Dark SS

iTrader: (6)

So I am basically chasing my old Vette. I had an LS2/A6 with LS3 top end and an LPE GT-11 cam. That car made 437 rwhp and ran a best of an 11.002. I built it as a grudge car and now I am pretty done with that aspect of racing.

I know have a bone stock 2000 Trans Am A4 and it's pretty much a blank canvas. I'm looking for input on how to get down to a low 11, high 10 N/A. I want to retain all the creature comforts but don't mind adding some light weight suspension parts or a Fab 9' to keep weight in check. I also don't mind a big cam and high stall.

Can I do this with the stock bottom end? Ported 799's or after market castings? Am I better off looking for an LS2 bottom end to do an LS3 top end on?

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

You can get there with a LS1 pretty easily. You can even do so with ported 243 or 799 heads; it's been done many times. A guy I know is running high 10's with a Brian Tooley cam and stock heads, so it can even be done without having the heads ported, but I'd recommend either getting them ported, or if budget allows, getting a really nice set of aftermarket castings. I really like my Advanced Induction Dart/RHS 223cc CNC'd heads. They flow a **** ton of air, especially in the upper RPM range. If you are going to go the ported 243/799 route, look into Advanced Induction or TEA. Not sure what your budget for heads are, but if you've got the cash to spend, look into the Advanced Induction Dart/RHS heads, or even into Trick Flow, PRC (227's would be killer), or AFR heads. Just make sure you get the heads before the cam. I would personally have the cam custom spec'd for the heads and overall combo. You would also benefit from a FAST intake.

If you prefer the LS3 top end, then you'll need a 6.0 block. Can't really say as to which is cheaper, as I don't know what all you currently have. I just assume you don't have a 6.0 short block sitting around, but could be wrong. If you do, then that's the route I'd go.

Dark SS

iTrader: (6)

I will spend the money if needed. I have a set of unported 799 heads I'm either selling or will send out to get ported depending on which way I go. I am no opposed to a good set of after market heads. I also am planning on a FAST 92. I don't have a 6 liter yet. I would rather use what I have. I wasn't aware that LS1's are getting to where I want to be pretty easily. I have actually never had an LS1. All my LS' have been 6 liter or larger so this is a new territory for me. That's awesome that I should be able to reach my goal with a 346.

BTW, I love you car man. Mine is silver and I plan on running a set of 17/15 dark stars too.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Getting between 440 and 450 rwhp won't be too hard with a set of nice ported heads, a FAST 92/92 combo, and a decent sized cam; something in the high 220's/low 230's intake and low to mid 230's on the exhaust side. I guess the biggest thing for you right now is deciding if you should have the 799's ported, or sell them and buy a set of aftermarket castings. Another option for you could be the Trick Flow 220's. You could get them through Brian Tooley and have him do his hand blending/port work on them. Brian stated that his hand worked Trick Flow 220's are equal, if not better, than the Trick Flow CNC'd 215cc heads.

Dark SS

iTrader: (6)

440 with a 4K stall and stock weight should do the trick. I could see that going 10's in -DA.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Yeah, I agree. An M6 will always dyno higher, but if you're goal is to run low 11's, as long as the power is there, which it will be, and the suspension is setup good, it will run great times.

Dark SS

iTrader: (6)

I think I'm going to go with the prc 225 as cast heads. Combo that with 1 7/8" headers, FAST 92 and NW 92 TB and a custom grind cam. Should be fun!

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

It will be a Monster for sure.

Sales@Tick

iTrader: (3)

Here is a link to our TEA/Tick H/C package we offer. I feel it is very comprehensive and won't leave you searching or looking for little knick knack parts like gaskets and bolts that will be needed during your H/C swap.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/sponsor-s...m-package.html

We also offer FTI and PTC stall converters and can match the perfect stall to your H/C combination as well.

I don't see any reason why a well matched H/C and converter combination with good suspension and track tuning can't go 10's.

Dark SS

iTrader: (6)

Thanks Martin, that looks like a great package.

DaveVette91

High quality heads, big cam, and all supporting mods. Go!!

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Martin said FTI...

Dark SS

iTrader: (6)

Another head I'm looking at is the mast small bore LS3. What's your thoughts on that?

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Anything MAST puts its name on is nothing but great. Just make sure if you get those heads, don't go buying some off the shelf cam. Get a custom cam made for the LS3 style heads.

Dark SS

iTrader: (6)

I have had experience with LS3 heads before but I never thought of getting a set of small bores. The price difference isn't so far away when you factor in using a stock LS3 intake, rails and injectors.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Yep, being able to run the stock LS3 intake and rails is a huge plus. No need for a FAST, ss the LS3 intake is really good.