C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Fast Intake Next Mod or LS3 Upper End?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 26, 2013 | 01:46 PM
  #1  
ParisTNDude's Avatar
ParisTNDude
Thread Starter
Drifting
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 15
From: Paris TN
Default Fast Intake Next Mod or LS3 Upper End?

I've installed LG headers, hiflo cats and Xpipe as well as a Vararam CAI on my 06, LS2, 6 auto. I had Billy Boat axle backs but they were way too loud for my taste, so I'm back to stock axle backs. I would like to have a set of Corsa Touring axlebacks at some time, but I understand there's very little HP increase in that route compared to other possible mods and I don't happen to have an extra $1500 laying around for no HP gain.

My personal best has been 12.298@118 which is decent for what I've done. I was running 17" DRs as well. The MPH indicates great HP compared to some others on the fast list with similar mods.

I am thinking of the Fast intake, but don't know much about it. If I go with that bolt on, do I need a different throttlebody? If I need both, that's a pretty expensive mod. I understand the LS3 and LS2 Fast intakes are significantly different.

I've read elsewhere that an LS3 intake and upper end will make a significant HP improvement. Those intakes are relatively easy to come by used. What's all involved with that?

Some of you who have gone this route, please chime in with recommendations....thanks.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2013 | 02:37 PM
  #2  
jon6.0's Avatar
jon6.0
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,987
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix
Default

I would get a converter before getting a FAST. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-1-4-mile.html
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2013 | 03:09 PM
  #3  
C U IN REARVEIW's Avatar
C U IN REARVEIW
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 112
From: ocean springs mississippi
Default

If you change to an ls3 top end (heads,intake),you will need to get new headers....cathedral port vs. rectangular port. I would go with the fast 102,you can use your stock throttlebody and have it ported....made a huge differance on mine.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2013 | 04:03 PM
  #4  
jon6.0's Avatar
jon6.0
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,987
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix
Default

Originally Posted by C U IN REARVEIW
If you change to an ls3 top end (heads,intake),you will need to get new headers....cathedral port vs. rectangular port. I would go with the fast 102,you can use your stock throttlebody and have it ported....made a huge differance on mine.
The headers shouldn't need to be changed. LG shows the same part number for all years of C6.

Here is a pic of the slight difference in exhaust ports between LS2/3/7.

http://www.pfadtracing.com/photos/sh...php/photo/2361
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2013 | 05:49 PM
  #5  
C U IN REARVEIW's Avatar
C U IN REARVEIW
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 112
From: ocean springs mississippi
Default

I hadnt heard of any headers that would work for both types of ports.....but if thats the case,an Ls3 top end would be a cost effective mod
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2013 | 05:59 PM
  #6  
dennis50nj's Avatar
dennis50nj
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,549
Likes: 27
From: Southampton NJ
Default

the addition of a ported fast was one of the best mods i did
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2013 | 08:11 PM
  #7  
berk4422's Avatar
berk4422
Drifting
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 105
From: Southport North Carolina
Default

You have not mentioned a tune. With the Air Intake and headers, i think a tune is in order.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 04:43 PM
  #8  
irok's Avatar
irok
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 508
From: Oshawa, Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by ParisTNDude
I've installed LG headers, hiflo cats and Xpipe as well as a Vararam CAI on my 06, LS2, 6 auto. I had Billy Boat axle backs but they were way too loud for my taste, so I'm back to stock axle backs. I would like to have a set of Corsa Touring axlebacks at some time, but I understand there's very little HP increase in that route compared to other possible mods and I don't happen to have an extra $1500 laying around for no HP gain.

My personal best has been 12.298@118 which is decent for what I've done. I was running 17" DRs as well. The MPH indicates great HP compared to some others on the fast list with similar mods.

I am thinking of the Fast intake, but don't know much about it. If I go with that bolt on, do I need a different throttlebody? If I need both, that's a pretty expensive mod. I understand the LS3 and LS2 Fast intakes are significantly different.

I've read elsewhere that an LS3 intake and upper end will make a significant HP improvement. Those intakes are relatively easy to come by used. What's all involved with that?

