C6 Performance upgrades
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1
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C6 Performance upgrades
I am new to the forum. Trying to get a quick answer. I just bought a 2007 Corvette. I have a friend pushing 800 HP at the flywheel. ( What a blast to drive ). I am wanting to get close to that. First thoughts is Edelbrock Supercharger ( not sure which one ), Cam. Long tube headers, Cold air intake,Exhaust?? thinking about a stock NPP from an 09 or up. I like the ability to drive it quite without all the rumble. I would add the mild to wild system to that.
Questions??
1) Am I thinking in the right direction?
2) What about the NPP exhaust? Was going to delete the O2 sensors and catalytic converters.
3) Cam size? and should I upgrade the valve springs and push rods?
4) Finally... What am I missing or not thinking about?
Thanks
Questions??
1) Am I thinking in the right direction?
2) What about the NPP exhaust? Was going to delete the O2 sensors and catalytic converters.
3) Cam size? and should I upgrade the valve springs and push rods?
4) Finally... What am I missing or not thinking about?
Thanks
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Chattanooga TN
I am new to the forum. Trying to get a quick answer. I just bought a 2007 Corvette. I have a friend pushing 800 HP at the flywheel. ( What a blast to drive ). I am wanting to get close to that. First thoughts is Edelbrock Supercharger ( not sure which one ), Cam. Long tube headers, Cold air intake,Exhaust?? thinking about a stock NPP from an 09 or up. I like the ability to drive it quite without all the rumble. I would add the mild to wild system to that.
Questions??
1) Am I thinking in the right direction?
2) What about the NPP exhaust? Was going to delete the O2 sensors and catalytic converters.
3) Cam size? and should I upgrade the valve springs and push rods?
4) Finally... What am I missing or not thinking about?
Thanks
Questions??
1) Am I thinking in the right direction?
2) What about the NPP exhaust? Was going to delete the O2 sensors and catalytic converters.
3) Cam size? and should I upgrade the valve springs and push rods?
4) Finally... What am I missing or not thinking about?
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,402
From: Bethesda MD
Items you're not thinking about (or at least didn't list), but might want to consider::
Talking to ECS or A&A about their kits rather than an Edelbrock.
Identifying someone who can tune, if you're not skilled in that.
Meth injection for safety
Porting or replacing the crappy LS2 intake
upgrading engine water and oil cooling
Transmission life for an A6 / clutch for M6
Wheels & Tires to put the power to the ground.
A lot more information on good S/C set-ups can be found by reading posts in the C6 forced induction forum and asking questions in there. I don't have FI, so this is where I wish you welcome and good luck with your build.
Talking to ECS or A&A about their kits rather than an Edelbrock.
Identifying someone who can tune, if you're not skilled in that.
Meth injection for safety
Porting or replacing the crappy LS2 intake
upgrading engine water and oil cooling
Transmission life for an A6 / clutch for M6
Wheels & Tires to put the power to the ground.
A lot more information on good S/C set-ups can be found by reading posts in the C6 forced induction forum and asking questions in there. I don't have FI, so this is where I wish you welcome and good luck with your build.
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 29
From: Salt Lake City Utah
Hey,
shoot me a pm! I can help you out with the numbers you want to achieve.
Best regards,
Antonio
Click HERE to send me a PM Sales@jdpmotorsports.com www.jdpmotorsports.com 801-545-4215
shoot me a pm! I can help you out with the numbers you want to achieve.
Best regards,
Antonio
Click HERE to send me a PM Sales@jdpmotorsports.com www.jdpmotorsports.com 801-545-4215
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Best upgrade would be to sell the '07 and buy a '09 or newer. LS3 engine w/updated casting and TB. Better steering and trans too. Add a centri blower with intercooler, headers, NPP, a 3200 or 3600 Yank converter. No cam or head work required. Easy 10 second car and reliable.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 660
Likes: 63
From: Fresno CA
You're headed in the right direction. I'm on a similar route.
IMO, to get near 800 on stock bottom end you'll need at least:
-LTH xpipe and a lot of ppl use the NPP. Recommend ceramic coating to keep engine temps down
-cam (do your research. There's lots to learn about choosing a cam) as well as hardened pushrods, stiffer springs, etc.
-while you're swapping the cam you might as well ditch the OEM harmonic balancer as it is prone to failure. Get Powerbond or ATI and a crank pin kit. Need specialty tools for HB swap
-get a centri blower, prob an 8rib setup (brand: ECS, A&A, Procharger are good) with intercooler and a kit will come with CAI. Also boost gauge, fuel press and AFR gauges
-bigger injectors to supply more fuel, prob in the 850-1050cc range (brands: ID are top rated, FIC are debated about - do some reading and decide for yourself)
-BAP (boost-a-pump) or bigger fuel pump (big job to drop the gas tank and replace the stock fuel pump), or add external fuel pump like ECS kit I believe has
-better cooling bc superchargers run hot. Upgrade fan connector, 160* t-stat, maybe bigger radiator (dewitts or mishimoto) & better fans
-meth system for safety (alky control is a good brand)
-a good tuner
-more rubber, and if you're putting on wider tires like z06 or zr1 (325s, 335s, 345s etc) then you'll need wider rims too, which means you'll potentially need widebody rear fenders to accommodate - OR get some taller street or drag radials that are not as wide and keep the rear-end stock
-buy a fire extinguisher or two and mount them. Safety never hurts.
-800rwhp is getting right on the cusp of where you might be needing clutch, tranny upgrades too. Some would disagree.
-getting an '08+ would help your cause as the ls3 will set you 30hp ahead from the getgo and its stronger and more refined
Start doing some reading. This forum is a wealth of knowledge. All of that info took me months of reading to learn - you're welcome for the head start
Congrats on the purchase and have fun! 
IMO, to get near 800 on stock bottom end you'll need at least:
-LTH xpipe and a lot of ppl use the NPP. Recommend ceramic coating to keep engine temps down
-cam (do your research. There's lots to learn about choosing a cam) as well as hardened pushrods, stiffer springs, etc.
-while you're swapping the cam you might as well ditch the OEM harmonic balancer as it is prone to failure. Get Powerbond or ATI and a crank pin kit. Need specialty tools for HB swap
-get a centri blower, prob an 8rib setup (brand: ECS, A&A, Procharger are good) with intercooler and a kit will come with CAI. Also boost gauge, fuel press and AFR gauges
-bigger injectors to supply more fuel, prob in the 850-1050cc range (brands: ID are top rated, FIC are debated about - do some reading and decide for yourself)
-BAP (boost-a-pump) or bigger fuel pump (big job to drop the gas tank and replace the stock fuel pump), or add external fuel pump like ECS kit I believe has
-better cooling bc superchargers run hot. Upgrade fan connector, 160* t-stat, maybe bigger radiator (dewitts or mishimoto) & better fans
-meth system for safety (alky control is a good brand)
-a good tuner
-more rubber, and if you're putting on wider tires like z06 or zr1 (325s, 335s, 345s etc) then you'll need wider rims too, which means you'll potentially need widebody rear fenders to accommodate - OR get some taller street or drag radials that are not as wide and keep the rear-end stock
-buy a fire extinguisher or two and mount them. Safety never hurts.
-800rwhp is getting right on the cusp of where you might be needing clutch, tranny upgrades too. Some would disagree.
-getting an '08+ would help your cause as the ls3 will set you 30hp ahead from the getgo and its stronger and more refined
Start doing some reading. This forum is a wealth of knowledge. All of that info took me months of reading to learn - you're welcome for the head start
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,820
Likes: 408
From: Montreal
St. Jude Donor '13
Really guys !!
Op has an 07 and wants to add power. Why change it for an 09. Might as well just tell him to buy a new ZR1 and have the power he wants.
Nothing wrong with starting with an 07 to do what he's after.
Op has an 07 and wants to add power. Why change it for an 09. Might as well just tell him to buy a new ZR1 and have the power he wants.
Nothing wrong with starting with an 07 to do what he's after.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
'07 to a '09 is not much difference in price for the car, but a big difference in areas that accept additional power. Just the bare block alone is stronger and breathes better than even the '08 block. If you want big power, start with a good block. I'm not saying you can't make some good power with a LS2, but it's just easier, cheaper, and more reliable with a LS3.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,820
Likes: 408
From: Montreal
St. Jude Donor '13
Originally Posted by HOXXOH
'07 to a '09 is not much difference in price for the car, but a big difference in areas that accept additional power. Just the bare block alone is stronger and breathes better than even the '08 block. If you want big power, start with a good block. I'm not saying you can't make some good power with a LS2, but it's just easier, cheaper, and more reliable with a LS3.
