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:

Bucking in 2nd Gear

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 25, 2017 | 03:47 PM
  #1  
harryk387's Avatar
harryk387
Thread Starter
Pro
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 523
Likes: 90
From: Los Angeles, CA
Default Bucking and surging after cam install

Car is a 2004 C5 Z06. Major engine mods include:

LG Super Pro 1 3/4" Long tubes with catted x-pipe
LG G5XE Cam/Comp 921 Valvesprings
Ported 243 heads
Vararam Intake
Dyno Tune

Soon as I get below 1000-1100 rpm, the car starts jerking and bucking, the lower in the rpm range I get, the worse the bucking gets. Also, when the engine is hot/outside temps are over 85 degrees, engine doesn't want to turn over. What could be causing these issues? I know it's a tuning issue but it seems the tuner that did the original tune after the cam install is having issues fixing these issues.

Would having the stock fuel injectors be causing these issues? Or maybe the vararam? Anything else that could be causing the hot start issue and low rpm bucking and surging?

Car put down 450rwhp/430rwtq and runs strong but I also feel that it may not be running as strong as it could.

Last edited by harryk387; Jun 25, 2017 at 11:25 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2017 | 03:58 PM
  #2  
Macleod52's Avatar
Macleod52
Drifting
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 360
From: Iowa
Default

I'm interested as well. Occasionally, I'll get bucking when off the throttle, in gear, with low RPMs, while decelerating. Giving a little gas corrects the problem. My car is stock except for a vararaam, x-pipe, and exhaust.

Last edited by Macleod52; Apr 25, 2017 at 04:01 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2017 | 04:03 PM
  #3  
harryk387's Avatar
harryk387
Thread Starter
Pro
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 523
Likes: 90
From: Los Angeles, CA
Default

Originally Posted by Macleod52
I'm interested as well. Occasionally, I'll get bucking when off the throttle, in gear, with low RPMs, while decelerating. Giving a little gas corrects the problem. My car is stock except for a vararaam, x-pipe, and exhaust.
Is it just in 2nd gear?
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2017 | 04:13 PM
  #4  
Macleod52's Avatar
Macleod52
Drifting
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 360
From: Iowa
Default

Originally Posted by harryk387
Is it just in 2nd gear?
I think it may happen in more than one gear. It's rare that it happens (I imagine based on my driving habits) so I can't say for certain. I want to say I recall in a couple different gears.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2017 | 08:56 PM
  #5  
AmbulanceDriver's Avatar
AmbulanceDriver
Instructor
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 184
Likes: 3
Default

My big single turbo race car did this...couldn't figure it out just chalked it up to being a fuel pump surge or the clutch
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2017 | 09:18 AM
  #6  
DVUSz06's Avatar
DVUSz06
Racer
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 299
Likes: 33
From: Chambersburg PA
Default

I would expect that at 1000-1100 rpm in second gear slowing to stop, it's speed, rpm, gear ratio and load. I would expect bucking worse in 3rd gear in that situation. Heck all manual trans cars will do that if speed is to slow for gear selected. It's not an auto so won't act like one. Heck it will even do that in first if wheel speed slow enough.
And yes depended on the cam this will be exaggerated, all is normal just drive it like a manual and not an auto.
Reply
Old Jun 25, 2017 | 11:25 PM
  #7  
harryk387's Avatar
harryk387
Thread Starter
Pro
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 523
Likes: 90
From: Los Angeles, CA
Default

Bump for more opinions and suggestions. Edited the original post to add better detail.

Last edited by harryk387; Jun 25, 2017 at 11:26 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2017 | 12:07 AM
  #8  
StingrayRebel's Avatar
StingrayRebel
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Default

why are you lugging the engine at such low rpms?... any car will buck if you let the rpms drop low enough and your car has a decent sized cam and making good power so that may be all it is... quit driving it like a baby... if you have stock injectors you should look into replacing those, your tuner should be able to tell you the duty cycle but my stockers were damn near maxed around 420rwhp... as far as the hot start issue maybe have the battery checked, heat will finish them off when they are weak and on their way out

Last edited by StingrayRebel; Jun 26, 2017 at 12:08 AM.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

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

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jun 26, 2017 | 12:45 AM
  #9  
grantv's Avatar
grantv
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Default

Originally Posted by neutron82
why are you lugging the engine at such low rpms?... any car will buck if you let the rpms drop low enough and your car has a decent sized cam and making good power so that may be all it is... quit driving it like a baby... if you have stock injectors you should look into replacing those, your tuner should be able to tell you the duty cycle but my stockers were damn near maxed around 420rwhp... as far as the hot start issue maybe have the battery checked, heat will finish them off when they are weak and on their way out
100%, below 1000-1100 is asking for bucking, particularly with any sort of cam.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2017 | 07:21 AM
  #10  
ArtClassShank's Avatar
ArtClassShank
Pro
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 134
From: Hanover Maryland
Default

