since you dont want to go that route then i'll give you some of my personal recomendations.. And this is taking into account that you're keeping your stock LS1 short block and dont plan on drag stripping or autocrossing the car. Sounds like you're like me and looking for a nice quick car that can be easilly daily driven.
Youve got the 2 best things out of the way for an automatic already. full exhaust and a higher stall torque converter so
Heads, on a stock displacement motor it's not hard to decide. The biggest factors are how much you're willing to spend on the pair. And for the price i make these recomendations.
AFR 205's = $2500/pr
Texas-Speed & Performance CNC Ported #243's (LS6 heads) = $900/pr
Totally Stock #243's = Usually ~$500 - $600 shipped
The AFR's are better than the TSP's and the TSP's are better then plain unported LS6 heads. But it's all in what you can afford and even the unported LS6 heads will net you some power gains. That is the direction i'm going. The difference between stage 2 and 3 heads is usually the porting, valve size, and re-enforcement. You DON"T need stage 3 heads.
Use your factory rockers. It's not worth getting an aftermarket set. The origonals hold up GREAT.
There are a LOT of cams out there. the G5X2 and G5X3 are popular cams. You really cannot go too terrably wrong these days as many people have cams making good power. The one thing i would reccomend is that you get a cam with a 114 lobe seperation. This will net you better idle characteristics.
WARNING: If you get a cam with over .600 lift you're going to want to get a real good valve spring setup on your heads. such as the Comp921's. For can usually spec that from wherever you order heads. The Spring kit is usually between $550 and $600.
You'll want to use stock legnth pushrods but i recomend getting Chromolly ones. Also might be a good idea to upgrade to Comp R roller lifters while you have the heads off.
Intake, IF you get big heads like AFR's or the ported TSP's then a FAST 90/90 setup would be worth it. If you're just going with unported or mildly ported #243's then a regular LS6 intake will suit you just fine and you can re-use your LS1 throttle body although having it ported and polished might be a good idea.
fuel Injectors. If you're not running nitrous or forced induction then the factory injectors should be fine.
Timing Chain = a LS2 timing chain will be fine.
Ported LS6 oil pump = Definately since you'll be in there anyway.
Thermostat - Would be a good idea. definately not a bad $60 to spend
Computer Tune is a must. Get that after everything else is installed. For multaple reasons, Timing, Disable Torque Managment, Fan temps. And fuel maps.
I hope i've given you a few decent ideas. Everybody has their own system and most of them work well. Most everybody will probably echo what i've said. The biggest decisions you ahve to make are how much you want to spend on heads and which cam to get.
Hope this helps
Shane
Youve got the 2 best things out of the way for an automatic already. full exhaust and a higher stall torque converter so
Heads, on a stock displacement motor it's not hard to decide. The biggest factors are how much you're willing to spend on the pair. And for the price i make these recomendations.
AFR 205's = $2500/pr
Texas-Speed & Performance CNC Ported #243's (LS6 heads) = $900/pr
Totally Stock #243's = Usually ~$500 - $600 shipped
The AFR's are better than the TSP's and the TSP's are better then plain unported LS6 heads. But it's all in what you can afford and even the unported LS6 heads will net you some power gains. That is the direction i'm going. The difference between stage 2 and 3 heads is usually the porting, valve size, and re-enforcement. You DON"T need stage 3 heads.
Use your factory rockers. It's not worth getting an aftermarket set. The origonals hold up GREAT.
There are a LOT of cams out there. the G5X2 and G5X3 are popular cams. You really cannot go too terrably wrong these days as many people have cams making good power. The one thing i would reccomend is that you get a cam with a 114 lobe seperation. This will net you better idle characteristics.
WARNING: If you get a cam with over .600 lift you're going to want to get a real good valve spring setup on your heads. such as the Comp921's. For can usually spec that from wherever you order heads. The Spring kit is usually between $550 and $600.
You'll want to use stock legnth pushrods but i recomend getting Chromolly ones. Also might be a good idea to upgrade to Comp R roller lifters while you have the heads off.
Intake, IF you get big heads like AFR's or the ported TSP's then a FAST 90/90 setup would be worth it. If you're just going with unported or mildly ported #243's then a regular LS6 intake will suit you just fine and you can re-use your LS1 throttle body although having it ported and polished might be a good idea.
fuel Injectors. If you're not running nitrous or forced induction then the factory injectors should be fine.
Timing Chain = a LS2 timing chain will be fine.
Ported LS6 oil pump = Definately since you'll be in there anyway.
Thermostat - Would be a good idea. definately not a bad $60 to spend
Computer Tune is a must. Get that after everything else is installed. For multaple reasons, Timing, Disable Torque Managment, Fan temps. And fuel maps.
I hope i've given you a few decent ideas. Everybody has their own system and most of them work well. Most everybody will probably echo what i've said. The biggest decisions you ahve to make are how much you want to spend on heads and which cam to get.
Hope this helps
Shane
What he said, SHANE is right on with his info and advice. Also, wealth of knowledge for you on LS1tech.com, under internal engine section for LS1s!! 
