If your installing a cam for sure go with long tube headers. Take maximum advantage of that cam. Pass on the Z's stock headers regardless if they flow well go all the way when doing a cam on your headers.
I agree with that but I will be running cats and I think cats somewhat attenuate the scavenging pulses that make the long tubes work so well. I have tried to find dyno tests that isolate this exact variable and have not found anything super relevant. Someone has had of tested the effect of decent cats on LT headers. They have tested stock exhausts with and w/o modern factory cats and show only a very minimal loss with the cats.
Z exhaust is a good mod for a stock to mild cam ls engine. For NA, LTs are a better choice if you're installing anything more than that. The scavenging effect created can be a big help.
@@Toys4LifeKooks high flow cats work amazing when also paired with their ceramic coating that makes the heat higher in the exhaust vs the engine bay. Improving scavenging
I am running GESI cats on my HCI C6 Z06 with American Racing Headers and they work very well. Worth considering if you’re going to make a bunch of power but want to run cats or need to run cats. Love your videos btw. Great content.
If you're gonna go cam. You need long tubes and get some high flow cats. This combo works great. Call Texas Speed and they can choose the right combo for you in you're price range. Very fast shipping as well. You're stock lifters will be fine. Just get springs and rods with the kit. Not sure how many miles you have but might as well change the oil pump while you have it apart. Stock lifters will keep you from taking off the heads. You can do the dowel trick to keep the lifters up while installing the cam. and then a fresh tune. Easily should add 50 hp with long tubes. Good luck man!
Great video! And thank you so much for the reference to Wallace racing calculators! I used to play with these on my computer, and have not found a new source of them since I sold my old computer .
As a ls2 c6 owner with cam i can say the BTR stage 2 version 2 called redhot cam is by far the best! It's also good for forced induction when you decide to go that route. I promise you will not regret it.
Again another informative video. As so many other's have stated, and you know better than I do, Cam, Long Tube, HIGH FLOW Cats, X pipe (if needed), Springs and Retainer's. I think that's the way to go(?) with a good tune. I would consider port matching the heads with the FAST intake. I did this on my 1987 Vette when building the engine and what a difference it made. Maybe even enlarging the ports a bit while matching. Just a thought. Looking forward to the next video.
I went for a camshaft that has more average (area under the curve) power production instead of a peak power focused cam. Torquer V4 from Texas speed, similar to Truck Norris cam, and it basically makes constant torque across the rpm range. Cam swap requires radiator removal and is a great time to upgrade that along with hoses. I added the steam port crossover to the rear of the heads (OEM truck I think) and used a T to tie it in to the front/stock steam ports. This keeps the wall between cylinders 5 and 7 from building up a hot spot where there is no liquid coolant. I would keep an eye out for a used ZO6 differential as they hold power all day, but there are some specifics regarding shafts to watch out for. There are a lot of details on the corvette forums as always. I cut the heat shielding off of my stock exhaust manifold and formed it around my new headers when I put on long tubes.
I have been looking at the Truck Norris. Richard Holdner speaks of this very well and his testing backs it up. I'm not looking to add a tq converter (yet) so this might be the one for me.
A cam is exactly what I was thinking throughout this entire video LOL. I recently bought one of Richard's Low Buck Truck cams (basically a $179 Truck Norris) that will hopefully be making its way into my C5 by Thanksgiving. The .553 lift means it can be used with cheaper-yet-OEM quality LS3/LS6 valve springs and you'll be hard pressed to find a cam that makes more torque through the mid-range.
An easy one for C6, Soler electronic throttle controller…. Amazing response!! My mechanic says forget the LS7 exhaust manifolds…American racing headers are the way to go.
Consider the stage 1 V2 from BTR, its not very big and keeps all of the valve train under fairly low strain but the stage 1 makes more power everywhere over the stock cam without giving up any drivability. It doesn't rev as hard and looses power up top but makes almost 15 more ftlbs of tq between 2-4k rpm than the stage 2 cams. And still pulls hard to 6500 rpm keeping alll the accessories happy as your still keeping everything in the same rev range.
I recommend the the trickflow top end kit. Will work great with your fast intake. You could also sell you 243 heads to recoup some of your money. I just had this kit installed on my 01 z06
If you're considering swapping to an OEM exhaust manifold on the c5, the hooker shorties are on closeout. I picked up a set for mine for about $200, cheaper than most of the oem ones I saw on ebay.
I just took a peek at them. The ones I looked at are 3 into 1 and then 2 into 1 design. Based upon they way they look, I would think the LS7 Exhaust Manifolds (pictures were in the vid) look more free flowing but without any testing - that is just eyeball engineering. What do you think?
@@Toys4Life It's a 4 into 1 design. The ls7 uses an odd oval collector with shorter tubes that you'll have to adapt. I'd bet the hooker fits a lot easier and longer primaries generally means lower end torque. I don't have any real data for you, just hooker generally makes good stuff.
Even though I have an LS3, I added a BTR Stage 1 cam, LG long tube headers (Jet-Hot coated), X pipe, hi-flow cats and a Halltech CAI and on a Mustang dyno (which I feel was kinda stingy) I'm getting 435 at the wheels through an A6. Sorry, I don't have any strip times/speeds for you.
I am learning to love my LS7. With all the mods it’s kind of scary, TBH. The part that’s weird is the powerband has been shifted up the RPM range somewhat. Add that to the extra HP and cruising at 35 is actually cruising at 55 lol!
Wanted to ask, for my C6 Corvette what is in your opinion the best radiator and or also fan setup for ensuring the best cooling? In short, I live in Texas and its normal to have 100 degree weeks on end and I want to have a setup where I never have that temp anxiety stuck in traffic or similar out here. I'm not looking for budget, just best cooling. I"m not running any boost and its manual. What do you think?
I have been working on plan for my mostly stock 2007 ls2 c6. Are you using stock throtle or 102 from fast?Stock fuel rails and injectors?What thermostat are you using? Doing alot of research first before buying unneeded parts.
I really enjoyed your latest video on your C6. I have a couple of questions. 1. My 2007 Corvette is used mostly for local cruising with a yearly 1000 mile road trip to a Corvette event. Would any of the mods you looked at require a tune? I do not own or know how to use a tuner so would have find a capable shop to do it.( extra expense) 2. Your C5 is great. I’m looking into maybe buying one to mod up a little. My C6 is stock except for CAI and Borla axle back exhaust. Being supercharged would your C5 be capable of making a 1000 mile road trip?
The cam would need a tune 100% for sure. Gears would require some changes for auto cars I believe to dial in shift points. The Supercharged C5 is as reliable as stock. That having been said, I take it easy when I am more than 50 miles from home just in case (:-)
That's a nice recipe and awesome 14/ mile time - thanks! Manual or auto? 230 intake duration is quite a bit - how are the street manners - could your lady friend drive it without getting frustrated - or is it a little rowdy sub 2k rpms?
If you do headers, please don't add them at the same time as other mods so we can see what they actually add. People always scream for long tubes but I personally think its a waste of time and money. If the ZR1 or Z06 are fine without them why do we need them. Also long tubes cost a fortune. For what they add. For HP per $, long tubes are weak. Just my 0.02.
@ yes, true, I was stuck in the past . Took me a while to realize changing a gear set on a corvette is much more complex. On my 08 A6, the 2.73 performance rear axle was a $555 option. I think the standard ratio was 2.42…. Anyways, it makes a difference
That maybe true but along that line of thinking you could also say - never go past 1/2 throttle - but where is the fun in that? I am after a moderate build & I believe that will not drastically shorten the engines lifespan. Running it lean (knock) or revving it to the moon for long periods of time will absolutely shorten its life.
@@Toys4LifeI like my midrange cam and 4.10 gears. Not a track burner, but mini-rips to 45-ish mph on the street in grand fashion. Grind similar in design to the Z06 but a step up 218/226 .587/.587 114+3. Very good manners, but will find 5,000 rpm in a hurry.
If your installing a cam for sure go with long tube headers. Take maximum advantage of that cam. Pass on the Z's stock headers regardless if they flow well go all the way when doing a cam on your headers.
I agree with that but I will be running cats and I think cats somewhat attenuate the scavenging pulses that make the long tubes work so well. I have tried to find dyno tests that isolate this exact variable and have not found anything super relevant. Someone has had of tested the effect of decent cats on LT headers. They have tested stock exhausts with and w/o modern factory cats and show only a very minimal loss with the cats.
Z exhaust is a good mod for a stock to mild cam ls engine. For NA, LTs are a better choice if you're installing anything more than that. The scavenging effect created can be a big help.
@@Toys4LifeKooks high flow cats work amazing when also paired with their ceramic coating that makes the heat higher in the exhaust vs the engine bay. Improving scavenging
I am running GESI cats on my HCI C6 Z06 with American Racing Headers and they work very well. Worth considering if you’re going to make a bunch of power but want to run cats or need to run cats.
Love your videos btw. Great content.
If you're gonna go cam. You need long tubes and get some high flow cats. This combo works great. Call Texas Speed and they can choose the right combo for you in you're price range. Very fast shipping as well. You're stock lifters will be fine. Just get springs and rods with the kit. Not sure how many miles you have but might as well change the oil pump while you have it apart. Stock lifters will keep you from taking off the heads. You can do the dowel trick to keep the lifters up while installing the cam. and then a fresh tune. Easily should add 50 hp with long tubes. Good luck man!