I'm just saying if one is shopping for a car than that decision can be made. If you already have the car that you know is good, then selling it to buy another just isn't worth doing.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 873
From: Bay Area CA
Best upgrade would be to sell the '07 and buy a '09 or newer. LS3 engine w/updated casting and TB. Better steering and trans too. Add a centri blower with intercooler, headers, NPP, a 3200 or 3600 Yank converter. No cam or head work required. Easy 10 second car and reliable.
In 2008 the new steering box was introduced along with Tremec 6 sp. and paddle shift for autos. What other changes in steering and trans were made in 2009?
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Aug 3, 2018 at 06:55 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,065
Likes: 4,148
From: Bergen county NJ
Scrap the mods you mentioned and just add a supercharger.
buy preowned supercharger if you want to save a few dollars.
leave the cats in place. Pulling them does nothing but make the car louder.
thats not something I’d bother with. The rear o2 sensors help fine tune the combustion. Leave them as well.
jmo
buy preowned supercharger if you want to save a few dollars.
leave the cats in place. Pulling them does nothing but make the car louder.
thats not something I’d bother with. The rear o2 sensors help fine tune the combustion. Leave them as well.
jmo
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Besides throttle body change that netting 0 hp, what is the difference between 2008 LS3 block and 2009 LS3 block?
In 2008 the new steering box was introduced along with Tremec 6 sp. and paddle shift for autos. What other changes in steering and trans were made in 2009?
In 2008 the new steering box was introduced along with Tremec 6 sp. and paddle shift for autos. What other changes in steering and trans were made in 2009?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 779
Scrap the mods you mentioned and just add a supercharger.
buy preowned supercharger if you want to save a few dollars.
leave the cats in place. Pulling them does nothing but make the car louder.
thats not something I’d bother with. The rear o2 sensors help fine tune the combustion. Leave them as well.
jmo
buy preowned supercharger if you want to save a few dollars.
leave the cats in place. Pulling them does nothing but make the car louder.
thats not something I’d bother with. The rear o2 sensors help fine tune the combustion. Leave them as well.
jmo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 779
There’s some decent suggestions listed above, but if you want 800rwhp(fly wheel HP is for children) on the car you own it’s gonna be a good bit of money. Now if you can do your own wrenching and tuning you’ll save a faily large chunk, if not and you want to build a relatively safe/solid 800rwhp easy 10k+ and that’s a very conservatively low number. Now will it be worth it.....I say yes.....boost is addictive! Good luck bro!
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Scrap the mods you mentioned and just add a supercharger.
buy preowned supercharger if you want to save a few dollars.
leave the cats in place. Pulling them does nothing but make the car louder.
thats not something I’d bother with. The rear o2 sensors help fine tune the combustion. Leave them as well.
jmo
buy preowned supercharger if you want to save a few dollars.
leave the cats in place. Pulling them does nothing but make the car louder.
thats not something I’d bother with. The rear o2 sensors help fine tune the combustion. Leave them as well.
jmo
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 873
From: Bay Area CA
The '09 block was revised to change the windows to allow better airflow in the crank area and stiffen it for the stresses of the LS9. The water pump changed also, due to the needed space for the LS9 blower drive. The TB (gold blade) rotated the opposite direction, which improved the airflow direction at part throttle. The '09 steering box got an upgrade by changing the method of machining, which resulted in a variable ratio gear. The A6 had updated tuning to decrease the paddle response time.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Aug 4, 2018 at 01:18 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
My understanding is that the 2008 LS3 block remained the same for the 2009 LS3. The LS3 bulkheads were 20% stronger than the LS2 bulkheads. However, while the LS3 shared the same casting with the LS9, the LS9 received an additional 20% stronger bulk head strength by optimizing #2 and #3 bulkhead windows, forged steel main caps, iron cylinder liners with a stronger casting, dowel alignment along with many other block refinements.