Missing anything?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '14
Missing anything?
Here's the work I have lined up on my vette, I just wanted to see if you guys had any suggestions (within the scope of the modifications, and reason, of course!) for anything I might not have thought of that should/could be added on. The idea is to have a kickass daily driver, basically. Right now, she's scheduled to put down 670HP and 565lbs-ft torque to the wheels:
I've been looking at maybe installing hood louvres but I'm also wanting to keep the exterior relatively stock looking in terms of identifying any potential performance upgrades (rims and lights are common changes for all cars, even crappy ones haha). I intend to maintain 50 state legality, and in discussing some options with the guys over at Lingenfelter that are doing the install and what not, the general feeling for both of us was that headers are absolutely not necessary (and so they won't be considered).
Basically what I'm looking for are any cool of useful mod ideas that aren't outrageously expensive (bear in mind I'm already nearing $30k deep here haha). Interior mod ideas are cool too- I've already got some custom license plates made that read "1.21JW" and a prop-quality flux capacitor I'm going to hang in between the seats for good measure haha
- Edelbrock E-Force TVS2300
- Ported LS3 cylinder heads
- Competition Cams dual valve springs, titanium retainers, 10 degree locks
- GT9 camshaft by Competition Cams
- Larger fuel-injectors
- Kenne Bell Boost-a-pump fuel pump voltage booster
- 160 thermostat
- Dewitt Custom radiator/oil cooler
- ATI Throttle Body Harmonic Dampener
- Corsa Exhaust Crossover Pipe
- Corsa Sport Pro Catback Exhaust
- Ride Tech HQ Coil Over Suspension (track tuned)
- LG G1 Swaybars (track tuned)
- Corvette 427 Centennial Special Edition Rims
- MGW Short Shifter
- Black Onyx Tail Lights
- Corvette Hatch Vent
- Grand Sport Engraved Ball Shift ****
I've been looking at maybe installing hood louvres but I'm also wanting to keep the exterior relatively stock looking in terms of identifying any potential performance upgrades (rims and lights are common changes for all cars, even crappy ones haha). I intend to maintain 50 state legality, and in discussing some options with the guys over at Lingenfelter that are doing the install and what not, the general feeling for both of us was that headers are absolutely not necessary (and so they won't be considered).
Basically what I'm looking for are any cool of useful mod ideas that aren't outrageously expensive (bear in mind I'm already nearing $30k deep here haha). Interior mod ideas are cool too- I've already got some custom license plates made that read "1.21JW" and a prop-quality flux capacitor I'm going to hang in between the seats for good measure haha
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I would wait until fall and order a Z06, same power and performance along with a factory warranty.
Make sure you budget an extra 10% for stuff you don't know about, but your list is pretty complete.
Make sure you budget an extra 10% for stuff you don't know about, but your list is pretty complete.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '14
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '14
You know I considered a steering wheel. Do they have any that retain the airbag? I'd love a more performance oriented wheel but I'd also like to keep the airbag.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '14
1.) No significant performance gain. Long and short of it. I had a discussion at length with the guys at Lingenfelter about why. Primarily it has to do with efficiency trade-offs between the super and the exhaust. In essence, the effect of adding headers produces an increase in exhaust efficiency that translates roughly equally to a loss in efficiency on the supercharger. Also, increasing the diameter of the tubes gives up low RPM performance for gains in high RPM performance- which is not beneficial for me, since I spend most of my time in the lower RPM band (below 6500). Ultimately the best performance decision for me is to maintain the stock headers for the GS while increasing exhaust efficiency via the X-pipe and Corsa cats.
2.) Headers make the car illegal in some states (looking at you, California), and I'm trying to maintain its street-legality in all 50 states.
Awesome, I'll definitely check them out then and see what they have on offer. It looks like their site is down for the time being (being upgraded, apparently). So it'll have to wait!
2.) Headers make the car illegal in some states (looking at you, California), and I'm trying to maintain its street-legality in all 50 states.
Awesome, I'll definitely check them out then and see what they have on offer. It looks like their site is down for the time being (being upgraded, apparently). So it'll have to wait!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 83
From: Arkansas
BTW! The legality issue makes more sense, however, you could benefit from a set of ZO6 manifolds (at a minimum)...............
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
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From: Fort Worth TX
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 88
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I would suggest some tires...or an AWD kit. Otherwise, what's that power for?
I only have about 450 rwhp in my 1LT (11.5@124), and I don't see how I could even use any more HP on the street until past 100 (where I usually start thinking about my kids and let out). It's nasty and is on the brink of losing traction.
I only have about 450 rwhp in my 1LT (11.5@124), and I don't see how I could even use any more HP on the street until past 100 (where I usually start thinking about my kids and let out). It's nasty and is on the brink of losing traction.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '14
I would suggest some tires...or an AWD kit. Otherwise, what's that power for?
I only have about 450 rwhp in my 1LT (11.5@124), and I don't see how I could even use any more HP on the street until past 100 (where I usually start thinking about my kids and let out). It's nasty and is on the brink of losing traction.
I only have about 450 rwhp in my 1LT (11.5@124), and I don't see how I could even use any more HP on the street until past 100 (where I usually start thinking about my kids and let out). It's nasty and is on the brink of losing traction.
The tires are on the docket for when I burn out my current set (which should be soon after I get it back, since I'll be taking it to the track to tune the shocks and sway bar haha). I'm going to be rolling on Pilot Super Sports for everyday driving. May pick up a set of Sport Cups for track days..
Why the power? Why not? Because I want to, that's why
I don't have kids to consider, and even if I did I probably wouldn't slow down. But mind you, I don't drive aggressively on the street (no need.. I know I'll win haha, and it's dangerous). It's for fun, and it's my dream car, so I'll be putting lots of power into it and enjoying every single horse. If you're content with 450 great! You don't have to mod it! 
I want more.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
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I assume you've had a car that powerful before. A good chunk of those horses will only help you go sideways and smoke the tires. I don't get the fun with that (part throttle until top of third gear); feels like the car is handicapped. But it's different strokes for different folks.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '14
I assume you've had a car that powerful before. A good chunk of those horses will only help you go sideways and smoke the tires. I don't get the fun with that (part throttle until top of third gear); feels like the car is handicapped. But it's different strokes for different folks.
. As far as you mean in racing- certainly not. A properly tuned suspension setup along with the proper tires means you'll be getting the grip you want/need, and maintaining it through the turns (which you wouldn't be petal to the metal on anyways). With the tires warmed up, you can essentially drive ***** to the walls on the straightaways without concern for tire slippage, with the likely exception of some chirping on gear change which is hardly "smoking the tires". In any event, no one holds a petal to the metal to start- but you'll want some spin with the vette's wider tires anyways, a little spin then a bite into traction results in faster times than a cold launch without spin.Yes, you can and will do both those things if you drive improperly though.
Last edited by DillingerRadio; Feb 12, 2014 at 04:56 PM.