Could be the cam. I've looked into this, many say the non-screened MAF on the 02+ Z06's can make it a bit worse. Some suggest the Haltech honeycomb insert to meter the air better.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2017 | 03:24 PM
  #11  
harryk387's Avatar
harryk387
Thread Starter
Pro
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 523
Likes: 90
From: Los Angeles, CA
Default

I don't think having it buck violently around 1000 rpm is normal with this cam considering it's supposed to be a street able daily drivable cam. Also, I don't know about you guys but when I'm driving around a parking lot looking for a spot I'm not flooring the gas pedal, I'm usually in first gear with my foot off the gas coasting at idle. Don't consider that necessarily babying it. Same with bumper to bumper traffic. I've had other manual transmission v8 cars and have never had this issue with those cars.

For the hot start issue, have this issue even after new battery installed.
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2017 | 06:29 PM
  #12  
grantv's Avatar
grantv
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
Default

Have you had V8 manual transmission cars with a similar cam? I find my stock cam Z is pretty touchy that low, as was my only other V8 manual car (more aggressive cam than the Z).
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2017 | 10:15 PM
  #13  
harryk387's Avatar
harryk387
Thread Starter
Pro
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 523
Likes: 90
From: Los Angeles, CA
Default


Here's a link to a video of my hot start issue. Will try to get a video of the bucking as well. It feels more like a tuning issue to be honest.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2017 | 02:23 AM
  #14  
ajohn20n's Avatar
ajohn20n
Intermediate
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 32
Likes: 7
Default

Originally Posted by harryk387
https://youtu.be/f9JZoNWhzrs

Here's a link to a video of my hot start issue. Will try to get a video of the bucking as well. It feels more like a tuning issue to be honest.
I've run into a similar issue ever now and then, regarding the start. I never had any problems with it prior to installing my cam (a little smaller than yours, so to speak). If I have my A/C or even just the fan running, my 03Z does the same thing. I just feed it a little more throttle until the idle smooths out. Takes anywhere from about 5-10 sec. Again, that's only when I have extra load such as A/C on and the engine hasn't been running for a bit.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2017 | 07:02 AM
  #15  
vettenuts's Avatar
vettenuts
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Default

It's most likely the overlap in the cam. My cam is slightly smaller and does the same thing. Just one of the things you have to work around with a cam sometimes. I just drop another gear to get the RPM out of the range.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2017 | 06:40 PM
  #16  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default


change of driving style needed , just part of having a cam.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2017 | 07:28 PM
  #17  
StingrayRebel's Avatar
StingrayRebel
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Default

looking at your video I think the tune needs to be cleaned up, it might have too much fuel or not enough at startup but it definitely shouldn't do that
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2017 | 11:49 PM
  #18  
edram454's Avatar
edram454
Pro
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 722
Likes: 70
From: Fla
Default

start up is your tune. it should not just turn off. I have a cammed z06 lsa112.. 232/234 at 600/600 lift and I cant go around 1000k without some bogging. car runs well except when running around at 1100k.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2017 | 04:47 PM
  #19  
XtremeVette's Avatar
XtremeVette
Original Founding Member!
Supporting Gold
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,037
Likes: 88
From: Granby, MA
Cruise-In 1, 3, 9. 10 & 11 Veteran
Default

Definitely Absolutely tuning issues! That fact that your gut is telling you this should alone be enough. Lets review....

Car put down 450rwhp/430rwtq and runs strong but I also feel that it may not be running as strong as it could. For a Z06 cammed with ported 243 heads car, these numbers are almost dead on when just doing a simple google search to see what others were able to accomplish.

Would having the stock fuel injectors be causing these issues? Or maybe the vararam? Anything else that could be causing the hot start issue and low rpm bucking and surging? Being you are running the stock injectors, this would be a great question for a new tuner to investigate. Just common sense logic would point me to you having a fuel issue or a spark issue upon startup. (there can't really be anything else). Have the tuner look at the car when you are having the hard start issues...my guess it something is going to turn up in the tune.

This leads us to your statement, that to me...sums it all up!

I know it's a tuning issue but it seems the tuner that did the original tune after the cam install is having issues fixing these issues. Its clear you're not happy or confident in your tuner. Nothing can be worst then that. Not trusting someone fooling around with your car just plain sucks! Definitely seek out another tuner. Call around, put up a post asking for recommendations and someone that comes highly qualified in your area. Good Luck! You'll get it sorted out, you just need someone who knows their stuff to take a look at it! I could offer recommendations like anyone on here but quite honestly, you really need a qualified tuner to look at the car. Way too many variables just to just make a general consensus and might end up having you go down the wrong path.

Last edited by XtremeVette; Jun 29, 2017 at 04:52 PM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Bucking in 2nd Gear





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:21 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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
story-6
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-7
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE