When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am in the process of building a 416ci high torque motor for my 5,500 lb. Tahoe. I decided on the 2.9L since it is a better match for my cubes. The kit is for a 2010+ Camaro SS 6.2L and works great because it has the same accessory spacing as the trucks. I added the Innovators West 8 rib setup with a 10% overdrive dampner pulley. The Whipple was ordered with 8 ribs but it showed up with the standard 6 rib setup so now I am waiting for the replacements.
The only real modification I had to do was modify the alternator/power steering bracket so it would rotate more towards the driver's side. Otherwise the bracket would not clear the by-pass valve. I also had to switch to the Camaro water pump.
Can't wait to try this baby out. Should make for a good sleeper.
Last edited by Duntov1967; 12-31-2017 at 09:16 AM.
Are you using L92/LS3 heads (assuming so based on the kit being for a Camaro)?
Thanks Mike. I should be making 9-10 boost with the 10% OD balancer and 4 inch SC pulley. I am running 9.8:1 compression with a Vinci baby cam and slightly shaved l92 heads. No E85, just 93 pump gas.
For those with cathedral heads, the kit can be ordered with a matching base intake. Whipple is pretty good about putting together a custom kit. In my case, they swapped all the accessory/intercooler lines for a truck application. Very cool. Anyone with larger cubes should consider the 2.9L or 3.4L Whipple (or KB) instead of over-driving a 2.3L.
Who's valve covers are those? Nice build, will look and perform killer.
The valve covers are from PRW. My 1.8 ratio YT adjustable rockers rotate over the rails and PRW have a version with a modified rail flange (#4034630) that will clear. The extra thick flanges have machined cutouts for rocker clearance. I think Katech will clear also but I didn't want to spend that kind of money on just covers. For the price and not having to hand grind the rail flange, PRW are the way to go.
New issue to overcome. I was told that a cable TB would fit by rotating 180 degrees like they do with the DBW units. Wrong. The TPS won't clear the 4 inch SC pulley and I don't want to step down to a 3.25" or smaller. So it seems the best solution is to rotate it 90 degrees instead. After doing this not so scientific mockup, all the sensors have plenty of clearance and fabricating the cable bracket will be much simpler. So now I am going to machine an adapter out of .500" aluminum which should do the job. A side benefit is that getting to the idle screw will be much more convenient.
Last edited by Duntov1967; 12-31-2017 at 09:12 AM.
Another update. I spent days in the engine bay modifying the wiring. Stripped the entire loom to reroute the harness behind and down the side of the motor. Other changes to wiring included deleting the IAT in the MAF and rewiring to the new IAT sensor at the back of the manifold. Also modified for the new 3 bar LS9 MAP, relocated knock sensors, LS2 cam sensor and Lingenfelter 100mm Bosch style MAF.
Got the motor in and I am now working on the various external motor parts and connections. Had to set the SC in twice because I forgot to hook up the boost gauge line on the back of the manifold the first time. What a pain that was. I sure hope everything is good because there is a ton of stuff behind the supercharger. If anything is bad with the IAT, MAP, intercooler lines, fuel lines, wiring connectors, etc....... the SC has to come out. Had a few issues with the power steering pump clearance. When I modified the alt/pwr steering bracket by rotating it to the driver's side, I didn't consider the location of the steering box and lines. Also the new hydroboost pump had an extra port tube that caused issues. But a rubber mallet fixed it all.
It is taking much more time than I expected but so far I am pleased with the install. But my back is killing me! Here are a few pics of where I am at now.
Last edited by Duntov1967; 12-31-2017 at 09:07 AM.
Just started it up yesterday. I have a few minor issues. Even thou I have the valve covers with the notching for larger rockers, I have a few that are just 'ticking' the covers. I will have to pull the covers and do some extra grinding for clearance. Also the LS2 cam sensor conversion harness was pinned wrong and had to fix that.
I flashed the base tune but won't be able to go into boost until I get it on the chassis dyno. I took it out for an easy 40 mile drive and I can tell you this thing has tons of low end torque. Mildly taking off with no boost will push me back into the seat with ease. I can't wait to get the final dyno tune! I think I may have found the magical combo of l92 heads, baby cam and SC boost.
11-09-2012, 05:17 PM
2.9L Whipple Build 
What a pain that was. I sure hope everything is good because there is a ton of stuff behind the supercharger. If anything is bad with the IAT, MAP, intercooler lines, fuel lines, wiring connectors, etc....... the SC has to come out. Had a few issues with the power steering pump clearance. When I modified the alt/pwr steering bracket by rotating it to the driver's side, I didn't consider the location of the steering box and lines. Also the new hydroboost pump had an extra port tube that caused issues. But a rubber mallet fixed it all.
. 