Goal of 430rwhp - LS3 Setup vs 243 Setup ?
Your CTS-V has a T56, correct? 430rwhp is not really that hard to attain with an LS2, even with stock heads. Full bolt-ons put me at 395/415 in my '06 Goat. A small to medium cam could have easily picked up another 40hp. Instead, we went with a fairly healthy cam and made 480/453 with stock (untouched) 243 heads. The springs were upgraded for the cam, and that was it.
However, since you want to go with a mild cam for drivability, the LS3 top end would be my choice. There have been a lot of GTO guys getting really good results with relatively small cams. 430-450 should be no problem, and you could still add more later. You could always add a turbo setup if there was not blower option available. You will definitly want to upgrade that clutch and rear end though. Check out Monster Clutches and GeForce driveline components for that part.
However, since you want to go with a mild cam for drivability, the LS3 top end would be my choice. There have been a lot of GTO guys getting really good results with relatively small cams. 430-450 should be no problem, and you could still add more later. You could always add a turbo setup if there was not blower option available. You will definitly want to upgrade that clutch and rear end though. Check out Monster Clutches and GeForce driveline components for that part.
Your CTS-V has a T56, correct? 430rwhp is not really that hard to attain with an LS2, even with stock heads. Full bolt-ons put me at 395/415 in my '06 Goat. A small to medium cam could have easily picked up another 40hp. Instead, we went with a fairly healthy cam and made 480/453 with stock (untouched) 243 heads. The springs were upgraded for the cam, and that was it.
However, since you want to go with a mild cam for drivability, the LS3 top end would be my choice. There have been a lot of GTO guys getting really good results with relatively small cams. 430-450 should be no problem, and you could still add more later. You could always add a turbo setup if there was not blower option available. You will definitly want to upgrade that clutch and rear end though. Check out Monster Clutches and GeForce driveline components for that part.
However, since you want to go with a mild cam for drivability, the LS3 top end would be my choice. There have been a lot of GTO guys getting really good results with relatively small cams. 430-450 should be no problem, and you could still add more later. You could always add a turbo setup if there was not blower option available. You will definitly want to upgrade that clutch and rear end though. Check out Monster Clutches and GeForce driveline components for that part.
Yes T56, the rear ends are way expensive for this car.... I think i will just stay away from beating on the car out of the hole....
Launching!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis, IN
Theres more loss in a v drivetrain than the other cars, but it shouldnt be hard to get 430.... What about a ported mani, tb, full exhaust and a mild cam? Less money maybe reach it also? Just a suggestion. I have an 06 v and have just that without the cam and im hopeing to get into the 390 range...well see in a week or two.
