ctusser

I completely agree. I was brainstorming in terms of the OP's goals and budget. If the OP could find someone willing to take 700-800 for the takeoff parts he might also be able to find someone willing to install them for around $1K. And an additional $500 tune wouldn't be absolutely neccessary with the Z06 cam either, although it would help. I know, a lot of "ifs" but within the realm of possibility.

lucky131969

Wishful thinking. A used 2001+ intake typically goes for $300-350; used TI exhuast $300-400. If you can find all the parts Bill listed for $700-800.....you had better play the lottery that day as well.

ctusser

Just heads, cam and intake mani, could be had for 700-800, forget the catback.

lucky131969

I suppose if you feel comforable buying a used cam. That is one part I would never buy used.....but that's just me. Of course you are not considering the "while your in there" parts (considering this motor has 90K miles on it)....like oil pump, timing set, valve springs, seals, etc.

ctusser

If you're not comfortable with it, then you should absolutely not do it to your motor. Have you naysayers ever done anything on a budget?

I've seen high mileage roller cams come out looking perfect.

BTW: Most head/cam swaps are done on engines less than 50K, if the OP can find a low mileage doner car he could grab the timing set and oil pump off it too (usally for free), as these are usually upgraded to ported or high volume and an LS2 set on H/C cars.

lucky131969

It's not about being a naysayer.....it's about being realistic. Setting a goal, with an unrealistic budget always leads to cutting corners....which in the end...can end up costing you twice as much..or more. I prefer to do things once, and doing them right. If I don't have the money to embark on a journey, that has the best chance for success, I just wait...and save up my money.

ctusser

I do agree with that. From the sounds of it the OP may not have the knowledge or resources to pull it off on the cheap, and would be taking a bit of a gamble, hell I've seen many threads of new builds failing by so called tuners, so there are no absolute guarantees.

Bill Curlee

Here in CT,, I can wrangle up 10-12 C5/C6 owners and perform just about ANY repair from a belt swap to complete drive train swap. Its all about resourcing.

Ive given away free parts for numerous projects. Find the C5ers in your area and arrange a MOD party. Save all the cash for the COMPLETE MOD PROJECT.. Find some local experienced people willing to help you perform the improvements / repairs, get the parts as reasonable as possible and go for it.

BC

zeevette

Is there still someplace that sells those TC dampers, Bill?

Bill Curlee

YES!!! Some one is using LS2 dampers and remanufacturing/machining them to fit as the LS1 damper!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LS1-t...Q5fAccessories

Bill Curlee

Awh CRAP,, Well,, it was there. Do a search.

BC

niteriderc5

You guys are awesome - Those who say it can and can't be done, I appreciate the responses/opinions. I would rather not go the cam route, then again I have to really consider the fact that the engine does have 90k miles and so internal maintenance may have to be done to ensure reliability for the future and so if Im in there " I might as well...." comes to mind.

niteriderc5

Random inspections - I had to "test only" This past month in order to get my tags - LTs are $$$ too and to be honest I prefer to keep the sound level as resonable as possible

niteriderc5

Its more significant things like heads and cam I wouldn't tackle on my own.

I do appreciate you unidealistic point of views, not being sarcastic. I like hearing from both sides. But given the naked truth my abilities are limited mechanically, how would you feel if I said I was able to handle a TB, intake manifold swap and headers swap by myself?

YearOneC5

Thanks for the link.

My goals are similar to NightRiderC5.

Thanks to everyone else as well for all their input!

69SSC5

i would go wtih a quick cam swap as well as a new intake and a nice tune (since your in cali comp GT will hook that up), get you there no problem.... i must say coming from Texas and now living in Los Angeles, California has some F*@%^ed up emissions laws, i even heared they are supposed to start smoggen motorcycle in 2013. what next they wont lawfully let me carry a concealed firearm? maybe outlaw gas all together?

AU N EGL

We have guys here in the auto-x and RR forum, that with 6 year old STOCK LS6 engines and a CAI, plus LTs are getting 350 RWHP with a tune.

LTs are not possible in CA, but good shorties a CAI and a great tune.

mcm95403

To the OP, hang in there a couple of weeks and I'll have your answer for you. I have a Z06 intake and a set of used B&B shorty headers (the only CA legal shorties around) on the way and my Magnaflow x-pipe is sitting right next to me. While that's being done I'm also putting in a tunnel plate to stiffen it up more. I already have the ti cat-back - it made a nice difference in sound, but no power difference you could feel. I also have a Vararam installed already. Apparently the power difference with the VR doesn't show up on the dyno since there isn't any ram-air effect, but if they are good for the 3-4 tenths that it feels like it gives and many guys report picking up, then that alone is 30-40 hp (10hp per 1/10 at the times our cars run). I now after installing mine the big difference I found was dropping to 3rd at 75 and nailing it. The car now does 75-120 about as quickly as it does 0-60.

When I get mine done and tunes I'll post up the dyno results - hopefully that will help you decide.

niteriderc5

I look forward to it, really do

Double G

C5 01 6spd coupe:
(1) K&N filter, Corsa Indy Pace Car Tigershark exh, w/ 3:42 stock axle = 309rwhp
(2) 160 stat, 18o fan on temp setting, 1 7/8" ARH w/catted X pipe, Exceedy dual disc clutch, dynotune, Halteck air intake, DTE stage 4/5 4:10 axle w/cage = 347rwhp.
(3) 243 milled ported sodium valve heads, comp cam and springs, ls2 chain, HO oil pump, DTE 3:90 axle = 437rwhp
(4) Mark Shanner 78mm ported TB, Oval DMH, RPM stage 5 trans,= est.450+rwhp

Hope this helps