57ssr

[I posted this in the Gen IV Forum, but it was suggested it goes here....]

Sorry if kinda basic question, but looking for advice on where to start to LEARN what to do with the LS2 that is in my SSR. I want to understand what I should be looking at to improve the performance and why, so more just saying 'this intake/ that cam/ etc'. That type of information is appreciated, but if I don't know why it makes sense I will be always doubting myself on the selections made.

With a curb weight of 4700 pounds I understand there are going to be limitations to what is feasible and what is realistic on the budget. I plan to do the mods myself, and want to keep it naturally asperated. As reference it has a T56 and I am planning to swap from 3.73 to 4.56 rear.

Objectives are to improve 0-60 times while keeping it something that can be driven at low speeds as well as highway. Hopefully this is not too much to ask?

Thanks guys!

Loudmouthls2

I have an ls2 gto and did a fast 102 intake manifold/cold air intake, long tube headers and bigger injectors to flow more air and fuel into my motor. We put down 449 rwhp with bolt ons and a cam and its great for all around driving

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

4.56 gears will have your rpms close to like 3,000 at 60mph...def not highway friendly

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

So this will be a weekend/summer toy type of ride then?

DACTARI

iTrader: (1)

If you really want to know the whys and the wherefores, then I strongly suggest you talk to Martin @ Tick performance. He explains better than anyone else.

It sounds like you want a NA car that has all-around performance and good manners. The tried and true method is to start with an aftermarket camshaft. Given your weight and the fact that low-speed driveability is important to you, you're going to want a medium to smaller sized cam, something from 228 or smaller intake duration. You're going to want a big split on the exhaust duration to bring the torque curve down and keep it going longer. The LSA is down to what you can tolerate in terms of chop/lope. Are you looking for stock style sound or do you want / are you willing to tolerate a modded sound? A cam like mine (228/236 111+3) or smaller will give you lots of torque that comes on early and stick around, but you will give up a little peak HP. I dynoed about 400 before installing by FAST 102 intake. Though I would probably cracked 410-420 with a bigger cam, I don't miss it at all because my torque is close to peak output by 3500 RPM and stays up there all day long. My ride isn't quite as heavy as yours, so you will probably want something a little smaller to get it going.

Keep in mind that what I've just written is from the perspective of an informed layman. People like Martin, Brian Tooley, Ed Curtis and our own PredatorZ can think about specific valve timing and come up with precise recommendations given your setup.

After the cam, the next step is usually a good set of heads. The LS2 intake is also known to be restrictive. If you can find a LS6 intake, it will be worth it.

I also agree with the other poster that 3.73 gears are already good for your setup.

57ssr

Here are the ratios in the trans:
3.01
2.07
1.43
1.0
.84
.57

So I am pretty confident at 70MPH on the highway I will be moving from 2000 to 2500 RPM, so that is not a concern.


3.73 Stock shift points at WOT:
1-2 @ 45 mph
2-3 @ 85 mph

4.56 shift points at WOT:
1-2 @ 36 mph
2-3 @ 68 mph

I am definitely not planning for this to appear stock and would like a modded sound, in fact hoping for it to be similar to the C7 with the active exhaust. :- )

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

I would go with 4.11 before 4.56, but that overdrive is pretty stout...4.11 more popular with the 6 speed

sick_tight

4700lbs where the hell did they fit it? is the frame made of lead?

DACTARI

iTrader: (1)

Forgot to say, but I assume you are already going to do a cold air intake and headers, correct? How well you can get your motor to breathe will affect cam choice.

Based on your description so far, I think a cam like the Tick Torquemax Stage 1 for LS6 would be right up your alley. http://www.tickperformance.com/tick-...1-ls6-engines/

But I would be curious to see what other recommend. This is a really heavy automobile.

57ssr

The guys on the SSR site seem to favor the 4.10 if they put on a Magnacharger otherwise they are running 4.56. I figure I would rather put the money in the motor than on it!

Well it has a full ladder frame basically shared with the Trailblazer EXT, plus a 9.5" 14 bolt rear axle, plus the top and mechanism is reportedly around 700 pounds..... it is NOT a lightweight!

Already have a K&N Cold Air, and plan on OBX headers to a true dual exhaust, though not sure what/ if the mufflers may be.

57ssr

duplicate

57ssr

Well guys I am back! Actually waiting for it to get warmer and trying to figure out the next steps.

I swapped out the gears to 4.56 and noticed a big difference off the line, so that was a very nice change. Speedo is off, so that is either something I will have to deal with [memorize the offset/ run Torque Pro] or get fixed with a tune.

So question now is where to go next. I am going to swap out the existing oil pan to a C6 to prevent starvation, as the existing pan is known for that, but unsure where to go from there. Struggle with the idea of cam swap on an engine with 11k miles, and prefer to think headers/ dual exhaust might be next followed by intake and then tune? Some advice that 'since you have the pan off....' that ranges from change the rod bolts, to now is the time to toss in a cam, and such...

Not at all worried about numbers, instead looking to just make it go within reason as a NA vehicle that if need be could make a cross country trek.

z28SSilvest

True duals will sound badass. A lot of people go with the Sweet Thunder mufflers