When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
In the 49 years that I have been tweeking the small block with mods they always carry a level of grief with them. Rocker arms, pistons, cams, syncros, posi-clutch plates, burnt plug wires (headers)...to name a few.
I've done several modifications including replacing the stock engine with the LPE 403. My drive-train remains stock. My car had been extremely reliable...no mod-related problems. I'm sure there are many excellent tuner shops but IMO always go with the best....it pays in the long run.
There is always a chance or something happening. Small problems occur. Just go to a good shop who does good work and stands by it. My car has been pretty good and I still have a few other things I will be doing in the future. BAMAGOLFER is right...the wallet becomes and issue after awhile...
Anything that you do to a drivetrain that pushes output past what it was designed to reliably handle will affect longevity. Determining the limit is the real problem.
In the 49 years that I have been tweeking the small block with mods they always carry a level of grief with them. Rocker arms, pistons, cams, syncros, posi-clutch plates, burnt plug wires (headers)...to name a few.
A&A Supercharger kit
CORSA cat-back exhaust
custom tune
Z51 sway bars (mine is F55)
On and on and on and on
The key to it all is (a) a highly professional install and (b) a correct tune. You mentioned that you are concerned about engine reliability post-mod. That's where the tune comes in. If you, for example, installed forced induction, your installer has 2 choices: (1) tune a conservative setting for engine life or (2) tune a hell-bent-for-leather setting for max power and a short engine life. Many in the Forum choose #2 so as to get 600+ rwhp on the LS2. Your engine won't last long doing that. I chose #1.
Look at the cover of Corvette Magazine - the "916 HP" C6 on the cover looks really great. BUT, if you read the article, he's gone through 3 engine rebuilds in about 18 months. If you want a 916 hp car, be prepared for a lot of trips to the shop. Otherwise, be willing to accept less in exchange for a longer engine life.
My supercharged C6 is tuned so that temps remain close to stock. MPG is actually a little better than I saw stock. I am running 7 psi of boost. There are no ill effects on this setup. Go much higher, however, and bad things start to happen.
A&A Supercharger kit
CORSA cat-back exhaust
custom tune
Z51 sway bars (mine is F55)
On and on and on and on
The key to it all is (a) a highly professional install and (b) a correct tune. You mentioned that you are concerned about engine reliability post-mod. That's where the tune comes in. If you, for example, installed forced induction, your installer has 2 choices: (1) tune a conservative setting for engine life or (2) tune a hell-bent-for-leather setting for max power and a short engine life. Many in the Forum choose #2 so as to get 600+ rwhp on the LS2. Your engine won't last long doing that. I chose #1.
Look at the cover of Corvette Magazine - the "916 HP" C6 on the cover looks really great. BUT, if you read the article, he's gone through 3 engine rebuilds in about 18 months. If you want a 916 hp car, be prepared for a lot of trips to the shop. Otherwise, be willing to accept less in exchange for a longer engine life.
My supercharged C6 is tuned so that temps remain close to stock. MPG is actually a little better than I saw stock. I am running 7 psi of boost. There are no ill effects on this setup. Go much higher, however, and bad things start to happen.
Good luck!
I agree. I went with Dynotech installed APS twin-turbos 7lbs boost. No problems so far and do not expect them. If I loose a little longevity its worth it to me.