Looking to max out my ECS 1500, but also want the best dollar:horsepower ratio
10-27-2017, 01:39 AM
#1
Looking to max out my ECS 1500, but also want the best dollar:horsepower ratio
Hey all,
2008 C6 Base A6 LS3. If I had it to do over I'd probably have modded an M6, but hey.
My current setup:
ECS 1500 + all the minimum accessories to run it
Alky meth kit
Pump gas tune
LT headers and BB exhaust
I believe the ECS 1500 can handle 800 - 850rwhp before experiencing problems and I am currently hanging around 585rwhp/567lbft. I want to max out the ECS 1500 in a way where the car can still be a reliable daily, and I also dont want to spend money on things that wont offer a whole lot of utility. I'm just not sure what the best dollar:horsepower ratio is at this point.
Current ideas:
I have a feeling the best value would be removing the restrictor plate, adding a cam, and being able to switch between a pump gas tune and a MS109 tune. I've also heard great things about Torco but I've gotta be honest I have no idea why it makes more power if the car is not tuned for it.
2008 C6 Base A6 LS3. If I had it to do over I'd probably have modded an M6, but hey.
My current setup:
ECS 1500 + all the minimum accessories to run it
Alky meth kit
Pump gas tune
LT headers and BB exhaust
I believe the ECS 1500 can handle 800 - 850rwhp before experiencing problems and I am currently hanging around 585rwhp/567lbft. I want to max out the ECS 1500 in a way where the car can still be a reliable daily, and I also dont want to spend money on things that wont offer a whole lot of utility. I'm just not sure what the best dollar:horsepower ratio is at this point.
Current ideas:
- No doubt a camshaft is the next best mod, which would bring me up to ~630rwhp
- I can remove the restrictor plate and change the tune, but I'm not sure if this is safe on the stock block and trans.
- I also considered getting a second tune for MS109 which I could swap to when desired, but I'm not sure how practical this is.
- As cool as a stroker is, I just dont think it makes sense when considering the cost
I have a feeling the best value would be removing the restrictor plate, adding a cam, and being able to switch between a pump gas tune and a MS109 tune. I've also heard great things about Torco but I've gotta be honest I have no idea why it makes more power if the car is not tuned for it.
Last edited by invadermoose; 10-27-2017 at 01:45 AM.
10-27-2017, 03:02 PM
#2
Drifting
Why not go flex fuel so you can switch between e85 and pump whenever you want? Upgraded fuel system, whether race fuel or e85, cam, and maxing out the blower should get you close to your goal.
10-27-2017, 03:33 PM
#3
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You already have the Alky so you just need the fuel system from ECS and a new tune without the plate. Alky, headers, and fuel was all it took to get me over 700hp on a manual LS2 with the ECS 1500.
10-27-2017, 04:16 PM
#4
I'd just upgrade the fuel system and remove the restrictor. maybe need valve springs with the higher boost depending on how old your motor is.
i don't know about your transmission but lots of guys making 650-700whp with just blower kits, methanol and headers and fuel systems
i don't know about your transmission but lots of guys making 650-700whp with just blower kits, methanol and headers and fuel systems
10-27-2017, 05:37 PM
#6
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As already said, add our stg 1 fuel system and remove the restrictor plate and you will be right around 700 RWHP. That combo gets most cars in the high 9's/140 in the quarter mile.
From there we would add our Big blower cam, direct drive system, and an 8 rib drive. That will get you around 850 RWHP.
Feel free to contact us anytime.
From there we would add our Big blower cam, direct drive system, and an 8 rib drive. That will get you around 850 RWHP.
Feel free to contact us anytime.
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10-27-2017, 05:42 PM
#7
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BTW, the 700 RWHP package is what we call "our happiest customer package".
For four mods, (SC-STG1 fuel-Headers & meth) you have a 9 second capable vehicle that can also walk away from 1000CC sport bikes. Well I guess 5 mods because you'll need a tire on there too.
IMHO that is such an awesome dollar per HP ratio and the cars stay together miraculously. I never would have thought that was possible 20 years ago.
For four mods, (SC-STG1 fuel-Headers & meth) you have a 9 second capable vehicle that can also walk away from 1000CC sport bikes. Well I guess 5 mods because you'll need a tire on there too.
IMHO that is such an awesome dollar per HP ratio and the cars stay together miraculously. I never would have thought that was possible 20 years ago.
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10-27-2017, 05:46 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
I have the same car/setup as you just with NPP instead of the Axle back B&B's.
I had a couple dyno runs on mine w/o the plate. I think it made 660rwhp at 15psi. I am sitting at a little over 600 at 12psi.
