mods/torque
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Lexington KY
mods/torque
I had a 228/228 .588/.588 112 cam, cnc ported 11.1 compression heads, and Stainless Works LT headers installed recently. Got good HP increase, but disappointed with the 50 RWT increase as it doesn't come on until 5500 rpm. The total torque is more than stock, but the 50RWT gain isn't really useable way up there at 5500 rpm. The new torque curve is basically same as stock curve until after 5500 rpm, when I get my extra 50!! Any comments on what was necessary to achieve my original goal of more torque in a useable rpm range (3000rpm-4500rpm)? Car was on same dyno before and after mods installed. :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 9
From: N.E. WA
Re: mods/torque (71coupe)
With the LS1/6, I'm not sure how they respond to porting and cams. The wrong port job could cost you some torque and that cams duration seems pretty large for a LS1/6 engine that was looking for low end torque. Just my .02. I would like to know what you are getting for HP and TQ. If your redline went up any, you could make a gear change to effectively give you more torque.
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
Likes: 2,271
Re: mods/torque (FST NUF)
Torque is a function of displacement and compression ratio, so increased displacement or CR is the only way to improve peak torque. WHERE peak torque occurs and the shape of the curve is function of valve timing. Most "mods" such as bigger cams produce more power by shifting the torque curve up the rev scale, so low end torque is lost. Head work will improve top end power, usually without hurting the low end and midrange on an EFI engine.
If you didn't loose any low end torque with your improvement in power at the high end of the rev range, you either did some good system engineering or you were just lucky.
If you want to improve current torque/power in the low to mid range a shorter cam with less overlap - say 224/224/114 is the only way short of more displacement or compression, but it will loose power in the upper rev range. The OE cams provide excellent torque bandwidth, and proper head porting will always improve the top end, so leaving the cam alone and massaging the heads improves top end power without effecting the low end, idle quality, driveabililty, fuel economy, or emissions.
Duke
If you didn't loose any low end torque with your improvement in power at the high end of the rev range, you either did some good system engineering or you were just lucky.
If you want to improve current torque/power in the low to mid range a shorter cam with less overlap - say 224/224/114 is the only way short of more displacement or compression, but it will loose power in the upper rev range. The OE cams provide excellent torque bandwidth, and proper head porting will always improve the top end, so leaving the cam alone and massaging the heads improves top end power without effecting the low end, idle quality, driveabililty, fuel economy, or emissions.
Duke
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: mods/torque (FST NUF)
You didn't say, but 1 5/8ths" primary tube headers should have given some low end boost, with out hurting the upper end. If that is what these are, maybe the cam killed it. Over done heads can take away from the bottom end, also. What year, or what engine, are we dealing with?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 9
From: N.E. WA
Re: mods/torque (CFI-EFI)
I'm guessing an LS6. You also gotta love those HP and TQ numbers out of that "small" cam. Those LSx series heads rule. I'm suprised that you don't have enough "low end" torque to turn your tires to goo just about anytime you want regarless of your selections. Are you opposed to gearing? What are they now.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Lexington KY
Re: mods/torque (ANTI VENOM)
Considered 3.73 gearing...presently stock 3.42, I believe that's correct stock gearing. Think yhe 3.73's would make a notable difference? Would I lose somewhere else...other than more tire tread more quickly!!!