I couldn't help it.
Question about modding a higher mileage LS2
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Alabama
Question about modding a higher mileage LS2
Hi guys, new to the forum and did some searching to no avail.
I have a 2006 with 51,000 miles on it and I'm getting ready to do a head and cam swap. I am currently looking at a set of used TF 220 that have been ported and milled to 59cc, and I haven't made any decision on the cam yet.
My concern is the longevity of the motor after the mods. This is my daily driver so it needs to last me another 50K+ miles.
Will the motor be ok with the big increase in compression and power after already running for 7 years and 51k miles? Are there any precautions or insurance mods I should do? I guess I'm wondering what will be the weak link in the engine when it's putting down say 480whp after 51K miles of normal use.
opinions?
I have a 2006 with 51,000 miles on it and I'm getting ready to do a head and cam swap. I am currently looking at a set of used TF 220 that have been ported and milled to 59cc, and I haven't made any decision on the cam yet.
My concern is the longevity of the motor after the mods. This is my daily driver so it needs to last me another 50K+ miles.
Will the motor be ok with the big increase in compression and power after already running for 7 years and 51k miles? Are there any precautions or insurance mods I should do? I guess I'm wondering what will be the weak link in the engine when it's putting down say 480whp after 51K miles of normal use.
opinions?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles CA
just did head n cams on my 05 at ~130,000 miles, since timing chain had come off and bent all the valves/pushrods.
haven't driven it much, since i got a 2nd car to commute in, but it runs strong when i take it out on weekends.
i second the new timing chain, roller lifter and i added rocker arm trunion upgrade, basically replaced/strengthened all moving parts on top, since i figure the new valve springs and cam will put more stresses on them.
also got a powerbond harmonic balancer to replace the old stock balancer.
haven't driven it much, since i got a 2nd car to commute in, but it runs strong when i take it out on weekends.
i second the new timing chain, roller lifter and i added rocker arm trunion upgrade, basically replaced/strengthened all moving parts on top, since i figure the new valve springs and cam will put more stresses on them.
also got a powerbond harmonic balancer to replace the old stock balancer.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
From: Denton Texas
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
To answer the 2nd half of your question, I put a blower (Vortech V3) on at 34,000 miles. I am now at 87,000 miles without any hiccups. Mine is also a daily driver. So 50,000+ additional miles with the added horsepower should be a no brainer.... (not a direct comparison, but should be close enough)
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
The main thing with modification like this is making sure you valve train is up to snuff. We always recommend guys look at changing lifters, oil pump, and timing chain because these are the parts that will see the most abuse from a cam and head swap. This is assuming the valve springs and push rods will be updated as well.
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Former Vendor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,749
Likes: 4
From: Valencia Ca
In addition to heads & cam I also recommend you replace/upgrade
Timing Chain & Gear Set
LS7 Lifters
Lifter Baskets
Trunnion Kit
Oil Pump
Head Bolts
Fast 102 Intake
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Alabama
Awesome! Thanks for the responses guys! I'm planning heads with .660 springs and titanium retainers, Harland sharp rockers, new pushrods, lifters, head studs, and timing chain. I'm also going with a ported fast 102 with a port matched throttle body and velocity ring. And then of course headers and an intake.
I haven't really thought about the oil pump but I suppose it would be a smart mod to go with the others. Another maybe is an under drive pulley.
My main concern was the rods and pistons with the high compression but the consensus seems to be they are good to go at 500whp for pretty much ever. I have access to 93 so I'm not really concerned about detonation.
I haven't really thought about the oil pump but I suppose it would be a smart mod to go with the others. Another maybe is an under drive pulley.
My main concern was the rods and pistons with the high compression but the consensus seems to be they are good to go at 500whp for pretty much ever. I have access to 93 so I'm not really concerned about detonation.
Last edited by blf0005; Nov 1, 2012 at 10:19 AM.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
The only thing I would recommend staying away from in that list is the harland sharp rockers. We have had a lot of issues with those rockers, especially with valve float because they tend to be too heavy over the valve.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 3
From: Hartford CT
For show queens, 51k is a lot of miles. To people that mod, 51k is barely broken in. I've got basic mods on my 65k 05, but I wouldn't think twice about adding H/C/I and a blower. Just be smart about the mods, and how much power you are looking for.
Not an LS but I threw heads, cam and intake on my old 5.0(windsor) at 90k, and then a blower at 100k. Drove 20k with 500rwhp (a lot at the time) on the stock shortblock and sold the car. The new owner drives it to this day.
Not an LS but I threw heads, cam and intake on my old 5.0(windsor) at 90k, and then a blower at 100k. Drove 20k with 500rwhp (a lot at the time) on the stock shortblock and sold the car. The new owner drives it to this day.