Some of you who have gone this route, please chime in with recommendations....thanks.
you will pick up as much hp with the Fast 102 ported as you would going to the LS3 set up.a lot less work and you can use your tb. my car has run 3 tenths quicker than yours without the Fast on stock run flats. have not been to track since Fast installed but it did pick up 65 rwhp with Fast and headers.

Last edited by irok; Jan 27, 2013 at 04:52 PM.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 04:57 PM
  #9  
Leo z51's Avatar
Leo z51
Instructor
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Maynard MA
Default

The Cathedral ports are only on the intake side. The exhaust ports are all the same and would take the same headers.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 05:25 PM
  #10  
C U IN REARVEIW's Avatar
C U IN REARVEIW
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 112
From: ocean springs mississippi
Default

Originally Posted by Leo z51
The Cathedral ports are only on the intake side. The exhaust ports are all the same and would take the same headers.
thanks! i didnt know that. learning as i go along
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:29 PM
  #11  
huggerorange73's Avatar
huggerorange73
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 1,175
From: Maricopa, AZ
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Default

I'm kicking around the same thing.....I think I'm rolling with the Fast & a nice stall.

Glad to see you sold the Camaro and put yourself back in a real car!
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:58 PM
  #12  
Alvin@PCMofNC's Avatar
Alvin@PCMofNC
Supporting Vendor
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 407
Likes: 11
From: Mooresville North Carolina
Default

Since you have the car breathing well with a vararam and headers, my next move would be a torque converter (greatly cuts down e/t and gets you ready for a cam), followed by a cam, followed by heads, followed by a FAST mani if you're still feeling froggy.

Or, if the budget allows... supercharger!!
__________________

See what's in our shop on Facebook! Customer Build Blogs!
www.pcmofnc.com
Performance Installs - Dyno Tuning - Mail Order Tuning & Sales
704-307-4227
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 07:49 PM
  #13  
C U IN REARVEIW's Avatar
C U IN REARVEIW
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 112
From: ocean springs mississippi
Default

Originally Posted by Alvin@PCMofNC
Since you have the car breathing well with a vararam and headers, my next move would be a torque converter (greatly cuts down e/t and gets you ready for a cam), followed by a cam, followed by heads, followed by a FAST mani if you're still feeling froggy.

Or, if the budget allows... supercharger!!
what are the specs on a (not to lopey) blower cam....ballpark range?
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 08:08 PM
  #14  
jon6.0's Avatar
jon6.0
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,987
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix
Default

Originally Posted by C U IN REARVEIW
what are the specs on a (not to lopey) blower cam....ballpark range?
Low to mid 220's on the intake and upper 220's to low 230's on the exhaust with a 115-117lsa would work great.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 08:19 PM
  #15  
Joe_G's Avatar
Joe_G
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by Alvin@PCMofNC
Since you have the car breathing well with a vararam and headers, my next move would be a torque converter (greatly cuts down e/t and gets you ready for a cam), followed by a cam, followed by heads, followed by a FAST mani if you're still feeling froggy.

Or, if the budget allows... supercharger!!
I agree with this except I'd do the FAST on an ls2 before the heads. This is the order to mod a C6.

I have a thread showing these mods overlaid on the dyno sheet. They build upon each other.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...ast-heads.html

Last edited by Joe_G; Jan 27, 2013 at 08:46 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 08:44 PM
  #16  
C U IN REARVEIW's Avatar
C U IN REARVEIW
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 112
From: ocean springs mississippi
Default

Originally Posted by jon6.0
Low to mid 220's on the intake and upper 220's to low 230's on the exhaust with a 115-117lsa would work great.
would you need to upgrade springs,rockers,pushrods,ect to run those cams? would like to go tfs 225's eventually or port the 243's...but $$$. will go s/c eventually,just need to go in stages.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 09:14 PM
  #17  
jon6.0's Avatar
jon6.0
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,987
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix
Default

Originally Posted by C U IN REARVEIW
would you need to upgrade springs,rockers,pushrods,ect to run those cams? would like to go tfs 225's eventually or port the 243's...but $$$. will go s/c eventually,just need to go in stages.
Rockers just do the Comp trunion upgrade to your stock rockers. If you do Trick Flow heads you should have AI build them so they can put in the powdered metal guides that let you run the stock rockers. Off the shelf TFS heads require a roller rocker. I don't like roller rockers for LS stuff because they generally are heavier over the nose than a stock rocker. Less weight moving around is better.

