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:

Adding cam-- later add headers....

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 9, 2004 | 08:45 PM
  #1  
1999PewterCorvette's Avatar
1999PewterCorvette
Thread Starter
Drifting
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 105
From: st. louis, MO. USA
Default Adding cam-- later add headers....

Ok guys-- All this talk about swapping cams got me fired up and I bought one and am having it installed this week. Then Im having my car dyno-tuned 2 weeks later. I know its optimal to have LT headers with the cam but money is tight with cam, springs, pushrods, install, and tuning. So heres my question. Once I have the cam installed and the car dyno-tuned, If I add some Long-tube headers later, am I gonna have to have it tuned again??? Will the LT headers disrupt my previous LS-1 edit enough to where I should have it tuned a second time??--- I hope not (more and more money)
Thanks
Rob
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2004 | 08:48 PM
  #2  
1999PewterCorvette's Avatar
1999PewterCorvette
Thread Starter
Drifting
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 105
From: st. louis, MO. USA
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (1999PewterCorvette)

BTW, I want to personally thank the forum for helping me choose my cam and giving me good info. I really would never have attempted a mod of this nature had it not been for all of you guys and sharing your knowledge and experiences. thanks again :seeya :seeya
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2004 | 08:50 PM
  #3  
88sk's Avatar
88sk
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 0
From: phila. pa .usa
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (1999PewterCorvette)

like to know the same I got KOOKS system on & just ordered a 224 cam on mine.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2004 | 12:04 AM
  #4  
BlackMagicC5's Avatar
BlackMagicC5
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (88sk)

Me three...... :lurk:
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2004 | 12:52 AM
  #5  
SFVetteman's Avatar
SFVetteman
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (1999PewterCorvette)

Adding the headers will probably lean it out a bit. How much I cannot really say. In any event I do not think it would make it dangerously lean. What you could do is to put it on the dyno that has a wideband O2, after you install the headers, and see what the air fuel ratio is and decide from there. Another option is to have it tuned a bit rich, say 12.7:1 and then when you install the headers you should be about right if the headers do indeed make it run a bit leaner.

Perhaps a call to Andy at A&A or maybe FLP or whatever tuner is familiar with the headers you will be installing would be a good idea, as they are more familiar with how the headers will affect the fuel mixture.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2004 | 01:04 AM
  #6  
Mr. Big's Avatar
Mr. Big
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 0
From: Roswell New Mexico
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (SFVetteman)

Nope, you won't have to retune, it is probably optimal to retune a little, but at most i see the gains being less than 5hp with the 2nd tune. I did my cam first and tuned the car, then added headers later, and the only the car needed was more room to run!!! Ran excellent with no second tune. :steering:
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2004 | 08:51 AM
  #7  
1999PewterCorvette's Avatar
1999PewterCorvette
Thread Starter
Drifting
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 105
From: st. louis, MO. USA
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (Mr. Big)

Thanks Mr. Big, thats what I wanted to hear.!! I know I wouldnt gain much in hp from a 2nd tune, I just didnt want to hurt the car by not tuning if I added headers later. Like mentioned above, I dont think it would change the car so much as to need a re-tune, maybe just lean it out a bit
So what kind of numbers did you see after the cam and tune and then after the addition of the headers???

Thanks, Rob
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2004 | 10:44 AM
  #8  
1999PewterCorvette's Avatar
1999PewterCorvette
Thread Starter
Drifting
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 105
From: st. louis, MO. USA
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (1999PewterCorvette)

Any guesses on what my horsepower will be BEFORE I add any headers to my car. ? Just have an MN6 with twin-flow air intake, mallett carbon fiber exhaust, Lunati 221 .558 cam and getting a dyno-tune with LS-1 edit. Anybody know any numbers I will be looking at???
Thanks
Rob
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

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

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 11, 2004 | 11:06 AM
  #9  
LittleBoyBlu99's Avatar
LittleBoyBlu99
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,298
Likes: 0
From: Tyler TX
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (1999PewterCorvette)

That's not true in all cases.
Thanks Mr. Big, thats what I wanted to hear.!! I know I wouldnt gain much in hp from a 2nd tune, I just didnt want to hurt the car by not tuning if I added headers later. Like mentioned above, I dont think it would change the car so much as to need a re-tune, maybe just lean it out a bit
So what kind of numbers did you see after the cam and tune and then after the addition of the headers???

