I'm in process of gathering parts to modify my engine in next few months on my 97 C5 base A/T because my harmonic balancer has been wobbling pretty good since purchase over 2 years ago. I'm going to install LS6 intake, 243 stock heads, long tube headers catless ( speed engineering headers from e bay), ZO6 muffler already on the car, BTR stage 2 cam kit will come with dual springs, and push rods. I'm also going to put in high flow oil pump, timing chain, ans Lifters while i'm in there. I am keeping the AC to the car in illinois it's a must to have ac in summer.

I should new around 385 RWHp after tune. I watched a video on youtube where a guy put in BTR stage 2 cam kit and tune he net 385 RWHP on his 04 A/T he only had full long tube headers. I might go with 3200 stall down the road after mods.
1) My question is which lifters should I go with? I see members went with LS7 lifters. What is the advantage with LS7 lifters? Which lifter do you recommend?
2) What size push rod do i need since I'm going with OEM 243 heads?
3) which oil pump and timing chain do you recommend and from where?
4) Is harmonic balancer from Summit powerbond part # pb1117n $85.99 sufficient to handle 385 RWHP? I don't want to spend $200-450 on harmonic balancer because I don't see any benefit. Is there a huge benefit with more expensive ones?
5) what spark plugs and wires do you recommend?
6) Is the rockers from 02 ZO6 heads I got w/used 243 better than my 853 rockers from my heads to use? Can I use rockers from Zo6 head?
7) Do i need new injectors or can i use my existing ones?

lastly, my ac compressor is leaking at the front shaft I need to replace the compressor and will replace the water pump as well. There's Delphi compressor on amazon and AC delco is $100 more. I'm hearing Delphi is ac delco so I will use delpi compressor. What water pump and from where should I use?

I'm probably forgetting something but any additional things I should do while i'm in there is appreciated for those of you with wealth of knowledge.

 

1. LS7 lifters are pretty much the factory replacement for all LS engines now. That didn't use to be the case. I would personally go with something like Johnson 2110s, but the LS7 lifters are good. Many people have had great success with them.
2. I always recommend measuring to make sure, but with OEM heads, stock length will most likely be the right answer so 7.400"
3. I would go melling high pressure oil pump and probably just a stock LS2 timing set. Texas Speed, BTR, Tick, Summit, and Gwatney are all good places to get these.
4. Yes the powerbond balancer will work. There's no HP limit on balancers, but there are advantages to underdrive balancers and such. I'd personally go with the powerbond.
5. If you're not running nitrous, factory plugs or similar will work just fine.
6. The rockers are the same. Yes you can use the ones from the 243s. I recommend a trunion upgrade kit from BTR or Texas Speed for them.
7. Stock injectors may get it done, but you would be pushing them pretty far. I'd personally get some 36# and call it a day. They aren't that expensive.
8. Factory replacement water pump is more than sufficient to do what you are doing. O'reilly, autozone, or Napa.
As for a stall, I would definitely recommend it for your car with a cam swap. If you have a 2.73 rear diff, you may want to look into upgrading to a 3.15 or 3.42 diff. BTR cams seem to make really good power, so I would guess that your 385 target will be attained. That's a conservative guess. Guys make a lot of power cam only with BTR stuff and with the changes you are making, you are basically becoming a cam only LS6. Good luck with your build.

 

Just an FYI for you, BTR pushrods (and maybe everything BTR) are owned by Summit Racing. I've not had good luck with BTR pushrods; not the specified length, too short and too long within the same set of 16. Good luck with your build.

 

800 hp rated

Ls9 BTR

D port exhaust gaskets to match the 243 head port exhaust Ls9 timing conversion to install cam

Chrome molly hardened push rods

 

Along with your dual springs ect...The car should not have a issue producing 425 or so . And it will still be ready for a supercharger is you ever desire . Good luck

 

My stock z06 clutch was done at 440/390 at the wheels. t’s a toss up if it holds and for how long.

 

1. Go with the LS7 lifters. They are direct replacement, OEM quality and are readily available.
2. Install everything and then measure correct pushrod length using a pushrod length checking tool. You can guess but you could end up regretting it.
3. Melling high volume and Elite Chain Drive available through @BLOWNBLUEZ06@RKT Performance
4. I used a summit racing damper with far more than 425whp so you will be just fine.
5. There are a few tests that have been done in the past showing with plug wires have the lowest resistance, I think the MSD 8.5mm wires came out near the top of the list. Stock or 1 heat level colder than stock plugs will be fine for your power level.
6. Rockers should be the same. I would still use the rockers out of the 243 heads in the 243 heads just for peace of mind.
7. You have the OEM 28# injectors in there but at 425whp you would be a bit light on fuel. I'd step up to 36# injectors or somewhere in that range.

 

I'm thinking of using power bond oem equivalent one from summit for $90.00 not the street performance one for $200.00. W/O the stall torque converter I should attain 385RWHP. SO the oe equivalent balancer ok to use?

 

1) Lifters - if you go LS7, MAKE SURE you are buying Delphi / AC Delco from a reputable source so you don't end up with counterfeits and subsequent lifter failure. Others used Johnson or Morel lifters - I used a morel 6504 in my build and my valvetrain is amazingly quiet for a 233/239 cam. Lifters are hard to come by right now for some reason also.

2) I agree 110% with Turpid. Measure twice, three times, if not more on multiple cylinders. Get an 8 or 9 inch dial caliper and do it the right way - counting the number of turns on a measuring tool can be inaccurate as an Iraqi RPG.

3) Melling is the go-to, but Hi Volume and Hi Pressure is a matter of opinion. Get a timing set that uses an IWIS / JWIS chain. Katech C5-R, Rollmaster, etc.

4) The powerbond is completely fine.

5) An NGK Tr55 would be completely fine with those heads, and maybe a TR6 if your stepping up compression by milling the heads down. As long as a quality set of wires is used you should have zero concerns. You aren't igniting a high boost or 14:1 compression motor, so OEM or like quality will be totally fine.

6) Upgrade the trunions on your rocker arms. You will have to consider using a kit that has captured bearings or bushings, and both are good choices for different reasons.

7) Some 36# GTP (Bosch) injectors or Ford SVO 36# injectors would be your best friend.

I'll offer some Speed Engineering Headers advice also, sorry if it's unsolicited. The headers will fit AMAZINGLY good and will go in from the bottom without issue (remove your starter). However, the X-Pipe setup is a royal pain in the *** to get sealed. Get some QUALITY exhaust clamps and throw the ones SE sent in the garbage - you will be tempted to try and make them work like I did only to find out if you tighten them while trying to get the persistent leaks sealed they will strip threads and have to be cut off. It was really a huge pain in the ***. These are what will work best for all but the last two clamps: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7...+exhaust+clamp And the last two would only seal with this style https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...xhuast%20clamp

I also wrapped my headers and am very glad to have done it. It's helped dramatically reduce valve train noise, heat, and improve appearance.

 

Lots of knock off stuff on ebay I wouldnt buy from there; no need for special plug wires they do the same thing, same with coils.
If you did some headwork and a proper valve job that will wake things up let the #s be what they are. You definitely need to get rid of that lousy gear if you cam it up.

 

Ls7 lifters support 800 I have them in my application.