Adding more fun - Not overkill

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Oct 6, 2013 | 03:02 PM

MB95

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Oct 2011

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Adding more fun - Not overkill

For an '11 Grand Sport I wanted to get some input on modifications to build a decent street machine. I'm not one who believes in taking my Vette to the strip unless I'm testing out some new stuff. Roasting the occasional 911 or Ferrari isnt out of the question however.

So far my plan was to open up the engine with Kooks 2"x3" headers into their 3" catted x, axle back with stainless works' 3" Z06 system. Then do some work to the drivetrain with a aluminium flywheel and a twin disc clutch. Maybe the LS376 hot cam. Also everywhere I go I'm told to get a tune, my knowledge here is zero. I'm not good with electronics in cars as my history is a '78 T/A, and a '97 WS6 ('78 having much more work than its relative). I'm staying away from forced inductions for the moment.

Long story short. I'm looking to make my GS maximize performance but also make it "healthier and livelier" not a +650 hp beast. Thoughts?

Oct 6, 2013 | 03:24 PM

Pitufina

Drifting

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 1,717

Likes: 28

From: O'Fallon IL

I think you are in the right track. However a 1 3/4 or 1 7/8 is a better sized header for your intended aplication. 2" headers are for high hp engines like an all out high rev'ving, stroker, forced induction and so on. A cam will give you a great boost in power BUT there are better cams than the hot cam and a custom one to your final goal would be a better one. A tune is a must for best power and driveability, specially with a cam. Stick around, read a lot and learn.

Oct 6, 2013 | 03:32 PM

timmyZ06

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 5,407

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From: montreal quebec

you know make my ZR1 MUCH more fun to drive? A sprint booster, as silly as it sound, i was shocked with the difference. I know it doesn't had any power, but i think should start with it and then goes with bolts-on. With that being said, i would get the 1 7/8 long tube if emision isn't a concern. kooks or ARH and the new PFADT got a lot of good reviews!

Oct 6, 2013 | 06:59 PM

truckplay

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 2,220

Likes: 16

From: Sugarhill Ga

2" is WAY TOO BIG unless you have TONS OF POWER. 1 3/4 is plenty unless you are doing heads and FI.

Oct 6, 2013 | 11:57 PM

Gering

Tolero Apto Victum

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 9,669

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From: Woodlands TX

OP: Just to give you a heads up, if you get a dyno tune, you GM dealer my void or deny warranty work. If you know that, then have fun. As a few posters said, the 1 3/4 headers may allow you to increase your mid range HP/TQ and not just at the top end. I have Kooks 1 7/8, but would like to try the Pfadt 1 3/4. Good Luck & Have Fun!!!

Oct 9, 2013 | 07:03 PM

CDaniel525

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 3,264

Likes: 3

From: Toms River NJ

As others said, go with a 1 3/4 or 1 7/8 headers... Look for a good used set for a better deal as I did. Also a must for ur goals would be a good cold air intake and a 160 tstat.
Im a huge fan of big cams, but if you want to leave the internals stock and still have killer acceleration to smoke a 911 or Ferrari, Id recommend 4.10 gears! Your gas mileage wont really be killed because of the 6 speed, and the performance gain will be sweet!

Oct 16, 2013 | 06:42 PM

MB95

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 10

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gering

Do you happen to know if thats true even if Im using GMs hotcam? I would think they'd have a program for the 376 crate motor, if all it involves doing is switching out a camshaft. I wont be putting a new cam in until the warranties run out, but exhaust is a definite.

Oct 16, 2013 | 09:14 PM