Thanks, Rob
:skep: If you have it tuned with LS1 Edit" most tuners don't charge extra for retune. Different Headers can make much more than 5 hp gains over others. I would fine out from the tuner if he charges for upgrade tuning and if he does I would find one that don't. :yesnod: :thumbs:
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2004 | 11:06 AM
  #10  
gonbad's Avatar
gonbad
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: Spring, TX
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (1999PewterCorvette)

With the air intake and exhaust you are probably just over 300 rwhp now. So I would figure about 340-350 with the cam.

I adding a larger cam and pretty much have the same mods as you intake and exhaust and a friend of mine added a similiar cam with headers and cats and got 400 rwhp. I am hoping for about 365-375 with the stock manifolds and cats.
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2004 | 11:35 AM
  #11  
1999PewterCorvette's Avatar
1999PewterCorvette
Thread Starter
Drifting
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 105
From: st. louis, MO. USA
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (gonbad)

Im hoping to make 345 rwp with those mods.-- That will put me at 400-405 hp at the flywheel and thats my goal. Wanted to be close to the 02-04 Z06's.
Then later add some headers and I think I will be done. But thats never the case is it?? Who knew you could dump so much money on such a "ready to race" car right from the factory?

Rob
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2004 | 03:32 PM
  #12  
Rays Vet's Avatar
Rays Vet
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: Va, Beach VA
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (1999PewterCorvette)

Im hoping to make 345 rwp with those mods.-- That will put me at 400-405 hp at the flywheel and thats my goal. Wanted to be close to the 02-04 Z06's.
Then later add some headers and I think I will be done. But thats never the case is it?? Who knew you could dump so much money on such a "ready to race" car right from the factory?
I have the same goals in mine.Hope you reach them.I did headers(kooks) first and doing cam next prabably the same cam as you.Do'nt forget to post results and a sound clip(I hear this is a mild cam) .And anybody that knows the specs. on the "stealth" cam and it's street manners chime in.

Rob
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2004 | 05:09 PM
  #13  
Mr. Big's Avatar
Mr. Big
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 0
From: Roswell New Mexico
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (Rays Vet)

Well i did dyno the car after the cam, this was with completely stock exhaust and ls1 intake, the only other mod i had was the blackwing. I had a 224/230 .561 .579 112 cam in the car, and she put down 341rwhp, after i added the full exhaust with tpis headers,x pipe and the ls6 intake, she hit the 380 range to the wheels.

I even did some wot runs and there was nothing to really tune, everything ran fine, i had access to tune again right away, just didn't need it. Big difference after the headers :smash:


[Modified by Mr. Big, 10:11 PM 4/11/2004]
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2004 | 07:12 PM
  #14  
HITMAN99's Avatar
HITMAN99
Drifting
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 1
From: Annandale VA
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (1999PewterCorvette)

In my experience, a 221 duration cam is not going to get you 45 HP w/ stock heads. It will be more like 30 HP. Also, the straight pattern grind will benefit more from the addition of LT headers than a split-duration grind. Every car is different though.

Most guys install headers at the same time as their cam to keep their install costs down.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 01:15 PM
  #15  
Mr. Jones's Avatar
Mr. Jones
Drifting
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 76
From: Bedford Va.
Default Re: Adding cam-- later add headers.... (HITMAN99)

I just had my car tuned, 375rwhp & 382rwhp on a back to back run.
the higher number was after some cool down time. I have stock exhaust manifolds and cats with z06 cat-back. torque was low at 338rwq.
the straight pattern cam really needs the headers. I will be changing this setup. I asked about retuning after the header install, they said it would be minor. see profile for details
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Adding cam-- later add headers....





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:02 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE