Recently picked up an 04 CTS-V with a maggie.

I bought the car right and it runs OK but there are no receipts and I didn't build it so I have no idea whats in the motor and don't want to find out really. Its got and aggressive sounding cam (unknown specs) and could stand a tune but instead of spending money on the car, I was thinking about taking the maggie off and just reselling the car.

I've also got an 05 V and am considering putting the maggie on it along with a fresh blower specific motor so I can beat on it with confidence. The LS6 that is in the car runs fine and I'd be collecting parts from scratch as I'll keep driving the car until the new combo is done. I'd just install the maggie on it but its got 230K on it and I'm not putting a blower on a motor with stock valve springs and 230K.

I don't think I need to go Gen IV for heads or anything so the 243s and GenIII block should be plenty for my horsepower goals of between 450 and 500 at the wheels...it would make for an easier install as well. I'm looking more for low end torque, driveability and reliability than top end rush...The only advantage of going with an LS1 or LS6 block would be to use the extra motor mount holes that I'll need to use in the V. I can make an adapter for an iron block which isn't that big a deal but it's work none the less.

Should I go iron or aluminum block? What kind of port work would you recommend for the 243s? Pistons/Rods/Cam/springs/Trunion Upgrade? Compression ratio (probably staying at 6 to 7psi I'd guess)? Headers (1 3/4" Kooks on a stock exhaust). Is there a shortblock/longblock kit you guys could recommend to save me the hassle of piecing it all together???

Thanks!

 

IF you want the best hp per $ go with ThompsonMotorsportshttp://www.thompsonmotorsports.net/ (Sponsor) They have a few diffrent shortblck packages that are custom made depending upon na, turbos,Super, N20 . They carry lm7,Lq9 iron that is going to hold up with best $ per Hp , if weight is an issue then you could go aluminum but your limited if you want to keep your heads to the bore size of the 243 style head . You in return could re freshen up your 243 head castings drop in some (brian tooley racing) dual valve springs with ti ret. , New valves and always opt in for new Bronze guides , Then you have a head that ill get the job dont for an awesome budget build / Best hp Tony Mamo those heads . Your options are only limited to your budget Let me know what you decide

 

I've been on Thompson's website and didn't see any FI options for the C5 Corvette. Guess I'll be giving them a call when I'm ready but I'm hoping for more info before doing that.

Thanks!