I posted this in the race section, but figured I'd post it here as well:

Just wanted to get people's opinions about which direction to go with my 01Z, regarding a modest power bump (like to see 430-440 whp/wtq). It's a daily driver and I do about 6-8 HPDE's and about a dozen autox's a year. I've had the car for about 3 years and am comfortable with the suspension mods and set-up I currently have.............so the next mod will be a modest power bump. (currently have 379 whp/394wtq)

Option 1: I've looked into a Trick Flow 215 heads & cam package, which looks very attractive, and will certainly put me in the power range that I'm interested in. I'm just concerned about the drivability of a low 23x/23x cam that would get me in the power range I am looking for. The kit alone would be in the $3000 range.

Option 2: I've also looked into rebuilding my ls6 with a 383 stroker kit from Texas Speed. With a low 22x/22x cam, I should still be able to meet my overall power goals, with more of an emphasis on low-end power and torque. Again, the price is in the $3000 range for the kit.

FYI, I have build engines in the past (non-Corvette) so I am comfortable with the labor........so that's a wash. I'd also replace the wear items with both options (lifters, oil pump, valvesprings, timing chain, etc.), so it's somewhat a wash again.

I'd like to hear from people that have done 1 or the other (or both) to see what the overall costs associated were and what advantages/disadvantages of each option are.

Please advise.

 

I loved the tfs215 heads I had on my ls6 before. With a 237/241 112lsa I was making 450rwhp. They're the best cathedral heads on the market in my opinion. I also did hpde with them. Very responsive and great top end power. With a FAST 102 on top it was a mean combo.

 

My old build was AFR 205's and a cam from Ed Curtis at FTI 229/236 .631.631 112+2

Torque was amazing.

 

I have the TF 215s, and love them, but if you don't mind the extra labor of rebuilding your shortblock, the results should be better, and more durable. Since your heads are off, send them to be redone with better components, and milled for more compression. The larger displacement motor will support a larger cam with better streetability, too. Assuming your present shortblock is currently stock, a forged bottom end will better support power adders, if you ever want to go there.

 

Thanks for the feedback!!

 

Just wamted to add; use the best fasteners you can get, and use ARP head studs, and header studs. You'll be happy you did.

 

Personally, I agree with the head studs, but see NO POINT in the header studs. Save the money of your stock manifold bolts are good use them. I did. NEVER a problem. They (headers) were on and off on 6 different occasions. Again, never an issue. Anti-seize... Make friends with it.