2006 A6 with 132k miles
Lt headers, Xpipe w/ Borla Atak getting installed today
vararam CAI getting installed this week

I know I will need a tune after exhaust and intake are installed but I do want to do a cam upgrade soon so my question is should I wait to do the tune when I do the cam? Obviously would not be driving the car without a tune after headers go on. My next question is reguarding the camshaft choice. Not a daily driver mostly just on weekends so not looking for anything very aggressive whatsoever and not looking for max power goals either just something in the middle just something with a nice lope that wont effect driveability. I tried researching options but just couldnt quite figure it out. Will also be adding the converter along with the cam but not sure as to which one for that either. Hopefully someone can steer me in the right direction on cam and converter choice and what power i can expect

 

IMO, depends on the amount of time between headers and addition of cam. Wouldn’t want to go too long without a proper tune for the increased flow provided with the headers. But also understand not wanting to pay for two tunes.

Considering you’re running an LS2, may want to consider a FAST (personal preference) or ported intake manifold as next mod prior to cam. FAST should give you about the same HP bump as headers from what I’ve seen. Get the bolt ons added before getting inside the engine, then a cam should bring it all together nicely. Again, just my opinion. The FAST is not a bad install either.

My car is a manual, but there’s much here pertaining to autos and converters for various cams. This thread recently shared with me has what I believe to be great insight on NA build and gains (manual trans too, but still applicable to mods)...

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ast-heads.html

Here’s personal build thread (as currently sits). Bolt on gains are posted after cam gains, both include dyno sheets...

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...y-results.html

Lot’s of threads depending on where you decide to go next. This forum is an incredible resource when researching mods.

Hope this helps, and will be keeping an eye out for your results.

Good luck!

 

Do the exhaust, cai, FAST intake and a SS3600 Yank converter (or similar). Then get a tune. If you want more later, add a cam.

 

Just another suggestion ....

Changing the cam is a pain in the *** because it requires that the steering rack be removed in order to remove the harmonic balancer .... big job if you doing it yourself ... expensive job if you are having a shop do it.

The LS3 heads and intake manifold flow much better than the LS2 parts .... How about just replacing your LS2 intake manifold and heads with take-off used LS3 manifold and heads.

Then install a set of headers.

Like "farmington" mentioned .... get a high stall converter. It would make a BIG difference (of course, labor for a converter change is pretty high ... no easy job)

 

I'm just finishing up a two year LS2 build, 2005 Z51, M6, 12k miles. DSOM color.

I did TSP ported LS3 heads, Gwatney ported OEM LS3 intake, ARH 1 7/8 headers with cats, Cam Motion Titan 2 cam 222/230 113 +3, Com Cams 1.8 steel roller rockers, Johnson 2110 lifters, LS3 AFE cold air intake with a LS3 MAF sensor blade, "Vette-Air" cold Air intake scoop, std. speed ATI harmonic balancer, C5R timing chain w/stock gears (3 bolt), C6 LS3 NPP mufflers with a retro fit controller, and a bunch of TSP provided bolts, nuts, gaskets, etc. Pat G is doing the tune via email.

To help control speed I added painted/rebuilt C6 Z06 calipers with PowerStop Z26 pads and rotors. C7 ZR1 replica polished wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires in 275/35/18 and 305/30/19 tires were also added.

A custom aftermarket stereo, speakers, subwoofer, back-up cam with full sound-deadening was also done. The B-pillar and tail/side lights were blacked-out. Front/rear black spoilers were added. All bulbs except headlights were upgraded to LED, headlights are this winter. Engine was "pimped" for shows.

A few thoughts on my build:
* Glad I did cats, once warmed they really cut down on the gasoline smell.
* in hind sight I would have done a MSD or FAST intake, used ones in good shape cost about the same as a used OEM LS3 with porting.
* Acdelco plugs solved a frustrating Service Charging System error when using NGK plugs.
* Dont go underdrive on Damper, my Service Charging System error really made me glad I didnt go underdrive.
​​​​​ * the LS2 MAF sensor is both ugly and limited in power production. Opinions vary, it tops out somewhere around 500 crank HP. Glad it was changed.
* The NPP mufflers when open are really, really loud, when closed much more muted, last like a base car when moving, louder at idle.
* The tune is critical! Pat G is a tunning legend, but I'm convinced that a mail-order tune should be a last option. I convinced that a tunner need to see, drive and hear a highly modified engine. HPTunner log files are not the same as hands-on time with a car.
* Adding 1.8 rockers I believe made the cam "larger". Theres lots of forum posts on this issue - concurring and disagreeing, but tuning the engine it just feels like the cam has 2 or 3 degrees of overlap instead of zero per cam specs with 1.7 rockers. Not trying to start a debate here, just my opinion.

Here's a few pics:








And an engine compartment pic taken during the build: