Well, I've owned 5 cobras in my 10 years driving, but I finally stepped up to my first Chevy, a 2000 6 speed Vette. I have read until my eyes bled, and I need some questions answered. First, I definitely need some gears. My '00 Cobra with 4.10's would eat this car's lunch. However, it seems everyone's opinion that 4.10's is too much for a Vette. What gears can I "safely" run on my car to give me that SOP feel I so desperately seek? I drive 85 mph on the Interstate to work each day, and the 4.10's in the Cobra are the reason I eventually sold it. It was just too loud. However, it was a vert. I don't care about mpg, but I don't want this car to be "too" loud. I assume this care being a 6 speed will help me with that problem vs. the 5 speed the Cobra had. Secondly, I met someone that will port my heads for me. My question is: How is a good port job on my stock heads gonna compare to buying aftermarket heads when it comes to hp gains? Having him port them is definitely cheaper. I plan on doing heads, cam and headers in the car as I want be in the 400+ rwhp target range. I don't want to mess with my exhaust, b/c of the issue with quiteness with everyday driving. What suggestions does everyone have for me as far as getting the hp I want, without making the car very much "louder" than it is now? We run at an 1/8 mile track and I want the car matched up for running on an 1/8 mile track. I took it last nite and the results were not very good. RT = 5.8; 60 FT = 2.5 (gross) 1/8 mile times = 8.95 at about 81 mph. The track was super slick and I was using the stock runcraps. There was a slightly modded camaro there on slicks running 7.70's. I gotta get into the low 7's. Tell me the most cost effective way to do it great guru's of the vette forum. Also, do I need any suspension upgrades with this vehicle or can the stock components handle the mods I am planning. Thanx in advance for all your help.


[Modified by Leerph, 2:06 AM 6/23/2002]

 

Welcome to the forum and welcome to the wonderful world of C5 Vettes!

Maybe you could give the 3.73 rear a try? I've heard a lot of people say that going any larger than that could lead to low-reliability but I don't know the facts.

Is this person someone that has worked on corvettes and chevy small blocks a lot? I wouldn't let just anybody port your heads for you. I don't know what tuners are in the Florida-area (someone will chime in, I'm sure) but maybe they can recommend someone you can have the work done by. I think heads alone is good for perhaps 40-50 rwhp? Ballpark.

Hmm, my heads and cam work made my car a whole hell of a lot louder...I think that is generally part of the formula for performance. I love the sound though!

Wow, low 7's is probably not gonna be cheap. My best is 7.73 with 1.80 60'. Granted, you could probably shave a lot off that with slicks. Then again, you could always add nitrous...that is pretty cheap and mega-bang-for-the-buck.

I can't answer any questions on the shocks- sorry.

Good luck and enjoy!
Justin


[Modified by ambitin, 9:24 PM 6/22/2002]

 

This will get you to the top and

3.73 as mentioned is the maximum recommended by Getrag who I think manufactures the rear for the C5. Apparently anything bigger will cause the case to crack.

Anything you do head and cam wise will require PCM reprogramming.

Unless the place you are taking the heads has lots of experience with the LS1, you are probably better off getting heads and a cam from a place like Cartek, IMHO

And despite your concern about exhaust noise, Corsa's are quiet at cruise but :eek: at WOT :D Find some other C5 owners in your area so you can hear how different exhausts sound.

Good luck and WELCOME :cheers: I'm an old Ford guy myself who finally saw the light . Obviously when your Cobra's were stock they wouldn't stay with the C5. I'm sure you know the two basic rules of drag racing - you can't beat cubic inches unless you bring cubic money :smash:

Oh my neighbor did the Cartek heads, a cam, headers, Tric intake and had Cartek reprogram using LS1-edit and is making 405hp at the wheels. This on a 2001 Coupe, the LS1-eidt was in beta test.


[Modified by ghost.rider, 8:08 PM 6/23/2002]


[Modified by ghost.rider, 8:09 PM 6/23/2002]