Upgrading for winter. Am I missing anything?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 4
Upgrading for winter. Am I missing anything?
I have a 05 base C6 vert with approximately 23k miles. So far I’ve changed the factory radio and changed from run flats to Nitto’s; G2’s front, 55r2’s rear.
It’s now in the shop with the following being done:
Edelbrock E-Force TVS2300 SC
CNC ported cylinder heads
Dual valve springs, titanium retainers, 10 degree locks
GT9 camshaft
Fuel injectors
Kenne Bell boost-a-pump fuel pump voltage booster
160 thermostat
ARH 1-7/8 long tube headers w/high flow cats
Corsa extreme exhaust
Dyno tuned
RPM stage 3 diff w/3.73 gear ratio
High voltage oil pump
Lifters
Pushrods
Timing chain
Dewitts Dual core aluminum radiator
I’ve seen in numerous threads about the harmonic balancer so I probably should add it to the list while it’s in the shop.
Car will be used for the streets and rarely track.
What am I missing?
It’s now in the shop with the following being done:
Edelbrock E-Force TVS2300 SC
CNC ported cylinder heads
Dual valve springs, titanium retainers, 10 degree locks
GT9 camshaft
Fuel injectors
Kenne Bell boost-a-pump fuel pump voltage booster
160 thermostat
ARH 1-7/8 long tube headers w/high flow cats
Corsa extreme exhaust
Dyno tuned
RPM stage 3 diff w/3.73 gear ratio
High voltage oil pump
Lifters
Pushrods
Timing chain
Dewitts Dual core aluminum radiator
I’ve seen in numerous threads about the harmonic balancer so I probably should add it to the list while it’s in the shop.
Car will be used for the streets and rarely track.
What am I missing?
Last edited by Slick Nick; Dec 20, 2023 at 12:30 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,676
Likes: 1,856
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
I have a 05 base C6 vert with approximately 23k miles. So far I’ve changed the factory radio and changed from run flats to Nitto’s; G2’s front, 55r2’s rear.
It’s now in the shop with the following being done:
Edelbrock E-Force TVS2300 SC
CNC ported cylinder heads
Dual valve springs, titanium retainers, 10 degree locks
GT9 camshaft
Fuel injectors
Kenne Bell boost-a-pump fuel pump voltage booster
160 thermostat
ARH 1-7/8 long tube headers w/high flow cats
Corsa extreme exhaust
Dyno tuned
RPM stage 3 diff w/3.73 gear ratio
High voltage oil pump
Lifters
Pushrods
Timing chain
Dewitts Dual core aluminum radiator
I’ve seen in numerous threads about the harmonic balancer so I probably should add it to the list while it’s in the shop.
Car will be used for the streets and rarely track.
What am I missing?
It’s now in the shop with the following being done:
Edelbrock E-Force TVS2300 SC
CNC ported cylinder heads
Dual valve springs, titanium retainers, 10 degree locks
GT9 camshaft
Fuel injectors
Kenne Bell boost-a-pump fuel pump voltage booster
160 thermostat
ARH 1-7/8 long tube headers w/high flow cats
Corsa extreme exhaust
Dyno tuned
RPM stage 3 diff w/3.73 gear ratio
High voltage oil pump
Lifters
Pushrods
Timing chain
Dewitts Dual core aluminum radiator
I’ve seen in numerous threads about the harmonic balancer so I probably should add it to the list while it’s in the shop.
Car will be used for the streets and rarely track.
What am I missing?
If you are doing all of that, I would also do some cooling upgrades for the Edelbrock E-force. A Cordes Performance larger coolant reservoir and a larger Edelbrock heat exchanger will keep the supercharger a lot cooler. The heat exchanger is a common upgrade that ZR1 guys will do. For the larger reservoir, you will need to re-locate the battery to the trunk, but that is not a bad idea since you will be adding weight to the front of the car.
