jonnyv713

iTrader: (1)

I was planning to do a turbo build in my Cutlass, but money is not permitting it right now. So, I am going NA for the time being. I am getting a junkyard 5.3 out of a truck, and I just want to do a few upgrades that I have some questions about.

I want to do a Z06 cam and an LS6 intake on it, and maybe some headers. Will I need to retune to run these?

Also, I will need to get a new converter for my th400. WIth that cam, what has worked good for you guys? I am going to drive this car on the street mostly, and go to the strip occasionally. What would be best?

Thanks in advance guys. I really appreciate the help.

supersick99z

iTrader: (66)

Check out the dyno in the dyno section who is boosting a stock 5.3 with ls6 cam at 6 psi. Pretty impressive stuff he has, but I'm pretty sure he has some details on his build you might be interested in seeing

Daniel0026

Once you start swapping cams in and out it is always best to do a tune. A tune will make sure that you are getting the most power/improvement/efficiency out of your new cam as well as physically see the changes that the swap made to make informed decisions on upgrades in the future. So: tune needed and recommended.
Im running a th400 also but I have a pretty high stall at about 3600. Im driving street/strip and the converter slips a little too much for a DD. Check out some of our sponsors, I was talking to one guy who was a sponsor on here about a converter and he was extremely helpful. I will try to get his name for you.

SN-95

If you are still looking at going with a turbo later and money is tight, make sure to keep that plan in mind when buying a converter so you wont have to swap later.

jonnyv713

iTrader: (1)

Alright thanks guys. Is there a way I can affordably tune myself?

Daniel0026

Have you tuned anything before? You can have someone drive-and-tune with a handheld, thats the cheapest way to go...

jonnyv713

iTrader: (1)

No I have not, but I think I should learn. What kind of handheld would they be using? Can I buy this?

Daniel0026

There are a few different brands/styles for sale. Basically its like a laptop and tuner in one. You can see the readings and change tuning features on the handheld and then it flashes the engine ecm. It plugs into an obd port. This is a cost effective tune-it-for-the-street approach and I use it for customers with street driven only cars with bolt on type mods. For specific brands and what people like/dislike, try a search on here or flip through your favorite catalog, they all function similarly. Once you decide and build a fi setup, I would highly recommend and dyno tune though.

jonnyv713

iTrader: (1)

Well... I have decided to go carbed! I think this is the right choice. I bought a 5.3 tonight with 40,000 miles tonight and no wiring harness.

My plans are to run a Victor Jr, MSD 6010 box, and a Holley 750 DP, longtubes, and a gnarly cam.

I will be running a TH400 and around a 3000 stall I believe, that is what I was told to stick around. I suppose that will depend on the cam though also.

My question is, what cam should I run? I wanna stay cost efficient but I will spend as much as I need to. I read that with the carbed set up, I want a tighter LSA, 111 at most, with 108-109 being best? Not too sure, Its gonna be a street car that will go to the strip occasionally. I like a lopey idle too!

I was looking at the Edelbrock 2215 with a 11 LSA, but it only has .510 lift, and I think I would want a little more?

garygnu

look at comp 54-455-11.

jonnyv713

iTrader: (1)

I ended up getting a TR224-12 from a guy on here. Should do pretty good I think. I'm at a stand still right now because of money, but I did get my new valve springs today. I will get those on and save up some cash to move forward!

batboy

iTrader: (6)

You can't tune for a cam with a handheld tuner. You'll need something like HP Tuners and a laptop. It's fairly complicated. I'd recommend having an experience tuner do it.

jonnyv713

iTrader: (1)

I ended up going carbureted... Thanks though bud