I currently have s trim on a ls2 06 vert with headers cats and running 100% meth using alky control kit. 565 RWHP APROX. @ 8.9 max boost
QUESTION;
I would like to add a bit more HP and thinking about a cam. (should have done it while having the sc installed) but can I get another 40 rwhp by dropping down to a smaller pulley? what are the cons of doing this. Everything on the motor and transmission is stock.
THANKS, SLAMMER2

 

increased boost via smaller pulley:

pros:
-cheaper and easier
-maybe take an hour to install

cons:
-could lead to belt slip if you go too small and are on the stock 6 rib setup
-we dont know the actual boost limitation of our motors, usually 8-12 is the max you can run
-more boost will create more heat, however your using meth so you are ok here
-more boost require higher octane but again you have meth for this

blower cam

Pros:
-increased power without any additional boost, basically makes your engine a more efficient air pump, you will actually see a 2psi loss of boost and make about 50rwhp more
-the sound if you like it

cons:
-cost, a good kit with springs, pushrods, and retainers will cost around 1k in parts and another 500-1000 in labor
-involved install, about 8 hours start to finish
-the sound if you want something that sounds completely stock
-if it is a big cam you could see some drivability issues below 2k rpm

honest opinion,
i would increase boost by 2psi and make your additional 40rwhp, however contact some shops and see if you can get a good deal at blower cam + install

 

Very good explanation!!
Thank you, slammer2

 

You might want to bank some dough for drivetrain breakage in the future. Pushing 600 rwhp with a stock trans and diff will lead to failure eventually. I broke my trans mainshaft on the street with stock runflat tires and a stock LS7 clutch. It all depends on how hard you drive, but it could happen.

 

YES. I'M AWARE OF THE RISK. However I have been told by several tuners that the 600 rwhp is the limit on stock internals therefore I will stop at the 600 rwhp limit. I hope I'm not proven wrong too soon!! I figure its like when I had my jeep if you toughen up one part the weaker part next to it will break. eventually you'll have to replace everything to eliminate the week links.

 

I have been making 710rw for 8k miles @ 15psi.. I beat the **** out of my car and make many very long 4th and 5th gear pulls at least 3-4 times a week.. I even grabbed 3rd when I though it was 5th @ 165 the other day on accident and it is still living.. I have been waiting for it to grenade, but no such luck! I feel like 675rw with a good tune @ 11.2 afr is reliable.. We do have 93 pump in Texas though and my car is an ls3, not sure if theres much of a difference strength wise.

 

the heads and displacement account for about 50rwhp, but yea man your cars a beast

 

One thing not mentioned in the pros/cons for going with a smaller pulley is increased cylinder pressure....which is not good for stock pistons. If it were me, I'd rather get 50hp from the cam, as opposed to going with a smaller pulley.

 

this is the route I choose as well, though more expensive upfront ~3k it will be cheaper in the long run as the event of a catestrophic engine failure is reduced

 

It seems the easiest solution (smaller pulley) has the biggest potential down side. However the cam as stated in an earlier post is $2,500-$3,000 when it's all said and done.

 

i would call some shops and look for deals, maybe you can get lucky

 

Go with the smaller pulley. Boost is just a measurement of restriction. You are getting some bad advice here. You make torque when you have more cylinder pressure. It does not matter how you get it. I'm running 17psi on a stock ls6. I've been beating the **** out of it for a year now.

 

WOW ASK 100 PEOPLE GET 100 DIFFERENT ANSWERS!
I email A & A Corvettes this weekend see below and Andy responded this morning.

STEVE OR ANDY,
you did an install for me two years ago this october. wish I would have as
the installer more questions when he asked me if I was getting a cam. Fast
forward to today and I'm looking for that finial push to 600 rwhp I'm at 555
now. Can I install an 3.6 pully and get there I have 6 rib and the max boost
is 8.9 currently I have headers and running 100% meth with an alky control
kit.
Can I stay with the 6 rib and run 11 or 12 lbs of boost. what about belt
slip?
I'm told that with stock internals I don't want to exceed the 600 rwhp mark.
I have an auto trans as well on my 2006 c6. What additional information is
needed for you to give me good results along with watching my budget as
well. can I go to just a smaller pulley or will I need the 8 rib kit as
well. or have fi cam installed. these last 45 hp can be expensive! I
already upgraded my dongle and larger filter last month.
Thanks for taking the time to help me make a educated decision.
Tim
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I'd go with a small blower cam and a smaller pulley.
That should do it for you. 6 rib should be fine.

Thanks, Andy Green
A&A Corvette Performance
477 Lambert St
Oxnard, CA 93036

 

Its not either or...... its both!
Who would have guessed?

 

Either will work just fine as long as you get a re-tune. For reference Im running a 3.4" 6 rib w/o belt slip.

 

WHAT KINDA RWHP ARE YOU GETTING and for how long? stock motor? I already have a tuner set up after I decide. I'm leaning with starting with a 3.6 pulley size and see where that gets me.
thanks,
slammer2

 

Don't have it all the way tuned yet, but no I have a forged 383 (I have a C5). There are a lot of people running the 3.6 on stock motors though.

 

Adding the cam makes it sound awsome and adds a lot of power, The downside on the cam is the price. I have a ls2 with a cam and ecs blower and kooks headers with 3 inch zo6 fusion exaust. The other thing that would help keep your tranny alive is changing the rear end ratio to a 3.15 like i did. The lower ratio takes some stress off of the tranny. I love the acceleration it gives. You can check out the rears at rpm transitions.