As far as springs go, that depends on ramp rate and lift whether you can run a good single or need dual springs. You can specify wanting to run a single spring and the cam can be designed around that. Pushrods will also need to happen. The .080" wall Comp pushrods are more than adequate.

If you are going to boost the motor eventually you need to be honest with yourself on how much boost you are going to run. Less than 10-12 psi and you will be okay with stock castings and an LS9 head gasket. Over that amount and I would recommend an aftermarket casting with a thick deck for better gasket seal.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Fast Intake Next Mod or LS3 Upper End?

Old Jan 27, 2013 | 09:35 PM
  #18  
HOXXOH's Avatar
HOXXOH
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Default

Since your question was a FAST or LS3 heads, the order is the important part, assuming you'll eventurally do both.

If you do the LS3 heads first, then when you get ready for a FAST, you'll buy the one for the LS3 and have the stock LS3 manifold left over.

If you do the FAST first, then when you get ready for the heads, the choice becomes sticking with the LS2 FAST and reworking your LS2 heads, or going with LS3 heads and buying a new FAST.

The less expensive direction is the LS3 heads first. The downtime is also shorter, moreso if you decide to port the LS3 heads.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2013 | 09:03 AM
  #19  
ParisTNDude's Avatar
ParisTNDude
Thread Starter
Drifting
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 15
From: Paris TN
Default

Originally Posted by berk4422
You have not mentioned a tune. With the Air Intake and headers, i think a tune is in order.
Forgot to mention: I have an email tune that worked well since it takes off some of the nannys and eliminates the oxygen sensor light. I intend to do a true dyno tune at DynoSpeed in Memphis once I finish this next mod. Last time I did this, same email tuner and same dyno tuner, I picked up 18 hp and 18 fpt with no other changes.

Originally Posted by irok
you will pick up as much hp with the Fast 102 ported as you would going to the LS3 set up.a lot less work and you can use your tb. my car has run 3 tenths quicker than yours without the Fast on stock run flats. have not been to track since Fast installed but it did pick up 65 rwhp with Fast and headers.
Gees, that's really impressive! From the majority of answers, it looks like the Fast is cheaper, easier and equal to other mods in power increase.

Originally Posted by huggerorange73
I'm kicking around the same thing.....I think I'm rolling with the Fast & a nice stall.

Glad to see you sold the Camaro and put yourself back in a real car!
If you watch my ParisTNDude videos, the Camaro was a heck of a performer with a few mods, but you're right...when I drove off the lot with the Vette, I knew I made the right choice. Strange though, the Camaro5 crowd are not that fond of the Fast intake and the dyno numbers seem to show it a low priority mod. Thanks for the comment.

Originally Posted by Joe_G
I agree with this except I'd do the FAST on an ls2 before the heads. This is the order to mod a C6.

I have a thread showing these mods overlaid on the dyno sheet. They build upon each other.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...ast-heads.html
Great advice and a good post on your mods. Thanks.

Originally Posted by HOXXOH
Since your question was a FAST or LS3 heads, the order is the important part, assuming you'll eventurally do both.

If you do the LS3 heads first, then when you get ready for a FAST, you'll buy the one for the LS3 and have the stock LS3 manifold left over.

If you do the FAST first, then when you get ready for the heads, the choice becomes sticking with the LS2 FAST and reworking your LS2 heads, or going with LS3 heads and buying a new FAST.

The less expensive direction is the LS3 heads first. The downtime is also shorter, moreso if you decide to port the LS3 heads.
See...that's why this forum is so important! I would have probably made a huge mistake on my own. Thanks.

All of the comments are super helpful, thanks...now find me a reasonably priced used Fast LSXR!

Last edited by ParisTNDude; Jan 28, 2013 at 09:15 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2013 | 10:17 AM
  #20  
06CSIX's Avatar
06CSIX
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: dayton ohio
Default

Fast 102 on ls2 20-25rwhp on a ls3 5-10rwhp and the intakes are the same price so on a new camaro they wouldn't be as popular. I used to have a iom 2010 ss what camaro did you have?
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:25 PM.

story-0
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-5
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE