BAD2theBONE

My goal is to reach 410-450 rwhp at first. I think that is a good starting point with the budget I have. I've read threads/dynos of current setups that have made anywhere between 365-395 and even 410 rwhp running cams only. My curiosity is, what cam is right for me??

My 02 Camaro SS is a daily driver. I don't drive it far, to and from work... and most of the time, small trips around town. I am in the Navy so I do drive it onto base. But due to the Navy, I am also gone for several weeks at a time. The car sits for weeks at a time. I'm looking to eventually buy another DD to kick my project SS into high gear (goal is to have 700+rwhp).

My current mods are Hurst TS, SLP lid and SLP CME... can I keep the looks of the CME or is it recommended to lose it? Will it affect the flow/numbers ill be wanting to make down the road?

I plan on putting my BMR springs/Koni shocks with all of my MOOG parts this weekend. I want to start off and see where I have clearance, before I go any further on my exhaust mods. My QTP 1 3/4 (originally wanted 1 7/8, but couldn't pass up the deal I got) LT headers will be going on after with a custom ORY fabricated from an exhaust shop. My mods will then be to purchase and install an FTP 92mm lid, port/Polish my TB and ill more than likely keep my LS6 intake and just have it ported for now. I have been reading up on Cams/heads in the internals section of this forum. Is there a good source/book you can reference me to other than me having to apply at UTI!! If there is any current setups out there (yours or a friends) that you can recommend for making 430-450 rwhp with just cam/heads and bolt ons... please let me know or PM me!

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

Well there are several options here to reach these numbers. First how much do you want to spend? Also, remember dynos can vary quite a bit, so don't count on a particular number. With that said I run a budget HCI combo (mods in my signature) but am extremely happy with it

garygnu

you will need some ported heads.find some used 243/799 ,and have them ported.or buy some ported heads from a forum vender.a BBk intake will out flow a ls6 intake ,and you can get them for $300 used.check out any Patrick-G thread for ideal on combos..what trans do you have ?

BAD2theBONE

I have an 01 Z28 that I will be selling to fund my build... this, depending on how much an 01 Z28 with 80,000+ miles is worth w/ a great running motor and good paint (mods in my sig)... asking $7,500-$8,000 plus a few extra thousands that I've saved. So roughly anywhere between 5-7k. Still needing to put some of the money to pay off my SS.

BAD2theBONE

How much can I sell my used LS6 intake for?? I've read that they are very sought out for... is this true? If I can get a pretty penny for them, I'd rather sell them and buy a FAST 90

WS6ICK2k

Alot of people with a LS1 intake are after them. Most of the ones I have seen used go somewhere around the $400 mark. Fast 90 is a great intake, but you can make more power with the 102, but you have to change fuel rails and either run a LS2 water pump or grind you stock one to clear with the 102. Unless you get a deal on a 90/92 buy a 102 for about the same price.

Plus the 102 will compliment a larger cube engine down the road, if you ever run a larger short block.

Heads+Cam+Intake should put you very close if not over you goals, just do your homework. I personally like tick performance cams and the service that goes along with them. I wouldn't upgrade to a BBK over a LS1 I don't think the gains will be worth it, I would either stick to the LS6'er or go FAST. Theres a huge debate about the metal bbk heat sinking you engine being metal instead of a poly material.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Don't use my build as a model for 450 at 7k lol. Although you already have the exhaust and stuff. I'd use the CME and just run the GMMG into it (can get that for 625 shipped from Madhammer - he's the guy who made them for GMMG). Just don't get it with the tips and have the exhaust shop connect the CME to the GMMG. I think that exhaust is good to about 450rwhp without much loss, so it'll work and sound excellent.

But I would say go with the FAST 102. The only thing you need to run are the LS2 rails. You can get those from Scoggin Dickey for $95. Then just buy LS2 injectors instead of LS1 injectors and you're fine. No need for billet rails or the FAST fuel rail conversion kit. I also got an LS2 water pump from Scoggin for $110. I figured mine had 140k miles and why not. Both the LS2 rails and WP are take off the LS2 crate motors. Never run and brand new GM parts.