Fuel system and the plate gone should be a lot of fun. I have trouble even using half of this HP
I had a couple dyno runs on mine w/o the plate. I think it made 660rwhp at 15psi. I am sitting at a little over 600 at 12psi.
Fuel system and the plate gone should be a lot of fun. I have trouble even using half of this HP
10-27-2017, 06:29 PM
#10
BTW, the 700 RWHP package is what we call "our happiest customer package".
For four mods, (SC-STG1 fuel-Headers & meth) you have a 9 second capable vehicle that can also walk away from 1000CC sport bikes. Well I guess 5 mods because you'll need a tire on there too.
IMHO that is such an awesome dollar per HP ratio and the cars stay together miraculously. I never would have thought that was possible 20 years ago.
For four mods, (SC-STG1 fuel-Headers & meth) you have a 9 second capable vehicle that can also walk away from 1000CC sport bikes. Well I guess 5 mods because you'll need a tire on there too.
IMHO that is such an awesome dollar per HP ratio and the cars stay together miraculously. I never would have thought that was possible 20 years ago.
Hey, Doug! I was looking forward to your reply.
I have heard from searching other posts on the forum that most people think 700rwhp is the most fun level because past that traction becomes a pretty serious issue. This is something I'll probably look a bit more into.
For the big blower cam, since I have an A6 I would also need a torque converter, correct? I believe the Yank 3400 would be ideal. Shame because the torque converter takes the job from ~$450 in parts to over $1,000 in parts. Not too big of a problem, though. Even though a cam would take me past 700rwhp I would really like one just because I miss my cammed camaro so much.
I checked out a few of the parts on the ECS website and it looks like you might be getting an order from me in the coming months. Now the only problem is finding someone local to do the tuning once I install everything. Sadly it seems FSP closed down, so Sarasota-Bradenton Florida is currently devoid of any tuners.
Last edited by invadermoose; 10-27-2017 at 06:30 PM.
10-28-2017, 02:33 PM
#12
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St. Jude Donor '15
FSP went bankrupt, not sure on the details of why, I've heard a few different stories. Mostly saying they tried to get into some new things and it ended up not going too well.
To OP--If E85 is available in your area I'd do basically what Doug already said, plus flex fuel sensor and instead of stage 1 do stage 1 E85 (bigger pump) fuel system. Will need to make sure injectors are large enough too, I'd do ID1300's personally.
That's more or less what I've ultimately ended up with, though the cam is less aggressive than their big blower cam and I built the fuel system, but you get the idea. Haven't had it on a dyno though so no numbers.
To OP--If E85 is available in your area I'd do basically what Doug already said, plus flex fuel sensor and instead of stage 1 do stage 1 E85 (bigger pump) fuel system. Will need to make sure injectors are large enough too, I'd do ID1300's personally.
That's more or less what I've ultimately ended up with, though the cam is less aggressive than their big blower cam and I built the fuel system, but you get the idea. Haven't had it on a dyno though so no numbers.
10-30-2017, 08:46 AM
#13
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Hey, Doug! I was looking forward to your reply.
I have heard from searching other posts on the forum that most people think 700rwhp is the most fun level because past that traction becomes a pretty serious issue. This is something I'll probably look a bit more into.
For the big blower cam, since I have an A6 I would also need a torque converter, correct? I believe the Yank 3400 would be ideal. Shame because the torque converter takes the job from ~$450 in parts to over $1,000 in parts. Not too big of a problem, though. Even though a cam would take me past 700rwhp I would really like one just because I miss my cammed camaro so much.
I checked out a few of the parts on the ECS website and it looks like you might be getting an order from me in the coming months. Now the only problem is finding someone local to do the tuning once I install everything. Sadly it seems FSP closed down, so Sarasota-Bradenton Florida is currently devoid of any tuners.
I have heard from searching other posts on the forum that most people think 700rwhp is the most fun level because past that traction becomes a pretty serious issue. This is something I'll probably look a bit more into.
For the big blower cam, since I have an A6 I would also need a torque converter, correct? I believe the Yank 3400 would be ideal. Shame because the torque converter takes the job from ~$450 in parts to over $1,000 in parts. Not too big of a problem, though. Even though a cam would take me past 700rwhp I would really like one just because I miss my cammed camaro so much.
I checked out a few of the parts on the ECS website and it looks like you might be getting an order from me in the coming months. Now the only problem is finding someone local to do the tuning once I install everything. Sadly it seems FSP closed down, so Sarasota-Bradenton Florida is currently devoid of any tuners.
Thank you!
Yes a converter would be necessary with a cam. For a 3400 I would consider doing an additional trans cooler too. You would have at least a mid 9 second car though.