Yes, a better harmonic balancer should definitely be done. I like the PowerBond Race ones.
In regards to lifters, I highly recommend going with the Johson 2110R's or their link bar versions of these. Not cheap but they are the best.
I was running the Ken Belle BAP in my car with E-force but I removed it and upgraded to a Z06 fuel pump. Either option works great.
I would also highly recommend the fuel pump re-wire kit from RaceTronix. They have an add on option for to add a nice connector to easily integrate this with the BAP. The re-wire will prevent any voltage drop in the fuel pump.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,676
Likes: 1,856
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
Also, just curious as to why you are going with the Lingenfelter GT9 cam?
Reason I ask is that I think you can get the same performance with a different cam but will have significantly less valve train stress. The GT9 cam has a lot of lift and you really don't need that.
I personally would go with the positive displacement supercharger cam from Cam Motion: PD 228/242 LS Supercharger Camshaft (228/242-118+4) for Positive Displacement
With this cam, you could stay with a beehive valve spring (PAC1219X's would be great) which will be much easier on the entire valve train.
Reason I ask is that I think you can get the same performance with a different cam but will have significantly less valve train stress. The GT9 cam has a lot of lift and you really don't need that.
I personally would go with the positive displacement supercharger cam from Cam Motion: PD 228/242 LS Supercharger Camshaft (228/242-118+4) for Positive Displacement
With this cam, you could stay with a beehive valve spring (PAC1219X's would be great) which will be much easier on the entire valve train.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 1,687
From: Southeast TX
I would ditch the GT9 cam in favor of something more valvetrain friendly. Comp Cams grinds these cams for Lingenfelter using their "LSK" lobe series. Here's what Comp Cams says about that lobe series:
"These lobes have excellent ramp quickness. They are VERY hard on parts and not generally recommended in street applications!"
.629 lift on the intake and .656 lift on the exhaust. No way I'm using that on a street car. Hell, I wouldn't use them on a track car either. I love setting up LS engines for good power. I hate repairing them though. Build it once, built it right, and then enjoy it. Cam Motion, BTR, Tx Speed, etc. all have cams that will play nice with your valve train. Cam Motion is my #1 go to for cam upgrades.
"These lobes have excellent ramp quickness. They are VERY hard on parts and not generally recommended in street applications!"
.629 lift on the intake and .656 lift on the exhaust. No way I'm using that on a street car. Hell, I wouldn't use them on a track car either. I love setting up LS engines for good power. I hate repairing them though. Build it once, built it right, and then enjoy it. Cam Motion, BTR, Tx Speed, etc. all have cams that will play nice with your valve train. Cam Motion is my #1 go to for cam upgrades.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 190
From: Austin TX
If you are having all of that work done, your shop should be replacing the balancer regardless. Its all tore up at this point, its an easy replacement. Ask the shop if they are planning on doing this. Honestly, if they arent going to replace or didnt mention it to begin with, I would question the shop.
Retired & lovin' it!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,475
Likes: 549
From: Jackson NJ
You don't mention if it's Z51 optioned which would include an oil cooler, so if not, would definitely add that. Also, the differential case in the '05's is a weak point so would suggest replacing with an '07 or later diff case.
Finally, as others have noted, definitely change out the HB with a Power Bond or ATI..... especially easier now with all the other work being done.
Finally, as others have noted, definitely change out the HB with a Power Bond or ATI..... especially easier now with all the other work being done.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 4
That's a good list of mods. I would skip the 160 thermostat. Pretty useless and will just take longer for the car to get up to temp. Will not make the car run cooler.
If you are doing all of that, I would also do some cooling upgrades for the Edelbrock E-force. A Cordes Performance larger coolant reservoir and a larger Edelbrock heat exchanger will keep the supercharger a lot cooler. The heat exchanger is a common upgrade that ZR1 guys will do. For the larger reservoir, you will need to re-locate the battery to the trunk, but that is not a bad idea since you will be adding weight to the front of the car.
