Cobra4B

iTrader: (9)

Taking a more subtle approach with my 2003 vert. Allready put on a Halltech Venom and some Corsa Extremes. Next up is a 2003 Z06 h-pipe w/ a Corsa x-pipe, then time to hit the rollers. The Z06 h-pipe has 2 higher flow cats vs. the 4 on the coupe/vert h-pipe. Plus, the stock H crossover is a joke... if you cut a factory h-pipe apart you'll see a dime size hole when from the outside it appears as a full 2.5" crossover.

Considering the upgrades the 2001+ LS1 received I'm thinking the aformentioned mods should get at least 330 rwhp, if not a few more, w/o any tuning. If the AFR shows power can be gained w/ a tune then I'll do that as well. If I can get the car to 340ish rwhp w/o headers I think that'd be pretty neat.

After that most likely a set of 3.90s are in order to get the gearing on par w/ the Z06.

Thoughts?

-Brian

Jimbo'sZO6

iTrader: (1)

I think the 340 number with a tune is realistic Brian.
If it were me I wouldn't bother spending money on a tune until after the headers go on.

Jimbo

Cobra4B

iTrader: (9)

Considering I got a 2003 Z h-pipe for free and a Corsa X for $150 it's all money in the bank. If I can get the car to 330+ rwhp I'll ahve no need for headers. The most I've seen from headers/tune on a LS1 car is about 350 rwhp.

I have no intentions of opening this motor up so $1650 for ARs w/ cats + $300 for header coating etc. etc. etc. just doesn't make sense for 15 horse.

We'll see what she does w/ the modified Z06 h-pipe.

VGLNTE1

iTrader: (1)

on a mustang dyno? 6-9hp prob. air intakes and catbacks arnt worth really anything...

Wicked_C5

iTrader: (1)

Yeah in the 330's. If you want another cheap upgrade for 5hp-7hp do the Z06 manifolds. If you do the 3.90s your power will be less on the dyno.

Cobra4B

iTrader: (9)

Dunno... but after cutting open a stock muffler I'd have to image exhaust is worth a little. Who knows.
The 2001+ cars all got the same exhaust manifolds and intake manifolds. Yep I know 3.90s will lower power a smidge on the dyno.

BlownVette 2001

iTrader: (2)

Don't know why you would put 3.90's in the car. Unless you plan to race the car, why bother. The extra gear just makes the car more jerky to drive and you have to shift a lot more.

Trust me I got 4.10's in the Z06 and they suck for street driving. Going back to some 3.42's and MM6 gearing. Much smoother driving.

Cobra4B

iTrader: (9)

Well 3.90s in the MN6 are directly equal to the MN12 with 3.42s in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th. Only difference is 4th becuase it's 1:1 in both boxes. I found that my Z06's stock gearing was the perfect blend of acceleration and cruise.

I'd never put gears in a Z06 as teh mn12 gearbox is allready aggressvie. Just my $0.02. I'm pretty much trying to make the vert perform like a stock C5 Z. I've got the Z06 sways on it and Koni FSDs going on this weekend, going to pick up a set of Z06 leafs.

So Z06 oem suspension + better shocks + 340ish rwhp + similar gearing = perfect street car IMO. The FE4 suspension is the best blend of performance and comfortable street manners out there IMO.

BlownVette 2001

iTrader: (2)

Personally, I don't care for the Z06 gearing unless you're going to track the car. I thought you were looking for a cruiser this time around.

As for the suspension, I like coil overs as they are the best all around performer especially if you want to lower your car.

A good combo would be some LG GT2 adjustible shock and some Pfadt street bars along with some upper front poly bushings and DRM rack bushing.

Great ride and cleans up the spongy feeling.

Cobra4B

iTrader: (9)

I want a comfortable car that is daily driver material but is still fun to drive hard. I had a chance to put the car through some good turns w/ the base setup and it's soft and has too much body roll. I got Z06 bars for $100, had the konis allready, and can get Z06 monoleafs for a few hundred... so total into the suspenson $300 vs. $1700 for coilovers and $700 for bars. I sold my Pfadt coilovers to a local budy BNIB a few weeks back.

Gearing will wait for a long time... want to get the wheels on and ride height setup and enjoy the spring/summer first.

I can't stop checking out the A&A blower kit with the self-contained HU. No oil lines to drll/tap and bullet proof 500 rwhp!

BlownVette 2001

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, that A& A blower kit seems like the ticket. I'm going to change my cam and install an aftermarket balancer and pin it in, prior to installing the LS3 motor in my C5.

Leaf Springs (tranverse bars) are okay as long as you don't lower the car that much.
BTW, I'll have some Z06 Springs in a couple of months if you decide to still go that route.

I didn't care for the Pfadt Coil Overs because of the way the rear adjustment was designed. They never came out with the featherweights which were to help make adjustability easier.

I need to use coil overs because of my conversion over to a C6 Z06 differential and transmission, so that my suspension does not get pushed back 3/4 of inch in the fender well.