NOSLO6

Hi folks,

I'm contemplating selling my C5 Z06 (2002) for a 2007 C6 (discounts make this attractive).

I'm largely interested in moving to a C6 for the removable roof panel, somewhat more comfortable interior, and warranty. My buick is my racecar (see below) and I use the Z06 for occasional autocross, spirited backroad driving, and road trips with my wife. However, I'd like to at least match the performance of my Z06 (measured by handling AND in ETs) and want to get a sense of what it would take.

I've found good info on the handling side, but haven't seen a good "recipies" post on what it takes to put a C6 into the 11.70s range (assume Nitto 555R2s). The sticky has a few examples, but there are surprisingly few bolt-on cars in the mid to high 11s listed.

So, quick C6 owners, what does it take to go mid 11s:

• Parts (with cost);
• Tuning;
• Items that need to be beefed-up / are at risk of breaking
• Rank in terms of bang for buck?

I suspect that I can fill in many of the blanks above, but thought this could be a very useful resource for others. And it's certainly not a highjack if folks want to chime in with high 10-second recipies, etc...

As always, many thanks,

Scott

dennis50nj

you can go mid 11s with just 100 shot and tires
i went 11.62 with headers converter vr cartek tune tires
vr and spacer best bang 12.91 to 12.38
about 5000 for everything not counting corsa it shows no gains just sound

SpinMonster

Start with Z06 fenders/tires and 4.10 gears. The traction/handling/braking differences are mostly in the tires.

As far as power differences, the TQ of the 427 in the Z06 is harder to match than the peak HP differences. A typical head cam package can overcome that. Assuming you want near stock street manners, a 224 cam with proven heads (alone with tires and gears) will put you in front of a stock Z06.

While nitrous as in the above example will also make you quicker, you will get limited on a 100 shot with a 10 pound bottle. I'm sure it isnt what you want. A 100 more HP all the time is preferable. Assume 10-12k for everything needed: Heads, cam, gears, headers, fenders, tires.

The Z06 isnt just some dyno number you have to match in order to beat one. They are quicker than the rwhp would indicate.

You are in striking distance for Cartek. They have been leaders with turning C6's into 9 second cars let alone getting you in the 11's. Their 2x cam/4x heads is as calm at idle as can be and will match the level of performance you are looking for. Their 3x package with slightly more lope ran 10.8's.

NOSLO6

Outstanding feedback for me and others.

• I'm just trying to slightly surpass my C5 z06 performance, not break into the 10s as a C6Z06 would.
  
• Since this won't be primarily a drag car for me nitrous isn't in the cards, but a great point for others who are looking to run a number.
  
• Great point on dyno numbers. As you suggest, C6 Z06 has tremendous area under the curve in addition to max hp.
  
• Mine will be a 6-speed car, but always good to note the value of a good converter (twas worth 0.5 seconds on the Buick).

The cost estimates are great and breaking out more detail, perhaps with install cost vs. parts costs would also be very helpful. I can tackle the heads cam install with no problems, while others might want a full drive-in/pick-up install.

Keep them coming-- I'd love to hear from more folks with personal experiences.

SoldSyclone

Tires, a 50 shot and good driving (assuming M6) you will run mid 11's all day long well only 20 or so passes with a 10# bottle get a 15 if you need more.

100 shot on stock rubber has been proven to get mid 11's too.

Good driving with the M6 will yield low 12's... Do you run 11's in your C5Z06 (they run very similar #'s)

If you cant drive like me get the A6 its a great combo to win races.

The most bang for the buck NA:
CAI vararam
Headers Kooks 1-7/8
And Tires

A good cam will seal the deal if you are at altitude or lack Rangers driving skills.

My A6 has beat many C5Z06's NA, and I raced a H/C 430 RWHP one this weekend with the 50 shot and beat him by 3 cars.

SoldSyclone

My build 06 1lt A6:
350 Vararam
1300 Kooks 1-7/8
1650 = .5 Gain (would be alot more with M6 tire and good driving IMO)
I go slower with tire on the motor due the limited 1600 rpm launch she bogs

1000 Nitrous Outlet Plate kit with all the goodies
650 BFG Dr's and C6 Wheels
1650 and with the 75 shot I picked up 1 second and 10 mph

But have not run in good air yet so only 11.5 at 122.

Zig

tub it and switch to a carb.

NOSLO6

Thanks for the continued feedback-- nitrous intelligence is always great, can't beat it for strip only bang-for-buck. Any and all additional thoughts are very welcome.

In my case this will be an M6 car and I'm most interested in non-FI, non-nitrous solutions.

Here's a sum up of what I've seen so far. I'll continue to sum up as more folks chime in. What are the good bang-for-buck items missing (intake? spacer? TB?)

1. Heads/cam2. Cam only3. Stock motor (high 11s)To all add $500 tune, no?

Fore58

[QUOTE=NOSLO6;1560731002]Thanks for the continued feedback-- nitrous intelligence is always great, can't beat it for strip only bang-for-buck. Any and all additional thoughts are very welcome.




Cam: $1,500 (installed, cartek reports 2x good for 11.2s)
LT Headers: $1,300
Vararam (or other): $350 -$ 500

Cartek only charge $1500 for cam only install? Does that come with the heavy duty springs, etc.?

TTRotary

Another option is to do what I did: run Nitto R2 / NT01 tires (305 rear and 275 front) on C5 17/18 wheels or 18 all around. This R-compound tire (a twin of the Toyo Proxes RA-1) is inexpensive, is durable on the street, and sticks like glue. It has phenomenal straight line line grip and it makes the Goodyear F1 tire in any size (even the 325) look silly.

Tires are the most significant performance mod you can do to the car, followed by gears, then the rest. BTW, I am at 400RW with 4.10s and the aforementioned tires. I ran a C6 Z06 2 weeks ago and had him by 2 cars to about 60. That is mostly the gears and tires.

Kuleenl

Great convo going on here. I was interested in knowing the same details. I have a 05 A4. I am adding the BB headers removing the cats and the vararam with spacer in about 3 weeks. I currently have the Bullet exhaust system which will remain. Assuming great conditions(driver, tires, temp, etc.) what can my car potentially run in the 1/4?

I like to street race here and there and on the freeway and wanted more pull. These dam Mercedes CLS, E, SL 55 series are fast and not beatable without some extra power.

With the additions listed above will my car be able to pull these cars on the freeway? Thanks

dennis50nj

i think you could see som 12.0s if conditions are right

Joe_G

My opinions and results here. I've ranked them for ease of install & price more or less. I have pretty solid quarter mile effects from my 100's of runs to back up these figures.

1. CAI (Vararam self install): $300, .3 and 3 mph
2. Tune (pro dyno): $500, .2 and 2 mph
3. Gears (pro installed): $2,100, .3 and 2 mph
4. Headers (pro installed): $1,700, .2 and 2 mph

I added a DTE brace for $379 for some assurance on the rear. I also put in a 160 thermostat, wasn't much $. I self tune it and log my runs at the track to dial in my tune.

Thats where I'm at now, easy low 12's, high 11's on a cooler night. Need drag radials for that, 555r2's won't do it (I have them and tried, they don't hook at the strip). I would run even with C5Z06's with the CAI and the tune at 12.5's @ 115. Gears and headers put me ahead. The gears and tune are my favorite mods, these LS2's really respond to those, feels like a different car.

Here's a dyno sheet of my car vs. my buddy's exact same car stock.

TTRotary

I wouldn't think the R2s would do well at the track...sidewall is too stiff because it's a road race tire. However, the 555R in the same size is a real drag radial.

Ponchorello

I have Kooks longtube headers/no cats with Vararam and tune. I put down 379 rwhp. Ran a 430rwhp GTO a couple of weeks ago and put about 1.5 cars on it. The GTO is a pig so I dont know how it would compare to the cars you mentioned.

I also live in Houston so when you go out, shoot a PM.

Tuner@Straightline

Sticky tires+100hp Nitrous+4000rpm launch+no fear of breaking stuff=11.xx pass.

Headers, vararam, cam, and tune, that's all you really need. A lot of cars around here have ran 12.20's with headers, vararam and tune.

SoldSyclone

No need for 4000rpm

REAL World Expierence:

Sticky tires+75N20+Headers+cai+1600 rpm launch = 1.80 60's and back to back to back 11 second passes at 3500' no less.

Some fear of breaking but IMO with smooth power delivery and 1.8 60's it should hold up???

I think stock with the runflats and the wheel hop is way harder on the rear then smooth 1.8 60's on BFG's

I have noot seen any spin or wheelhop with my techniqe and BFG's

NOSLO6

One bump for Monday.

What budget should I set aside for anti-breakage mods? Again, thinking mid 11s no launches on slicks.

Clutch, rear breakage?

jterp

Not to go off topic here, but for you guys who have installed headers -- can you still pass emissions in your state?

dennis50nj

new jersey yes