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:

2002 Coupe/ LS1 Upgrade Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 25, 2016 | 06:33 PM
  #1  
sparcnz's Avatar
sparcnz
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Te Kauwhata New Zealand
Default 2002 Coupe/ LS1 Upgrade Question

G'day All,

After having my 02 for around 3 years now, I have decided I want to look at doing some upgrades to my beauty.
I have looked around, and read a lot of reviews, and ideas from other fellow Corvette guys, and I like the idea of fitting a small Supercharger onto the engine.
The one I have looked at, is the one bolted to the side of the motor, and pipes over and into the intake manifold. Low profile, and will only, maybe, need for me to purchase a hood with a small bump in it?
I would like to know what is the best one to look at, with ease of fitting.
And while on it, what would I need to do to my LS1 to make sure it can run with the Supercharger? A recent engine I had with a 6-71, I had to do a lot of changes.
I know my Vette is only a Coupe, no Sports models here, but I want it to be my beast.

Thanks for any input.

Kevin.

We have pretty strict rules about fitting extra gear onto vehicles, height limits, view through the windscreen, major upgrades and the likes.
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2016 | 06:52 PM
  #2  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,186
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

you know what they cost right ? 8 Grand !
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2016 | 06:55 PM
  #3  
sparcnz's Avatar
sparcnz
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Te Kauwhata New Zealand
Default

O yes I do, but less then what it cost me for the new 6-71 and everything those many years ago.
Can't take it with me, can I, so when there's some spare, I like to use it on my toys.
But thanks for the heads up, I might not of known, and that would a scared me.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 05:20 AM
  #4  
strand rider's Avatar
strand rider
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
Default

on the other hand, I just picked up a recent issue of hot rod magazine , with a $699 turbo article featured on the front cover . Worth a read, they say turbos are big because of the price points of these types of kits. Not what you are considering, but the more info the better, since you are still planning.

I talked to a guy who fabricated a turbo set up into the front fenders of his C4, said the cooling was his biggest problem, no kit for him. I couldn't turbo my C5 with nine kits, I would have to farm it out.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 06:07 AM
  #5  
Greg_E's Avatar
Greg_E
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 66
From: Middletown CT
Default

Andy's SC kits are popular. I don't have one, but he has sold a a ton of these.
A and A Corvette Performance
http://www.aacorvette.com
Phone number:
477-A Lambert St.
Oxnard, CA 93036
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 09:41 AM
  #6  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,186
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Greg_E
Andy's SC kits are popular. I don't have one, but he has sold a a ton of these.
A and A Corvette Performance
http://www.aacorvette.com
Phone number:
477-A Lambert St.
Oxnard, CA 93036
Now you did it, Hmmmm I might swing that !
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 10:04 AM
  #7  
Danlb's Avatar
Danlb
Instructor
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 184
Likes: 36
From: Ontario CA
Default

Originally Posted by akapounder
you know what they cost right ? 8 Grand !
That's installed, but I doubt getting the car to Oxnard for the install would be inexpensive! The kit is about $2500 less than your figure. I have one on my '00 and it is wonderful. I've pulled mine off for other maintenance and looking at the installation manual it appears the initial installation wouldn't be too difficult for anyone with some mechanical abilities.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 10:13 AM
  #8  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,186
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Danlb
That's installed, but I doubt getting the car to Oxnard for the install would be inexpensive! The kit is about $2500 less than your figure. I have one on my '00 and it is wonderful. I've pulled mine off for other maintenance and looking at the installation manual it appears the initial installation wouldn't be too difficult for anyone with some mechanical abilities.
I was throwing a ballpark figure, counting on add on's . previous poster just showed a link and theirs is around 5300.00 (I presume not installed)
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 10:36 AM
  #9  
runner140*'s Avatar
runner140*
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Default

Originally Posted by akapounder
I was throwing a ballpark figure, counting on add on's . previous poster just showed a link and theirs is around 5300.00 (I presume not installed)
OK, I'm in....I'll help you and you help me.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 10:38 AM
  #10  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,186
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

Originally Posted by runner140*
OK, I'm in....I'll help you and you help me.
Deal !
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 10:51 AM
  #11  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

A SUPERCHARGER kit is the way to go. Depends on your GOALS for power and BUDGET, all you would need is a supercharger kit.

That being said, You MUST go by the old racers CODE.

FAST, CHEEP, RELIABLE!

Pick TWO cause you cant have all three!

For reliability , you should:

Change the VALVE SPRINGS and make the valve train more reliable. New upgraded trunions and stronger pushrods. New timing chain. The GM LS1 chain that you have is VERY WEAK and doesn't do well at all with added STRESS. Most people install a blower cam for optimal boosted performance. Good time to install the better chain, new performance lifters, new lifter buckets, oil pump and a timing chain dampener.

Don't know if your kit comes with a new dampener but you will have to get a new one as the GM Dampeners SUCK and fail without notice. The new one will need to be PINED to the crank!!!

Back to power goals. WHAT do you expect (or should I say desire) for a power increase??????? Depending on that answer, you may need to be very friendly with you accountant!

