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Can I increase vacuum?

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Old Dec 15, 2023 | 06:26 PM
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Default Can I increase vacuum? NPP wont close fully

So I just had the hooker blackheart axle back system installed on my C6Z06. The car does have a larger camshaft and I'm only getting about 10in of vacuum at idle. The valves on the exhaust wont fully close unless you raise the idle and create more vacuum. I had sporadic issues with the factory system not closing fully unless you gave it gas. So when I'm driving the valves will stay closed, but as soon as I get to a stop, they crack open a little bit. I really dont think theres any way to increase vacuum, but I thought it might be a shot in the dark that someone had an idea. Would a check valve placed somewhere on the line going to the mufflers help?

Last edited by Maligator; Dec 16, 2023 at 03:14 PM.
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Old Dec 15, 2023 | 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Maligator
So I just had the hooker blackheart axle back system installed on my C6Z06. The car does have a larger camshaft and I'm only getting about 10in of vacuum at idle. The valves on the exhaust wont fully close unless you raise the idle and create more vacuum. I had sporadic issues with the factory system not closing fully unless you gave it gas. So when I'm driving the valves will stay closed, but as soon as I get to a stop, they crack open a little bit. I really dont think theres any way to increase vacuum, but I thought it might be a shot in the dark that someone had an idea. Would a check valve placed somewhere on the line going to the mufflers help?
I run this one which helps hold the car at the starting line after doing my burnout. Without it, I would have trouble keeping the car from creeping forward.

There are also several electric versions which work even better but I'd try this one first.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-5200
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Old Dec 15, 2023 | 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by subfloor@centurytrans
I run this one which helps hold the car at the starting line after doing my burnout. Without it, I would have trouble keeping the car from creeping forward.

There are also several electric versions which work even better but I'd try this one first.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-5200
thank you! Any recommendations where I should place it?
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Old Dec 15, 2023 | 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Maligator
thank you! Any recommendations where I should place it?
I mounted that one just above the steering rack on the driver side, right by the #3 and #5 cylinders.

When I had the electric one I screwed it to the inner wheel well on the passenger side.

Car's currently in storage otherwise I'd post a picture.
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Old Dec 15, 2023 | 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by subfloor@centurytrans
I mounted that one just above the steering rack on the driver side, right by the #3 and #5 cylinders.

When I had the electric one I screwed it to the inner wheel well on the passenger side.

Car's currently in storage otherwise I'd post a picture.
Curious, how large is it? Its hard to tell by the picture Summit has. And how does it hook up? I just see the one fitting/port at the top. Thanks for your help
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Old Dec 15, 2023 | 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Maligator
Curious, how large is it? Its hard to tell by the picture Summit has. And how does it hook up? I just see the one fitting/port at the top. Thanks for your help
There's a second port not shown. It's goes inline using the hose to the brake booster.

7"x5"


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Old Dec 16, 2023 | 09:32 AM
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I’d check for a leak as well. Get a vacuum reading at a few places including. the engine and the valves. Disconnect the valve vacuum source at the engine and test for vacuum again and see if it’s any different.

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Old Dec 16, 2023 | 11:37 AM
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A check valve should keep your muffler's exhaust valves shut, but how are they supposed to open?

It seems like you'd need a pressure relief valve plumbed around the check valve to release vacuum to the manifold at high load.

Perhaps you could adjust the actuator linkages to keep the valves closed with less vacuum.
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Old Dec 16, 2023 | 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by torquetube

Perhaps you could adjust the actuator linkages to keep the valves closed with less vacuum.
That was the first thing I did, the actuators on the holley system seem much more stiff than the OEM ones and my car just isn't making enough vacuum at idle to keep them closed. Even on start up, they will close, but after a few seconds when the idle comes down, they crack open by maybe a half inch.

I wonder if adding a second OEM style vacuum reservoir would do the trick
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Old Dec 17, 2023 | 09:40 AM
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What is your idle RPM?
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Old Dec 17, 2023 | 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by old motorhead
what is your idle rpm?
950
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Old Dec 17, 2023 | 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Maligator
950
Well damn. That must be a pretty nasty cam to only see 10" at 950rpm. I was going to suggest raising the idle speed but it's already up there pretty good.
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Old Dec 17, 2023 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by old motorhead
Well damn. That must be a pretty nasty cam to only see 10" at 950rpm. I was going to suggest raising the idle speed but it's already up there pretty good.
its .660 lift 243/251 114LSA thats just me reading off the cam card, im no cam expert, but its a little rowdy. But I agree, I feel like 10in seems low. I'm going to mess around with it today with my mightyvac and make sure theres no leaks. But I just had my mamo msd installed and my guy smoke tested the vacuum side of everything for leaks before it left his shop.
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Old Dec 17, 2023 | 12:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Maligator
its .660 lift 243/251 114LSA thats just me reading off the cam card, im no cam expert, but its a little rowdy. But I agree, I feel like 10in seems low. I'm going to mess around with it today with my mightyvac and make sure theres no leaks. But I just had my mamo msd installed and my guy smoke tested the vacuum side of everything for leaks before it left his shop.
I wouldn't think 21* of overlap as being huge. Huge for any other stock cubed LS engine, but not huge for an LS7. Check vacuum at both ends of the line going back to the mufflers.
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Old Dec 18, 2023 | 08:09 AM
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I have a 17° overlap cam in my LS7. I have no problem with vacuum. I have about the same exhaust duration as OP, but 10° less on the intake. However, my cam is on a 112° LSA, and less lift. Not apples to apples, FWIW......
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Old Dec 21, 2023 | 08:45 PM
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turns out, its not a vacuum volume issue, theres a leak (I think). I dont know if my mightvac hose wasn't seated correctly or what, when I checked it at the intake manifold. I got 14-15in of vacuum all the way back to the solenoid. With the solenoid open, which would close the valves, I had the same reading. Once I put a "T" in-between the solenoid and the line running to the valves, I watched the vacuum drop to 8in and just stay there. When I applied vacuum from the mightvac to the hose going to the exhaust valves, I couldn't even get 5in of vacuum. How a car with this low miles would have a broken plastic vacuum line is beyond me. Anyway, instead of buying the stock OEM plastic lines, I could just use rubber hose right? Its not like its touching the exhaust, its just running up the bumper to the solenoid.
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Old Dec 21, 2023 | 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Jfryjfry
I’d check for a leak as well. Get a vacuum reading at a few places including. the engine and the valves. Disconnect the valve vacuum source at the engine and test for vacuum again and see if it’s any different.
looks like you were right sir!
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Old Dec 22, 2023 | 12:14 AM
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Awesome! Wish I could fix all of my issues that quick. Haha
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