Another excellent video. I really appreciate the LS 2 factor which opens up purchasing a slightly older C-6. I'm shopping! Love your channel!
Thanks & good luck!
Great video!
And thank you so much for the reference to Wallace racing calculators!
I used to play with these on my computer, and have not found a new source of them since I sold my old computer .
As a ls2 c6 owner with cam i can say the BTR stage 2 version 2 called redhot cam is by far the best! It's also good for forced induction when you decide to go that route. I promise you will not regret it.
By far the best??? Chopacabra, Truck Norris, etc are all in the ballpark according to Holdner.
Really excited for your next video and series on the camshaft !
Another great video, I,m for the deeper gear, along w a taller tire. Gear it for 2000 rpm@ 70MPH
Again another informative video. As so many other's have stated, and you know better than I do, Cam, Long Tube, HIGH FLOW Cats, X pipe (if needed), Springs and Retainer's. I think that's the way to go(?) with a good tune. I would consider port matching the heads with the FAST intake. I did this on my 1987 Vette when building the engine and what a difference it made. Maybe even enlarging the ports a bit while matching. Just a thought. Looking forward to the next video.
Thanks for the video like other commentators I was also thinking of a Camshaft swap
As always, looking forward to the next one
Glad to hear it!
I know the gears would be costly.
Driving several Z06 models with those closer gears is a lot of fun. 😅😊😅
I went for a camshaft that has more average (area under the curve) power production instead of a peak power focused cam. Torquer V4 from Texas speed, similar to Truck Norris cam, and it basically makes constant torque across the rpm range.
Cam swap requires radiator removal and is a great time to upgrade that along with hoses. I added the steam port crossover to the rear of the heads (OEM truck I think) and used a T to tie it in to the front/stock steam ports. This keeps the wall between cylinders 5 and 7 from building up a hot spot where there is no liquid coolant.
I would keep an eye out for a used ZO6 differential as they hold power all day, but there are some specifics regarding shafts to watch out for. There are a lot of details on the corvette forums as always.
I cut the heat shielding off of my stock exhaust manifold and formed it around my new headers when I put on long tubes.
I have been looking at the Truck Norris. Richard Holdner speaks of this very well and his testing backs it up. I'm not looking to add a tq converter (yet) so this might be the one for me.
A cam is exactly what I was thinking throughout this entire video LOL. I recently bought one of Richard's Low Buck Truck cams (basically a $179 Truck Norris) that will hopefully be making its way into my C5 by Thanksgiving. The .553 lift means it can be used with cheaper-yet-OEM quality LS3/LS6 valve springs and you'll be hard pressed to find a cam that makes more torque through the mid-range.
Next up should be getting some touch-up paint for the nosecone. Such a nice car, suprised you haven't fixed that yet!
Guilty as charged 😢
An easy one for C6, Soler electronic throttle controller…. Amazing response!!
My mechanic says forget the LS7 exhaust manifolds…American racing headers are the way to go.
Love my 05 c6, thinking of putting a c5 z06 diff in it. Might put a used supercharger on it (any advice?)
Consider the stage 1 V2 from BTR, its not very big and keeps all of the valve train under fairly low strain but the stage 1 makes more power everywhere over the stock cam without giving up any drivability. It doesn't rev as hard and looses power up top but makes almost 15 more ftlbs of tq between 2-4k rpm than the stage 2 cams. And still pulls hard to 6500 rpm keeping alll the accessories happy as your still keeping everything in the same rev range.
I recommend the the trickflow top end kit. Will work great with your fast intake. You could also sell you 243 heads to recoup some of your money.
I just had this kit installed on my 01 z06
Nice - what are the cam specs for the kit you went with?
Looking forward to the content on the cam install! What other parts with you be replacing? Lifters/springs/etc
Thanks!! Springs for sure - the series will show all the steps and parts I am using.
Texas speed tsunami cam will best suit the 6.0l displacement. I've put a couple in and tuned correctly have pretty good drivability
If you're considering swapping to an OEM exhaust manifold on the c5, the hooker shorties are on closeout. I picked up a set for mine for about $200, cheaper than most of the oem ones I saw on ebay.
I just took a peek at them. The ones I looked at are 3 into 1 and then 2 into 1 design. Based upon they way they look, I would think the LS7 Exhaust Manifolds (pictures were in the vid) look more free flowing but without any testing - that is just eyeball engineering. What do you think?
@@Toys4Life It's a 4 into 1 design. The ls7 uses an odd oval collector with shorter tubes that you'll have to adapt. I'd bet the hooker fits a lot easier and longer primaries generally means lower end torque. I don't have any real data for you, just hooker generally makes good stuff.
Even though I have an LS3, I added a BTR Stage 1 cam, LG long tube headers (Jet-Hot coated), X pipe, hi-flow cats and a Halltech CAI and on a Mustang dyno (which I feel was kinda stingy) I'm getting 435 at the wheels through an A6. Sorry, I don't have any strip times/speeds for you.
