LT1 performance upgrades
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 949
Likes: 105
From: Cleveland Ohio
LT1 performance upgrades
So I’m finally getting the “itch” to mod my 2015 Z51. Not looking to go crazy (or broke), but wouldn’t mind doing some basic bolt on’s. My goals are to get decent power gains (no HP target in mind) and probably more importantly, better sound. My car currently has a Borla X-pipe, but is otherwise stock. I like the tone that the Borla provides through the factory NPP, but wish it was a bit louder. I’m thinkint some LT headers through the factory NPP will be the ticket. Here’s what I’m thinking.
Not quite sure what this will net me power-wise, but I think these are good starting points. Am I missing any other “no brainer” bolt-on mods to help maximize these upgrades? What diameter LT’s should I consider from ARH? Curious to hear some thoughts.
- American Racing L/T Headers (I know this will negate my Borla X-pipe - I’ll be taking that off and selling it.
- Halltech CAI
- Katech ported TB
Not quite sure what this will net me power-wise, but I think these are good starting points. Am I missing any other “no brainer” bolt-on mods to help maximize these upgrades? What diameter LT’s should I consider from ARH? Curious to hear some thoughts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 916
While you don't mention it, I assume that you plan to tune it after those mods? You will need to in order to squeeze all the available hp out of it. 1 7/8" LTs will be good if you are staying naturally aspirated.
Last edited by lakemg; Jul 2, 2019 at 10:35 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 388
Likes: 41
C7 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
If you go with ARH mid length headers with high flow cats, you can use your Borla x-pipe. I have that set up with a Halltech carbon cai and a Soler throttle body, B & B bullet] exhaust along with various other mods. I'm guessing I got about 30 rwhp from that setup. Also 2015 Z51 M7.
Last edited by tyho; Jul 2, 2019 at 11:05 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 916
Also auto or manual trans?
Last edited by lakemg; Jul 3, 2019 at 07:55 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 62
Likes: 6
From: Turlock CA
I got 460whp with TSP headers with race cats, katech TB and Halltech intake. It was all in the tune! Put over 50k miles no problems. Im currently waiting for my cars A&A supercharger to be installed!
best bang for your buck is the supercharger kit. $6800-7500 installed
I think I paid around $3000-3500 for the first setup. Really woke up my car sound and speed! Its my first supercharged car and didnt want to daily drive it supercharged. You will not regret the LTs. Sound is amazing but you will be looking for more power down the line lol
im selling my halltech if your interested
best bang for your buck is the supercharger kit. $6800-7500 installed
I think I paid around $3000-3500 for the first setup. Really woke up my car sound and speed! Its my first supercharged car and didnt want to daily drive it supercharged. You will not regret the LTs. Sound is amazing but you will be looking for more power down the line lol
im selling my halltech if your interested
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 879
From: Tampa Florida
I got 460whp with TSP headers with race cats, katech TB and Halltech intake. It was all in the tune! Put over 50k miles no problems. Im currently waiting for my cars A&A supercharger to be installed!
best bang for your buck is the supercharger kit. $6800-7500 installed
I think I paid around $3000-3500 for the first setup. Really woke up my car sound and speed! Its my first supercharged car and didnt want to daily drive it supercharged. You will not regret the LTs. Sound is amazing but you will be looking for more power down the line lol
im selling my halltech if your interested
best bang for your buck is the supercharger kit. $6800-7500 installed
I think I paid around $3000-3500 for the first setup. Really woke up my car sound and speed! Its my first supercharged car and didnt want to daily drive it supercharged. You will not regret the LTs. Sound is amazing but you will be looking for more power down the line lol
im selling my halltech if your interested
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
ttt
I will have a like new set of LG step down 1 7/8 long tube headers for sale in about one week if you would like them will give you a good price on them. I just went with a set of 2 inch headers on the car for the blower set up on her.... Robert
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 949
Likes: 105
From: Cleveland Ohio
Appreciate all of the responses gang! Yes - a tune would be part of the game plan as well. I’m leaning towards starting with the headers, and the balance to come shortly thereafter. I know that discussing pricing of ARH’s is a little taboo with MAP pricing, but what should I expect to pay for installation and tune (not including the cost of the headers)? Thanks again for the guidance/insight! Happy 4th everyone.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 388
Likes: 41
C7 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,672
Likes: 2,726
From: Atlanta GA
Depends on the driver , the grip , the tires , the DA , but I think it's safe to say with and auto,and stock run flats , 11.5 @ 118 with a 1.8 60 ft
Dave
Dave
Last edited by Dcasole; Jul 4, 2019 at 05:42 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 879
From: Tampa Florida
However your trap speed should be at least 120 . Bone stock I went 118.31 here in Florida. 11.50's sounds about right with those mods. Forum member stated that he pick up .3 thru the 1/4 mile with just the VaraRam, ported Intake and no tune.
Last edited by Fore58; Jul 4, 2019 at 06:12 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,672
Likes: 2,726
From: Atlanta GA
I am the forum member that picked up the 3 tenths ...
Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,161
Likes: 686
From: SUFFIELD CONNECTICUT