Yes, a better harmonic balancer should definitely be done. I like the PowerBond Race ones.
In regards to lifters, I highly recommend going with the Johson 2110R's or their link bar versions of these. Not cheap but they are the best.
I was running the Ken Belle BAP in my car with E-force but I removed it and upgraded to a Z06 fuel pump. Either option works great.
I would also highly recommend the fuel pump re-wire kit from RaceTronix. They have an add on option for to add a nice connector to easily integrate this with the BAP. The re-wire will prevent any voltage drop in the fuel pump.
If you are doing all of that, I would also do some cooling upgrades for the Edelbrock E-force. A Cordes Performance larger coolant reservoir and a larger Edelbrock heat exchanger will keep the supercharger a lot cooler. The heat exchanger is a common upgrade that ZR1 guys will do. For the larger reservoir, you will need to re-locate the battery to the trunk, but that is not a bad idea since you will be adding weight to the front of the car.
Yes, a better harmonic balancer should definitely be done. I like the PowerBond Race ones.
In regards to lifters, I highly recommend going with the Johson 2110R's or their link bar versions of these. Not cheap but they are the best.
I was running the Ken Belle BAP in my car with E-force but I removed it and upgraded to a Z06 fuel pump. Either option works great.
I would also highly recommend the fuel pump re-wire kit from RaceTronix. They have an add on option for to add a nice connector to easily integrate this with the BAP. The re-wire will prevent any voltage drop in the fuel pump.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 4
Also, just curious as to why you are going with the Lingenfelter GT9 cam?
Reason I ask is that I think you can get the same performance with a different cam but will have significantly less valve train stress. The GT9 cam has a lot of lift and you really don't need that.
I personally would go with the positive displacement supercharger cam from Cam Motion: PD 228/242 LS Supercharger Camshaft (228/242-118+4) for Positive Displacement
With this cam, you could stay with a beehive valve spring (PAC1219X's would be great) which will be much easier on the entire valve train.
Reason I ask is that I think you can get the same performance with a different cam but will have significantly less valve train stress. The GT9 cam has a lot of lift and you really don't need that.
I personally would go with the positive displacement supercharger cam from Cam Motion: PD 228/242 LS Supercharger Camshaft (228/242-118+4) for Positive Displacement
With this cam, you could stay with a beehive valve spring (PAC1219X's would be great) which will be much easier on the entire valve train.
I started out just adding the SC from Lingenfelter, then chose to have the complete package installed while they had the car for the winter. This package included the GT9 cams. From what I learned from them was that the cams offered a nice idle and with the upgraded springs, the lift haven’t caused problems in other builds. This is first I’m hearing of lift issues with the GT9.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 4
I would ditch the GT9 cam in favor of something more valvetrain friendly. Comp Cams grinds these cams for Lingenfelter using their "LSK" lobe series. Here's what Comp Cams says about that lobe series:
"These lobes have excellent ramp quickness. They are VERY hard on parts and not generally recommended in street applications!"
.629 lift on the intake and .656 lift on the exhaust. No way I'm using that on a street car. Hell, I wouldn't use them on a track car either. I love setting up LS engines for good power. I hate repairing them though. Build it once, built it right, and then enjoy it. Cam Motion, BTR, Tx Speed, etc. all have cams that will play nice with your valve train. Cam Motion is my #1 go to for cam upgrades.
"These lobes have excellent ramp quickness. They are VERY hard on parts and not generally recommended in street applications!"
.629 lift on the intake and .656 lift on the exhaust. No way I'm using that on a street car. Hell, I wouldn't use them on a track car either. I love setting up LS engines for good power. I hate repairing them though. Build it once, built it right, and then enjoy it. Cam Motion, BTR, Tx Speed, etc. all have cams that will play nice with your valve train. Cam Motion is my #1 go to for cam upgrades.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 4
If you are having all of that work done, your shop should be replacing the balancer regardless. Its all tore up at this point, its an easy replacement. Ask the shop if they are planning on doing this. Honestly, if they arent going to replace or didnt mention it to begin with, I would question the shop.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 4
You don't mention if it's Z51 optioned which would include an oil cooler, so if not, would definitely add that. Also, the differential case in the '05's is a weak point so would suggest replacing with an '07 or later diff case.
