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Horsepower??????

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Old May 27, 2011 | 10:35 PM
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Default Horsepower??????

whats the best way to get to the 500 hp mark with bolt on upgrades? is it possible?
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Old May 27, 2011 | 10:44 PM
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Which motor?

LS3, is easier with headers, big cam, and probably need some porting work and UD pulley.

For the LS2 it is going to take more work. Getting power from other places.

Cam is not considered bolt on but you will not get to 500rwhp without the cam.
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Old May 27, 2011 | 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Boomer111
Which motor?

LS3, is easier with headers, big cam, and probably need some porting work and UD pulley.

For the LS2 it is going to take more work. Getting power from other places.

Cam is not considered bolt on but you will not get to 500rwhp without the cam.
ok. LS2 2007 Z51. currently has borla stinger ex. what kinda hp gain can i expect from vararam intake, dyno tune, headers and my borlas? will my ex sound much diff w the headers? it sounds amazing now

Last edited by Clint McFarland; May 27, 2011 at 10:56 PM.
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Old May 28, 2011 | 12:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Clint McFarland
ok. LS2 2007 Z51. currently has borla stinger ex. what kinda hp gain can i expect from vararam intake, dyno tune, headers and my borlas? will my ex sound much diff w the headers? it sounds amazing now
Manual or automatic?
If it's a manual you could possibly see over 400rwhp (probably closer to 390) and yes, the headers will change the overall sound of your current exhaust somewhat but it will be in a good way, especially if you use high flow cats.
You will need an aggressive heads & cam package along with all of the supporting goodies (FAST intake manifold, underdrive pulley etc.) to get to the 500rwhp mark and even that won't be easy (and only possibly with a manual).
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Old May 28, 2011 | 01:02 AM
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The LS2/3 M6 cars utilizing most of the available bolt-ons, report increasing their rwhp to about the same level as their factory flywheel HP. Automatics and less mods produce less HP.
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Old May 28, 2011 | 09:49 AM
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I picked up 47 rwhp in a LS3 with basic bolts on, Vararam headers catted, Corsa Sports 160 degree stat., plug change and tune. This still left me 77 rwhp short of your 500 mark. Big cam and some head work would get it their.

I'd just go with the FI and low boost you will save some $$. And the power is there when you want it stock otherwise.
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Old May 28, 2011 | 10:11 AM
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You didn't state if you mean at the wheels or as typically rated at the factory (flywheel).

If you're looking for Z06 peak 500 hp, then heads, mild cam, headers cold air intake and FAST will get you there.
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Old May 28, 2011 | 12:24 PM
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depends on what you want out of your car.....if you go with a huge cam and port work ect...the driveablilty will go down(not that it's not possible), but not like a bolt on vehicle...

Superchager is a lot of money, but you can make whatever number you want. Prolly the best option really.

I myself am going to do full bolt ons and a 100 shot...should give me 500+rwhp and 550+rwtq...and it's much cheaper than a superchager. But you don't get the power all the time(which I personally don't need).
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Old May 28, 2011 | 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Boomer111
I picked up 47 rwhp in a LS3 with basic bolts on, Vararam headers catted, Corsa Sports 160 degree stat., plug change and tune. This still left me 77 rwhp short of your 500 mark. Big cam and some head work would get it their.

I'd just go with the FI and low boost you will save some $$. And the power is there when you want it stock otherwise.
Sorry for my ignorance but what is FI and low boost? Is that nitrous? How much does nitrous typically costs installed? Im sure there are many options.
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Old May 28, 2011 | 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Clint McFarland
Sorry for my ignorance but what is FI and low boost? Is that nitrous?
No, not nitrous, though some may call it FI as well.
FI stands for Forced Induction, generally referring to superchargers or turbochargers. When someone mentions power adders they could be referring to any one of the three (supercharging, turbochrging or nitrous).
NA means Naturally Aspirated or none of the above, also called all motor.
Boost is the amount of pressure/air the system (supercharger or turbo) can push, more air generally means more power.





Originally Posted by Clint McFarland
How much does nitrous typically costs installed? Im sure there are many options.
Anywhere from $800.00 on up to $5000.00+. Yes there are many options.
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Old May 28, 2011 | 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by LS1LT1
No, not nitrous, though some may call it FI as well.
FI stands for Forced Induction, generally referring to superchargers or turbochargers. When someone mentions power adders they could be referring to any one of the three (supercharging, turbochrging or nitrous).
NA means Naturally Aspirated or none of the above, also called all motor.
Boost is the amount of pressure/air the system (supercharger or turbo) can push, more air generally means more power.




Anywhere from $800.00 on up to $5000.00+. Yes there are many options.
Thanks for breaking the lingo down. So many options. Still undecided as to how to start my upgrades. Gonna do a little more homework b4 i start droppin dollars. So is nitrous a good way to start? Will it be worth the $? Will it be good to my engine or will i be rebuilding every year
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Old May 28, 2011 | 10:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Clint McFarland
Thanks for breaking the lingo down. So many options. Still undecided as to how to start my upgrades. Gonna do a little more homework b4 i start droppin dollars. So is nitrous a good way to start? Will it be worth the $? Will it be good to my engine or will i be rebuilding every year
More homework is good. Do a lot and ask questions too. Many people will try to help, but sometimes you'll have to sort out the accurate facts from the opinions. Use the search function and read to get more answers.

Don't attempt nitrous until you really understand it. It's kinda like the difference between wiping out a forest with a normal forest fire or with a nuclear explosion.
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Old May 28, 2011 | 10:13 PM
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Originally Posted by HOXXOH
More homework is good. Do a lot and ask questions too. Many people will try to help, but sometimes you'll have to sort out the accurate facts from the opinions. Use the search function and read to get more answers.

Don't attempt nitrous until you really understand it. It's kinda like the difference between wiping out a forest with a normal forest fire or with a nuclear explosion.
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Old May 28, 2011 | 10:26 PM
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Advice taken. Thanks. Probably gonna start with dyno tune, intake and short throw.
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Old May 29, 2011 | 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Clint McFarland
Advice taken. Thanks. Probably gonna start with dyno tune, intake and short throw.
Dyno tune and a cold air intake will wake your car up quite a bit. Some tuners will also give a discount (or free) for the re-tunes as you add mods...particularly if you have them installed at their shop, so shop around and ask before you commit. I gauge a good shop by the way they handle any problems that come up. If you provide your location we can likely recommend a shop based on our experience.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 11:17 PM
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Sounds like you're on that slippery slope that inevitably leads to modifications that will make you grin like a jackass eatin' briars....but that's all good. Nitrous will get you there at a minimum of dollars spent. Make sure you have a good guide on your journey
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Old May 30, 2011 | 11:30 PM
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It took Headers,exhaust,vararam ram air,fast 102 intake,trick flow 225 heads,big cam,and tune for me to get 513 rwhp on my 07 C6 Manual 6 speed.your gonna need more then bolt ons..
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