LS6 Build Advice
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
LS6 Build Advice I'm hoping to tap into the vast knowledge and experience here to help steer me right with my new LS6 build. I'm working with a very low mile C5Z LS6 that I'd like to bring up to modern times levels of fun. The car is being built up to be a very well-rounded street car that will see time in local/regional level autox and will likely see some (limited) time on the road course as I pursue driving instruction. I don't have a hard target power goal that I have to hit, but I would like to see around 420-450whp SAE corrected on premium fuel (I'm at 4000-5000ft ASL) while still retaining low-speed drivability and power delivery. A strong, well-balanced powerband that can still pull to 6500 or more is my primary goal. I'd take a bit more midrange bark over a little extra over-rev..
I've got a preliminary build outlined and I'm ready to get parts on order, however before I committed to this combination I'd like to run this by folks more in-the-know than myself to hopefully help steer me straight of any mistakes. Anyway, here's a slightly summarized version what I've got planned.. I'm hoping to get some guidance on camshaft selection..
Halltech KillerBee II Intake
90mm TB
FAST 92 Intake Manifold (ported?)
Trick Flow GenX 215cc Heads w/ CNC Port & Chamber
Harland Sharp 1.7 rockers
New LS7 OEM Lifters
BTR Stage 1 or Comp Cams 223/231 LSR (54-457-11) - Anything else?
Katech C5R chain
ATI (10% underdrive)
Kooks 1 3/4 LTH through OEM Ti Exhaust
Love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and input.
Thanks for your time,
- J
I've got a preliminary build outlined and I'm ready to get parts on order, however before I committed to this combination I'd like to run this by folks more in-the-know than myself to hopefully help steer me straight of any mistakes. Anyway, here's a slightly summarized version what I've got planned.. I'm hoping to get some guidance on camshaft selection..
Halltech KillerBee II Intake
90mm TB
FAST 92 Intake Manifold (ported?)
Trick Flow GenX 215cc Heads w/ CNC Port & Chamber
Harland Sharp 1.7 rockers
New LS7 OEM Lifters
BTR Stage 1 or Comp Cams 223/231 LSR (54-457-11) - Anything else?
Katech C5R chain
ATI (10% underdrive)
Kooks 1 3/4 LTH through OEM Ti Exhaust
Love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and input.
Thanks for your time,
- J
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 109
Likes: 59
Halltech KillerBee II Intake
90mm TB
go with a nick williams 102
FAST 92 Intake Manifold (ported?)
Go with a fast 102 port matched to heads
Trick Flow GenX 215cc Heads w/ CNC Port & Chamber
Harland Sharp 1.7 rockers
oem rockers with trunnion upgrade
New LS7 OEM Lifters
BTR Stage 1 or Comp Cams 223/231 LSR (54-457-11) - Anything else?
Get cam motion to build you a custom cam. And probably be cheaper
Katech C5R chain
ATI (10% underdrive)
Kooks 1 3/4 LTH through OEM Ti Exhaust
You will probably wont see 450 wheel at your altitude but who knows?
90mm TB
go with a nick williams 102
FAST 92 Intake Manifold (ported?)
Go with a fast 102 port matched to heads
Trick Flow GenX 215cc Heads w/ CNC Port & Chamber
Harland Sharp 1.7 rockers
oem rockers with trunnion upgrade
New LS7 OEM Lifters
BTR Stage 1 or Comp Cams 223/231 LSR (54-457-11) - Anything else?
Get cam motion to build you a custom cam. And probably be cheaper
Katech C5R chain
ATI (10% underdrive)
Kooks 1 3/4 LTH through OEM Ti Exhaust
You will probably wont see 450 wheel at your altitude but who knows?
Halltech KillerBee II Intake
90mm TB
go with a nick williams 102
GO WITH A KATECH 103 C5 TB. YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE YOUR TUNER SET MAX THROTTLE PERCENTAGE TO 93-95% TO NOT CAUSE REP.
FAST 92 Intake Manifold (ported?)
Go with a fast 102 port matched to heads
Trick Flow GenX 215cc Heads w/ CNC Port & Chamber
Harland Sharp 1.7 rockers
oem rockers with trunnion upgrade
New LS7 OEM Lifters
BTR Stage 1 or Comp Cams 223/231 LSR (54-457-11) - Anything else?
Get cam motion to build you a custom cam. And probably be cheaper
Katech C5R chain
ATI (10% underdrive)
Kooks 1 3/4 LTH through OEM Ti Exhaust
You will probably wont see 450 wheel at your altitude but who knows?
90mm TB
go with a nick williams 102
GO WITH A KATECH 103 C5 TB. YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE YOUR TUNER SET MAX THROTTLE PERCENTAGE TO 93-95% TO NOT CAUSE REP.
FAST 92 Intake Manifold (ported?)
Go with a fast 102 port matched to heads
Trick Flow GenX 215cc Heads w/ CNC Port & Chamber
Harland Sharp 1.7 rockers
oem rockers with trunnion upgrade
New LS7 OEM Lifters
BTR Stage 1 or Comp Cams 223/231 LSR (54-457-11) - Anything else?
Get cam motion to build you a custom cam. And probably be cheaper
Katech C5R chain
ATI (10% underdrive)
Kooks 1 3/4 LTH through OEM Ti Exhaust
You will probably wont see 450 wheel at your altitude but who knows?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I appreciate the input and feedback from everyone! Thank you.
I see a lot of recommendation to keep the OE rockers w/ the trunnion upgrade, however I understand the TFS heads need to use roller rockers due to the guide material and the side loading the OE rockers would put on them creating excessive wear. Is this not the case?
If the TFS heads do in fact need a roller rocker, and the HS rockers that were suggested by TFS are trash, what would be an appropriate rocker to use?
I see a lot of recommendation to keep the OE rockers w/ the trunnion upgrade, however I understand the TFS heads need to use roller rockers due to the guide material and the side loading the OE rockers would put on them creating excessive wear. Is this not the case?
If the TFS heads do in fact need a roller rocker, and the HS rockers that were suggested by TFS are trash, what would be an appropriate rocker to use?
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,291
Likes: 3,616
From: Central Cal.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
https://cammotion.com/ls-camshafts/l...220-232-110-4/
220/232 110+4 .595"/.586" lift
Pretty different than most offerings available. Any thoughts? Seems this is a relatively new offering so it doesn't appear to have much use at this time.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-8715
I may end up picking up 2-3 cams to help me get some real world experience and broaden my understanding of what my setup will like, yet work well with my intended use.
Appreciate the suggestions folks!!
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,291
Likes: 3,616
From: Central Cal.
Listing shows it's unavailable.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-8715
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-8715
I made 451whp/423wtq with a bolt on 2002 ls6 through a 9" and on pump gas. No reason your ls6 or any other ls6 wouldn't do the same. All it takes is paying attention to the details.
You don't need a h/c to it.
You don't need a h/c to it.
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 109
Likes: 59
Contacted Cam Motion regarding the plans and they suggested their "Track Weapon" cam
https://cammotion.com/ls-camshafts/l...220-232-110-4/
220/232 110+4 .595"/.586" lift
Pretty different than most offerings available. Any thoughts? Seems this is a relatively new offering so it doesn't appear to have much use at this time.
https://cammotion.com/ls-camshafts/l...220-232-110-4/
220/232 110+4 .595"/.586" lift
Pretty different than most offerings available. Any thoughts? Seems this is a relatively new offering so it doesn't appear to have much use at this time.
You don't want that summit cam. Wont make as much midrange power as that cam motion cam. Especially at elevation.
And dont do a UD pulley if you are running all the accessories. Slowing the water pump and alternator down is not a good thing. A replacement style fluidampr will do the trick
Last edited by B4CMaro; May 26, 2023 at 11:40 PM.
Because of your altitude, you can run a bit more static compression than at sea level. Calculate your dynamic compression ratio, using the cam specs you're interested in.
For road racing and autocross, your big goal is to make a really flat torque curve. You want to be able to pull out of the corners without a lot of shifting.
There are a couple of good software packages available that will help you build the engine. Although not incredibly accurate, they are consistent. You can see what happens with different cams, and allows you to play around with various specs to see what you want.
Set it up to use E-85 on race/track days. Higher octane, cleaner burning, and you'll never overheat.
For road racing and autocross, your big goal is to make a really flat torque curve. You want to be able to pull out of the corners without a lot of shifting.
There are a couple of good software packages available that will help you build the engine. Although not incredibly accurate, they are consistent. You can see what happens with different cams, and allows you to play around with various specs to see what you want.
Set it up to use E-85 on race/track days. Higher octane, cleaner burning, and you'll never overheat.