Finally, as others have noted, definitely change out the HB with a Power Bond or ATI..... especially easier now with all the other work being done.
Finally, as others have noted, definitely change out the HB with a Power Bond or ATI..... especially easier now with all the other work being done.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,676
Likes: 1,856
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
Thanks for your reply.
I started out just adding the SC from Lingenfelter, then chose to have the complete package installed while they had the car for the winter. This package included the GT9 cams. From what I learned from them was that the cams offered a nice idle and with the upgraded springs, the lift haven’t caused problems in other builds. This is first I’m hearing of lift issues with the GT9.
I started out just adding the SC from Lingenfelter, then chose to have the complete package installed while they had the car for the winter. This package included the GT9 cams. From what I learned from them was that the cams offered a nice idle and with the upgraded springs, the lift haven’t caused problems in other builds. This is first I’m hearing of lift issues with the GT9.
I have not heard of problems with the GT9 camshaft. It's just that it has unnecessarily high lift. You can get to the same power levels with better driveability and less valvetrain stress with a smaller cam. With this cam, you should consider the valve springs to be a wear item and likely need to be changed at 15K or so intervals.
As for an oil cooler, my E-force kit cam with a block mounted liquid to liquid oil cooler. It is similar to the ZR1 oil cooler. Not sure if your kit has that or not but if it does then you don't need any auxillary oil cooler.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 4
No problem.
I have not heard of problems with the GT9 camshaft. It's just that it has unnecessarily high lift. You can get to the same power levels with better driveability and less valvetrain stress with a smaller cam. With this cam, you should consider the valve springs to be a wear item and likely need to be changed at 15K or so intervals.
As for an oil cooler, my E-force kit cam with a block mounted liquid to liquid oil cooler. It is similar to the ZR1 oil cooler. Not sure if your kit has that or not but if it does then you don't need any auxillary oil cooler.
I have not heard of problems with the GT9 camshaft. It's just that it has unnecessarily high lift. You can get to the same power levels with better driveability and less valvetrain stress with a smaller cam. With this cam, you should consider the valve springs to be a wear item and likely need to be changed at 15K or so intervals.
As for an oil cooler, my E-force kit cam with a block mounted liquid to liquid oil cooler. It is similar to the ZR1 oil cooler. Not sure if your kit has that or not but if it does then you don't need any auxillary oil cooler.
I left a message with Lingenfelter and when they call back I’ll ask about the oil cooler.
I’m somewhat anxious about how this will turn out. From bone stock this year to these modifications for the spring.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 1,687
From: Southeast TX
Substitute this cam for the GT9. Your valvetrain will love you long time and you'll probably make more power. BTR CAMSHAFT - LSA/LS9 - PDS STAGE 1 - CAM MOTION CORE - CM32338206 (briantooleyracing.com)
Look here GT9 cam problems and issues - Google Search Most of the positive reviews have very few miles on the build.
Look here GT9 cam problems and issues - Google Search Most of the positive reviews have very few miles on the build.
Last edited by old motorhead; Dec 22, 2023 at 08:10 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 971
Likes: 235
From: Whitesburg Kentucky
If you still have the 05 differential in the car I would upgrade to a newer one 06 or 07.
better yet upgrade to a Z06 transmission and differential,by looking at the power your going to be making you will need it.
better yet upgrade to a Z06 transmission and differential,by looking at the power your going to be making you will need it.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 4
I'm having the RPM stage 3 differential installed 3.73 gear ratio.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 971
Likes: 235
From: Whitesburg Kentucky
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 4