C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Help me decide please

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 10:41 AM
  #1  
Underdogg's Avatar
Underdogg
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont TX
Default Help me decide please

So I need help deciding on 2 options. Either I take out the cam that my car came with and step up to a whiplash II from England green or I'm looking to just slap a blower kit on and call it a day. Which would be better for a DD? I can do most of the labor for both so I'll save a little there. Mods and car info is below.

03 ls1

Tfs heads-215cc
Dual springs
Comp cam
92mm tb
92mm FAST intake
Bbk cai
Longtubes
X-pipe
Flowmaster catback
Aftermarket clutch
C6 zo6 drive shaft
Lightweight flywheel
4.10 rear end
Underdrive pulley
Dyno tune-not sure from where/by who

I'm looking for pros and cons. Cost vs reward. Longevity vs performance gains. And any knoweldge about the 2 or personal experiences. Thanks in advance.

Last edited by Underdogg; Apr 28, 2011 at 12:51 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 10:50 AM
  #2  
TangeloPearlC5's Avatar
TangeloPearlC5
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Long Island NY
Default

Just SLAP it on in there?
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 12:43 PM
  #3  
Underdogg's Avatar
Underdogg
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont TX
Default

Yeah. More or less. Done plenty of installs before. I doubt this one is any harder assuming I decide on one.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 04:19 PM
  #4  
zeevette's Avatar
zeevette
Race Director
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 290
From: Pasco WA
Default

For power gains, a blower wins this contest every time. It'd help to know your current cam specs.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 09:47 PM
  #5  
Underdogg's Avatar
Underdogg
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont TX
Default

I honestly don't know the cam specs. All I know is it's a comp cam. It was in the car when I bought it. I did some searching and found that trick flow sold a "package" deal that sold you the heads and a comp cam together. Not sure what the specs are tho. It's not very big tho.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2011 | 10:33 PM
  #6  
C5Longhorn's Avatar
C5Longhorn
Race Director
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,298
Likes: 33
From: Houston Texas
Default

It's not really an equal comparison in price or performance. If you want alot more power that can be fairly reliable based on user's experiences here on the forum go with the blower.

If you need to spend less money but want a power gain and big cam sound, go with the EG cam.

So having said all that, you should do a supercharger.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2011 | 07:34 AM
  #7  
Underdogg's Avatar
Underdogg
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont TX
Default

What are the main parts I would need if I was looking for a used kit? What do I want to stay away from?
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2011 | 01:53 PM
  #8  
zeevette's Avatar
zeevette
Race Director
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 290
From: Pasco WA
Default

If it is one of those Summit Racing TF head/cam kits, I believe the cam that came with it is pretty small, but on a 112 LSA. Not an ideal cam for a SC. A stock ZO6 cam would work great, and available cheap. At least with that kit you have upgraded springs, pushrod, and the like. I'd stay away from a factory Procharger or Vortech kit, and wait for the availability of a ECS, or A&A complete set. The head unit isn't that important, but the mounting bracket, and all the hoses, belts, and bolts will need a very thorough inspection. The A&A kit can be bought brand new for less, but it doesn't have the potential of the ECS Paxton setup.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?

 Brett Foote
story-5

9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made

 Brett Foote
Old Apr 29, 2011 | 02:04 PM
  #9  
Rob04C5LM's Avatar
Rob04C5LM
Pro
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 720
Likes: 2
From: Walnut Creek CA
Default

A&A blower kit is going to be better for both the HP/TQ gain and the longevity of your engine. If the $ isn't an issue and you think you could do the install on either, I'd go with a blower every day of the week.
Reply
Old May 1, 2011 | 12:58 AM
  #10  
Underdogg's Avatar
Underdogg
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont TX
Default

I've done some looking and the only rockers offered from trick flow are either 1.5 or 1.6. I know I'd need 1.7s for the England green cam. Can I change them out and stil run the cam I have? Do I need to do them all at the same time? What cams will work with the 1.5 or 1.6 rockers? I'd like to go with the biggest cam possible that would be blower friendly down the road but save as much as I can for example if I can stay with the rockers I have and do a cam swap and then get it tuned again...
Reply
Old May 1, 2011 | 12:11 PM
  #11  
The Wrench's Avatar
The Wrench
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 31
From: Rowlett, Texas
Default

Underdog, I never heard of any LS rockers less than 1.7 - which is the stock ratio.
You may have had a mental flashback to the old smallblocks of yore, which all used 1.5. LS1 upgrades come in 1.7, 1.8, 1.85. Wait till you get my age, it only gets worse - ha.