Appreciate the feedback, I bet that feels like a decent upgrade! 😁
It absolutely is. BTR is great. Ask for Craig
I am learning to love my LS7. With all the mods it’s kind of scary, TBH. The part that’s weird is the powerband has been shifted up the RPM range somewhat. Add that to the extra HP and cruising at 35 is actually cruising at 55 lol!
Following to know your cam pick. Will love to cam my C6, but have no idea what cam to select.
Cam has been ordered!
Wanted to ask, for my C6 Corvette what is in your opinion the best radiator and or also fan setup for ensuring the best cooling? In short, I live in Texas and its normal to have 100 degree weeks on end and I want to have a setup where I never have that temp anxiety stuck in traffic or similar out here. I'm not looking for budget, just best cooling. I"m not running any boost and its manual. What do you think?
Best is probably Dewitts .
Eaat Coast Supercharging quoted me $2800 to install RPM 390 ring and pinion kit in my C5 in july of 2022.
Did you have them perform the work - if so, did they do a good job and how do you like them 390's? Manual or auto trans?
I didn’t get it done. I was kicking the idea around. I still might. It’s a manual. So I would be going from 342 to 390.
I have been working on plan for my mostly stock 2007 ls2 c6. Are you using stock throtle or 102 from fast?Stock fuel rails and injectors?What thermostat are you using? Doing alot of research first before buying unneeded parts.
What are your thoughts on the Tick & Monster clutch (with specific options selected) replacement?
I have gm master and slave and Monster LT1S-Twin disk for the past 4-5 years or so and they are flawless!
I really enjoyed your latest video on your C6. I have a couple of questions.
1. My 2007 Corvette is used mostly for local cruising with a yearly 1000 mile road trip to a Corvette event. Would any of the mods you looked at require a tune? I do not own or know how to use a tuner so would have find a capable shop to do it.( extra expense)
2. Your C5 is great. I’m looking into maybe buying one to mod up a little. My C6 is stock except for CAI and Borla axle back exhaust.
Being supercharged would your C5 be capable of making a 1000 mile road trip?
The cam would need a tune 100% for sure. Gears would require some changes for auto cars I believe to dial in shift points. The Supercharged C5 is as reliable as stock. That having been said, I take it easy when I am more than 50 miles from home just in case (:-)
Remember a
True flex fuel setup, will run a good bit cooler
10.9 @125 on a very safe tune:
PRC Stage 2.5 heads
Vararam CAI
Ported FAST 102 intake
Comp Cams Spinmonster 230/234 .612(XFI)/.598(XER) 114 + 2 LSA
SLP Underdrive pulley
Yank 3600 stall
Kooks 1 7/8” Longtube headers
Kooks catted X pipe
Corsa Sport Exhaust
That's a nice recipe and awesome 14/ mile time - thanks! Manual or auto? 230 intake duration is quite a bit - how are the street manners - could your lady friend drive it without getting frustrated - or is it a little rowdy sub 2k rpms?
@@Toys4Life it's an 2006 A6 Z51. Car runs and drives beautiful...can be driven anytime, anyplace by anyone.
Its really not a lot, its whats necessary to keep up with mustang volumetric efficiency @Toys4Life
A good stereo, 1.
lol The engine is the stereo!
Exactly. Stereo and speakers just ad weight.
If you do headers, please don't add them at the same time as other mods so we can see what they actually add. People always scream for long tubes but I personally think its a waste of time and money. If the ZR1 or Z06 are fine without them why do we need them. Also long tubes cost a fortune. For what they add. For HP per $, long tubes are weak. Just my 0.02.
deal!
Cheapest mod, a shorter rear gear
The gears are cheap, but IMO - getting them properly installed is not so cheap - unless you have a good source for this. Share if you do please.
@ yes, true, I was stuck in the past . Took me a while to realize changing a gear set on a corvette is much more complex. On my 08 A6, the 2.73 performance rear axle was a $555 option. I think the standard ratio was 2.42…. Anyways, it makes a difference
Cheapest mod = driver mod.
Indeed 👍
As in replacement or I need to go back to Brainerd IR for some more HPDE education?
If you want your motor to last, leave it stock.
That maybe true but along that line of thinking you could also say - never go past 1/2 throttle - but where is the fun in that? I am after a moderate build & I believe that will not drastically shorten the engines lifespan. Running it lean (knock) or revving it to the moon for long periods of time will absolutely shorten its life.
@@Toys4LifeI like my midrange cam and 4.10 gears. Not a track burner, but mini-rips to 45-ish mph on the street in grand fashion. Grind similar in design to the Z06 but a step up 218/226 .587/.587 114+3. Very good manners, but will find 5,000 rpm in a hurry.