I'd go with TEA Stage 2 Heads - you can buy new LS2 243cores through them and it's about $1900 out the door. Then get a custom grind cam from EPS, Martin@tick, or Brian Tooley.

redbird555

iTrader: (14)

^^^This.

I would either keep the ls6 or invest in a fast. The bbk just isnt worth it over an ls6 for the hassle. When you're said and done the fast especially a ported one will be about 25-30whp above an ls6 with your H/C setup.

If you have 5-7k to spend then honestly you can do pretty much whatever you want. I wouldn't get a set of 243's and have them ported though and heres why.

243 cores-$400
Ported Polish by AI-$995
Springs-$200

Right there you're at 1600 give or take and you havent even added in shipping. Meanwhile you can get a nice set of new ported stage 2 prc heads for around 1500 with springs OR AI also offers their DART 223 head which flows very well for around 1700 and is an aftermarket casting which is what I would be looking at. If you really want to spend money you can look into some AFR's or TFS heads.

The afr and tfs heads will cost more and would probably only make 20 more whp up top but under the curve is where they really shine. For the cam I'd go something in the low 230's duration with around 600 lift on a 112 lsa. Your best bet is to call up Geoff, PatG or Martin over at Tick and go over your wants and they will custom spec you something.

If you have an m6 you will also want to either add gears to your list or a rear as a H/C car will hate the stock 3.42's. Your cme should be fine and wont hurt any flow numbers. To be honest the slp dual dual thats on your car is one of the best flowing catbacks for our cars

BrntWS6

iTrader: (7)

Stock gears on a H/C car isn't a deal breaker. I have 3.42's still and it drives just fine. Treat it well until you can throw a 9" in there with some better gears.

BAD2theBONE

Awesome feedback and thank you to all who are helpful and friendly in this manner for my LS1 build!! I am not a car genius, nor know much... but I am willing to learn. I've been stuck in the Gen III External forum for WAY too long. Time to branch out of my comfort zone!

If I can sell my LS6 for $400+ then ill definitely be going with the LSXR 102mm by FAST.

UD pulley
4.10s
Will be added to the list...

I am currently talking with Martin @ Tick Performance and working on a H/C/I build now as we go over details.

Not sure if I'll be spraying it, but FI is definitely the plan down the road.
For now I just want a badass street car that'll kick *** and Smoke the rest in its class.
Be questionable when it comes to power, but yet leave em in the rear view mirror! I'm sure he has a few tricks up his sleeve over at Tick and I know he has the knowledge! That is not to be questioned!

Thank you all for your input!

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

Add the nitrous man lol! The 4.10's will be awesome n/a, and a real animal on a 100-150 shot. In about a week i'll be there myself

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

I'd stay away from aftermarket castings. They aren't going to make 20rwhp over the TEA or AI heads.

The aftermarket castings are just a waste of money unless you really need something they are selling (like a thicker deck for FI, because you keep blowing through your head gaskets or you're running a huge engine). Even then, you could go LS3 or LS7 and be fine.

BAD2theBONE

Just got off work and headed home... I'll have to take a look at those Jake! Which heads would you suggest?

BAD2theBONE

Haha You're almost as worse as my bud!! He keeps trying to pressure me into spraying it

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Personally, if you can find aftermarket castings USED and at a good price, I'd jump on them. You're goal really isn't that hard.

Hell, my cam wasn't even spec'd for my set-up and I hit it with a failing clutch and stock 28.8 injectors.

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

I'm over 450 rwhp with ported 243s and a 228R

BAD2theBONE

Bad what else are your specs??

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Stock LS1 cubes/Bottom end
PRC 2.5 LS6 heads
FAST 102/92
228R cam
Headers
42lb injectors


454 RWHP

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

My favorite budget friendly setup.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...o-results.html

If you want more though I would port some 243s and call it a day.

LS1T56FTW

iTrader: (3)

My entire motor build cost right around 5k after everything was all set and done, rod bolts, trunnion upgrade, etc. I have an excel spreadsheet of everything I purchased if you are interested. I went with the TSP H/C kit, cost $1700 at the time (what you will spend on heads alone from the places these people are guiding you to). My car dyno'd 470 at the wheels thru an LS6 intake, and traps 98 in the 1/8th on the motor...so it is track proven as well. Just my $0.02 though.