The more power you infuse, the more drivetrain work your going to need!

Traction!! That will be an issue. Better tires, with more meat! If you have RUN FLATS, they are NOT the best tires to put power to the pavement. At least not the run of the mill run flat tires.


Is your car an A4 or MN6???????? The A4 transmission will have a shorter life with added power. The third and fourth gear clutch packs and sun shell will fail in short order. If you have a CLUTCH, stand by for clutch issues caused by the extra power (read clutch replacement) How many miles on the car and drivetrain???

Wheel HOP. Most stock C5s have weak suspensions. Yes your corvette was only designed to support basically stock C5 Power. when you pass the 400-420 RWHP level, shortcomings will rear their ugly heads.

Your SHOCKS are most likely very worn or useless and will not do well with the added power. Transmission and engine mounts will most likely need to be up-graded for best performance.

COOLING. Depending on where you live, cooling could be a BIG factor and you may need to install a bigger aftermarket radiator. A4 will need a good aftermarket cooler. On most supercharger kits, the radiator is repositioned to lay flatter to properly fit the tube that connect the intercooler outlet to the TB.

This is a short list.. Keep you wallet tuned and ready support!!

BC

Last edited by Bill Curlee; Oct 26, 2016 at 10:53 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 10:59 AM
  #12  
K-Spaz's Avatar
K-Spaz
Team Owner
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Default

Originally Posted by sparcnz
G'day All,

After having my 02 for around 3 years now, I have decided I want to look at doing some upgrades to my beauty.
I have looked around, and read a lot of reviews, and ideas from other fellow Corvette guys, and I like the idea of fitting a small Supercharger onto the engine.
The one I have looked at, is the one bolted to the side of the motor, and pipes over and into the intake manifold. Low profile, and will only, maybe, need for me to purchase a hood with a small bump in it?
I would like to know what is the best one to look at, with ease of fitting.
And while on it, what would I need to do to my LS1 to make sure it can run with the Supercharger? A recent engine I had with a 6-71, I had to do a lot of changes.
I know my Vette is only a Coupe, no Sports models here, but I want it to be my beast.

Thanks for any input.

Kevin.

We have pretty strict rules about fitting extra gear onto vehicles, height limits, view through the windscreen, major upgrades and the likes.
I see lots of C5s here with SC and use the stock hood. At the Carlisle show there's still a few of the old 6-71 cars rolling around but those monsters are rare. And we don't have much of a restriction on that sort of thing here. If any for that matter.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 11:00 AM
  #13  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,186
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
A SUPERCHARGER kit is the way to go. Depends on your GOALS for power and BUDGET, all you would need is a supercharger kit.

That being said, You MUST go by the old racers CODE.

FAST, CHEEP, RELIABLE!

Pick TWO cause you cant have all three!

For reliability , you should:

Change the VALVE SPRINGS and make the valve train more reliable. New upgraded trunions and stronger pushrods. New timing chain. The GM LS1 chain that you have is VERY WEAK and doesn't do well at all with added STRESS. Most people install a blower cam for optimal boosted performance. Good time to install the better chain, new performance lifters, new lifter buckets, oil pump and a timing chain dampener.

Don't know if your kit comes with a new dampener but you will have to get a new one as the GM Dampeners SUCK and fail without notice. The new one will need to be PINED to the crank!!!

Back to power goals. WHAT do you expect (or should I say desire) for a power increase??????? Depending on that answer, you may need to be very friendly with you accountant!

The more power you infuse, the more drivetrain work your going to need!

Traction!! That will be an issue. Better tires, with more meat! If you have RUN FLATS, they are NOT the best tires to put power to the pavement. At least not the run of the mill run flat tires.


Is your car an A4 or MN6???????? The A4 transmission will have a shorter life with added power. The third and fourth gear clutch packs and sun shell will fail in short order. If you have a CLUTCH, stand by for clutch issues caused by the extra power (read clutch replacement) How many miles on the car and drivetrain???

Wheel HOP. Most stock C5s have weak suspensions. Yes your corvette was only designed to support basically stock C5 Power. when you pass the 400-420 RWHP level, shortcomings will rear their ugly heads.

Your SHOCKS are most likely very worn or useless and will not do well with the added power. Transmission and engine mounts will most likely need to be up-graded for best performance.

COOLING. Depending on where you live, cooling could be a BIG factor and you may need to install a bigger aftermarket radiator. A4 will need a good aftermarket cooler. On most supercharger kits, the radiator is repositioned to lay flatter to properly fit the tube that connect the intercooler outlet to the TB.

This is a short list.. Keep you wallet tuned and ready support!!

BC
My 8 grand quote might be low ???
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 12:37 PM
  #14  
Greg_E's Avatar
Greg_E
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 66
From: Middletown CT
Default

Originally Posted by akapounder
Now you did it, Hmmmm I might swing that !
All part of my evil plan.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2016 | 12:44 PM
  #15  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,186
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Greg_E
All part of my evil plan.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 2002 Coupe/ LS1 Upgrade Question





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:33 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE