Where to start.
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 443
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Where to start. Ok, I've had my 01Z for about a year now and I feel like I'm still at square 1.
My problem is, is I feel like the Z is ridiculously slow and I don't know where to start.
My original goal was 700-800whp (eventually) with a front mount single turbo. But it was going to be a super budget build and the car would be down for way too long imo.
so now I'm looking to stay happy with the car by throwing a nice head/cam/possible intake, then work on suspension, and once I get the money I'll continue and forge the internals drop the compression and get a turbo setup.
I was looking at Trick-Flo 215 kit (515hp) paired with a nice cam or use the one it comes with, something with a good midrange power. The car looks like it already has some flowmaster y-pipe exhaust so maybe that would flow decently with some nice long tubes?
I guess my big question is would the 215's be enough kick in the pants? what kind of numbers do people here typically see with these and a cam? do i need a LSX-R 102 or will my LS6 intake suffice?
I guess this topic has been run through countless times but with all the MILLIONS of options there are for these cars its ridiculous haha. I am also open to suggestions if you've got some advice. Thanks in advance.
My problem is, is I feel like the Z is ridiculously slow and I don't know where to start.
My original goal was 700-800whp (eventually) with a front mount single turbo. But it was going to be a super budget build and the car would be down for way too long imo.
so now I'm looking to stay happy with the car by throwing a nice head/cam/possible intake, then work on suspension, and once I get the money I'll continue and forge the internals drop the compression and get a turbo setup.
I was looking at Trick-Flo 215 kit (515hp) paired with a nice cam or use the one it comes with, something with a good midrange power. The car looks like it already has some flowmaster y-pipe exhaust so maybe that would flow decently with some nice long tubes?
I guess my big question is would the 215's be enough kick in the pants? what kind of numbers do people here typically see with these and a cam? do i need a LSX-R 102 or will my LS6 intake suffice?
I guess this topic has been run through countless times but with all the MILLIONS of options there are for these cars its ridiculous haha. I am also open to suggestions if you've got some advice. Thanks in advance.
ridiculously slow are your serious. From the factory these cars are far from that. With a good heads and cam package you will hit between 410-430 with your ls6 intake. If you go to a ported mamo fast 102 then you could hit 450-460. I just bought some advanced induction 226 ls6 heads. Im doing the same thing. Im just pieceing together slowly. I will get my cam and all the rest of parts next week. I hope to have installed by april . Trickflow makes very good heads.
I love Trick Flow heads and have a pair of 215 heads on the way, but they are not exactly budget priced. The best bang for the buck are Texas Speed ported 5.3 heads. The next step up are ported LS6 heads. If you do get the Trick Flow 215 heads, get a different cam like one of Tick Performance cams. With a LS6 intake or if you can find a cheap used FAST 90 or 92 intake, you should be mid-400's hp.
Ridiculously slow compared to what?? I see you had an 09 Cobalt SS that put down some nice numbers. If you're comparing a Cobalt that had more torque, and about the same hp as a near stock LS1 Z28, and weighed almost 700 pounds less, then I can see why you would think it would feel a bit slower. However, a stock LS1 is nowhere near being ridiculously slow.
Just so you know the trick flo 215 kit (515 hp) is rated at the flywheel. So that will make around 440-450 hp at the wheels. Like batboy said, the PRC stage 2.5 5.3 heads are a great budget head. For a cam I would talk to Martin at Tick Performance. He knows what he is talking about!
Just so you know the trick flo 215 kit (515 hp) is rated at the flywheel. So that will make around 440-450 hp at the wheels. Like batboy said, the PRC stage 2.5 5.3 heads are a great budget head. For a cam I would talk to Martin at Tick Performance. He knows what he is talking about!
I would just go with a kit from TSP. If your looking to go budget, that's really the best way to go IMO. Your ls6 intake will be more than fine for most combos, only place I really ever see the need for a fast Intake is on max effort builds. You will be really surprised what that car will run like by simply putting on a good heads cam combo.. Good luck.
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 443
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Thanks guys, I know the car isnt slow but after having it a year it just doesnt feel fast for me. I am sort of comparing it to the cobalt but i understand the weight difference, I also got bored of that. haha. I have to be tinkering.
dont get me wrong i love my z, ive always had a soft spot for f-bodies. in highschool my mom had a 94z exact same color with a hard top but auto and some edelbrock heads from the previous owner.
so best heads would be trickflo's and a nice trickflo cam? (ive got my tax return and should be able to get them no problem) and some 42# injectors. will my stock pump be up for the task?
dont get me wrong i love my z, ive always had a soft spot for f-bodies. in highschool my mom had a 94z exact same color with a hard top but auto and some edelbrock heads from the previous owner.
so best heads would be trickflo's and a nice trickflo cam? (ive got my tax return and should be able to get them no problem) and some 42# injectors. will my stock pump be up for the task?
If it was me I would start with bolts ons first. Headers, ported tb, underdrive pulley,nice cat back. Then go cam then heads. What is your currant budget for this season is what I would use to start planning around.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Jacksonville, FL
i should have saved up about $8-10k by june this year when i get down to ft. worth texas area on my next orders. right now i have almost 10k but i havent moved down there yet.
I am looking to spend about 5k at the moment and keep 5k until i get down there. I figure 3200 on the heads and cam package from trickfo another 500 on injectors and 2k for a nice set of long tubes and exaust? i liked the kooks dual 3" but 1700 is a pretty penny (tsp had their dual 3" but theyre sold out til october i believe) then add some long tubes. im going to shop around for an exaust with an x pipe and 2.5" duals should be fine right? or maybe another company has a good dual 3"
I am looking to spend about 5k at the moment and keep 5k until i get down there. I figure 3200 on the heads and cam package from trickfo another 500 on injectors and 2k for a nice set of long tubes and exaust? i liked the kooks dual 3" but 1700 is a pretty penny (tsp had their dual 3" but theyre sold out til october i believe) then add some long tubes. im going to shop around for an exaust with an x pipe and 2.5" duals should be fine right? or maybe another company has a good dual 3"
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Verdad Gallardo If I remember correctly, 2.5" duals is good for up to about 500 rwhp. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. TSP makes amazing 1 7/8 stainless steel longtube headers with a velocity spike in the collector, and it's at a great price. Also, I believe I heard TSP still has their true duals in stock. Just give them a call.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Looks like I'm going to try and get the tfs 215 kit/tsp 1 7/8 headers/tsp true dual rumbler exhaust (if its in stock, still waiting on the email) but will it clear my stock torque arm or will I have to buy an after market one? I really want to support a great company like tsp and get their full exhaust. then when I get the money I'll get a complete forged internal setup from them. Thanks everyone.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Jacksonville, FL
I have a stock 10 bolt but i haven't payed attention to what's underneath as far as the rear end goes. It has some bilstein shocks, subframe connectors and strut tower brace (I know some camaros came stock with the bilstiens but I figured with mine being such a base model of z's that whoever had it before me put them in. So I never checked to see if anything was done to the rear end since I'm just learning about these suspensions so I wasn't sure when I saw the tsp note about chassis mounted torque arm. Sorry
I have a stock 10 bolt but i haven't payed attention to what's underneath as far as the rear end goes. It has some bilstein shocks, subframe connectors and strut tower brace (I know some camaros came stock with the bilstiens but I figured with mine being such a base model of z's that whoever had it before me put them in. So I never checked to see if anything was done to the rear end since I'm just learning about these suspensions so I wasn't sure when I saw the tsp note about chassis mounted torque arm. Sorry
Its just something you might want to keep an eye for and some spare cash in case it goes out on you.
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From: Tampa FL
First scrap the FlowDisaster and get some headers and a decent exhaust. Do you have a direct flow lid yet? Also a 2001 may already have an Ls6 intake manifold. Get it to a track and see what you run ET and MPH will give you the best picture of how the car actualy runs, then get a base line dyno so you know a starting point for your mods.
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 443
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From: Jacksonville, FL
First scrap the FlowDisaster and get some headers and a decent exhaust. Do you have a direct flow lid yet? Also a 2001 may already have an Ls6 intake manifold. Get it to a track and see what you run ET and MPH will give you the best picture of how the car actualy runs, then get a base line dyno so you know a starting point for your mods.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 443
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From: Jacksonville, FL
I was asking cus the stock 10 bolt is pretty much the weakest link on these cars. Especially on a m6 car. Some people have no problems with their 10 bolt + cam but others do.
Its just something you might want to keep an eye for and some spare cash in case it goes out on you.
Its just something you might want to keep an eye for and some spare cash in case it goes out on you.
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 443
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From: Jacksonville, FL
side note how will this cam perform that comes with the kit? good/bad/too much/too little/could be better?
"Camshaft specs are 228/230 duration, .585 in./.585 in. lift, 112 lobe separation angle."