But....not knowing the specs on your cam makes everything a guess.
If the PO did all those mods to the engine, it would seem he would have installed a pretty decent cam. If so, then switching to a supposedly bigger cam might only net small improvements, maybe not worth the effort.
So, it's a quandry; the blower is definitely the power winner, but as stated above, a 112 cam of unknown duration might need to be replaced anyway to get best results forom the blower.

Wow, if you could track the history back and find out more on the cam, it would certainly help

DG
Reply
Old May 1, 2011 | 12:45 PM
  #12  
Underdogg's Avatar
Underdogg
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont TX
Default

Ok. Interesting. So where would the part number be on the rockers? Is it as easy as just removing the coilpacks and taking the valve covers off?
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 11:23 AM
  #13  
The Wrench's Avatar
The Wrench
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 931
Likes: 31
From: Rowlett, Texas
Default

Yep; really easy to get to the rockers. Don't remember if the OEM rockers have a number stamped on them, but you can search around here for photos of all the rocker types available; if they are aftermarket they should be marked, or easily identifyable.

DG
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 01:06 PM
  #14  
mmartinez's Avatar
mmartinez
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,101
Likes: 789
From: Espanola New Mexico
Default

You stated that's its a DD, no question about it, go the supercharger route, power when you want it, retain decent gas mileage, and good street manners. My .02.
Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 08:44 PM
  #15  
Underdogg's Avatar
Underdogg
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont TX
Default

Pulled my valve covers off. Both sides and not one rocker had a part number. Only thing on them was a blazing metallic orange color. No other markings of any kind.

And on a side note I've either bent a push rod or I have a lifter going out. Will know more tommorrow morning after I pull the heads off and take a look inside.
Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 09:07 PM
  #16  
Jnape's Avatar
Jnape
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 983
Likes: 36
From: Middle Of Kali CA
Default

Originally Posted by Underdogg
Pulled my valve covers off. Both sides and not one rocker had a part number. Only thing on them was a blazing metallic orange color. No other markings of any kind.

And on a side note I've either bent a push rod or I have a lifter going out. Will know more tommorrow morning after I pull the heads off and take a look inside.
Pull your rockers first to check your push rods. If bent, you have to ask why? You will still be pulling the haeds.
Reply
Old May 11, 2011 | 09:30 PM
  #17  
cruisemon's Avatar
cruisemon
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
Default

Is the current cam really a good match with a blower? Historically optimum cam timing and overlap for FI vs NA tend to be different.

Charlie
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Help me decide please

Old May 12, 2011 | 12:35 AM
  #18  
Hard Core GM's Avatar
Hard Core GM
Advanced
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

I have a big cam Transam. It makes good power, but you loose driveability. It's kind of like going from a 4 stroke to a 2 stroke motorcycle. Big cams are either on or off the power band. Also, the cam just shakes everything till it breaks or loosens up. My experience with big cam cars is they break a lot. I vote for the blower. They have a bigger power band.

Also, they sound very cool.

Mark
Reply
Old May 12, 2011 | 01:00 AM
  #19  
Camjamsdad's Avatar
Camjamsdad
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 8
From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
Default

The Summit kits come with orange Harland Sharp rockers, but they come with a TFS cam. You need a blower cam if you're going that route.
Reply
Old May 13, 2011 | 12:29 PM
  #20  
Underdogg's Avatar
Underdogg
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Beaumont TX
Default

Any idea about what ratio those rockers would be? I pulled the rods and they are 7.5s not the 7.4s I was hoping for...
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:57 AM.

story-0
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

Slideshow: Check out these easy-to-install upgrades from Extreme Online Store that reshape the look and feel of the C6 Corvette.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-03-23 17:00:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?

There may be some big changes on the horizon.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-18 06:55:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)

Slideshow: 9 best Corvettes you can buy for half price (and 1 you shouldn't!)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-17 10:20:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026

Slideshow: 8 best Corvette of Amelia Island 2026

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-11 09:28:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!

Slideshow: Top 10 worst Corvette engineering failures

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-10 17:38:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)

Slideshow: 10 records the C8 Corvette generation has SMASHED (& 1 glaring failure).

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-02 11:16:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made

Out of the many Corvette concepts that exist, these are by far the wildest of the bunch.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-02 11:03:54


VIEW MORE