PUNISHR TA

Hey guys,

I finally got my car done (01 Trans Am) and the power just isnt there,
(just butt dyno, compared to a buddies H/C LS1) I'd imagine im under
500WHP... which is definitely not what I was looking for....


My current setup is

HKE 454 LSX
Stock LS7 heads (11.4 SCR)
Morel Link-bar lifters
Stock LS7 rockers
RR-STRIKER cam

Stock LS7 Intake
NW 102mm TB

Stock LS7 Fuel Rail
85# Injectors

Kooks 2" headers
3-1/2" cutouts off the headers

E85


For a larger displacement, cam-only(with bolt-ons), doesn't this seem low..


Left on the list is

WCCH porting w/ ~14:1SCR,
FAST LSXR ported ???
Different cam? (Black Widow Rev)



Im running ~12:1 AFR on gas scale, which is only ~45% duty cycle on
my injectors... I expected that this engine would require more fuel,
which means its not pulling enough air?


Thanks for all your help.

Random84

Who tuned the car, and what did the dyno look like (or are you using a home-brew of wideband and self-tuning)?

My immediate suspicions go to how you get the A/F ratio, and the tune specifically since that seems to be the most likely culprit. If you're data logging at home, what kind of 02 sensor are you using? Certain brands have been somewhat notorious for losing accuracy.

When in doubt, I'd strongly suggest a legitimate dyno-tune. That will help remove a lot of questions before you start throwing more parts at it.

JoesC5

GM's LSX454 crate engine is rated at 620 BHP with a carb and ~580BHP with the LS7 intake. The 580 HP would be around 510 at the wheels. From your list of parts, it doesn't seem that you are that much different then the LSX454 crate engine, so maybe your butt dyno reading of 500 is pretty close.

Unreal

Get it on a dyno and see.

520-530 seems reasonable from that setup.

I would add a ported Fast 102 and double check the tune/install. Could the cam be one tooth off?

PUNISHR TA

Yea, I tuned it. HP Tuners with an AEM wideband (which seems to read very consistent run to run)

The cam could be off but the engine builder is pretty trusted.

I guess I expected more out of the setup, seeing what people are making out of 427s

walhan_qtr

I would think with that setup you should be over 530whp. with that compression you are not really gaining a lot from E85. ported heads, more compression, maybe a different cam, and the fast intake will def add more. I would expect at least 40whp more with a 454ci

if going with the black widow cam I would probably do the Widow R instead of the revised widow.

I too say you have to get it on the dyno and verify everything.

robz

It's low if it makes 500whp. Something is off then. Play around with the tune. I'd expect you to make over 600rwhp. A better manifold will certainly help.

On e85 I would expect your duty cycle to be higher at 12:1 when everything is correct.
Stock fuel pump?
Erik knows. Even if he spec'd you out a mild cam it still would make great power.

PUNISHR TA

Yea, thats what I expected...

No, I have a built fuel system with the Stealth pump, -8 feed,
FPR, running 58psi, no issues.


I actually put in a shelf cam, which at this point Im thinking was a mistake... obviously...


I want a very ridiculous hydraulic cam...

walhan_qtr

yea most of those cams you are picking are made for the stock LS7. yes it will work on other applications but it will not optimize it. Custom is the way to go i think. I am sure if everything goes well and you do the other stuff and higer compression you should be over 660whp.

PUNISHR TA

I would be very happy with that.

Who would I go to to get a spec'd cam?

walhan_qtr

a lot of people here like Pat G. but I usually go with my own builder in colorado. especially since he built my engine.

check with your engine builder. also another good source is Carlos@vette-air. a lot of people here like him too. if it was me it will be between those three guys. but there are a lot of good resources you can check. all depends on who you like and who have proven himself I guess.

PUNISHR TA

Ill give Pat G a call, he's the first person I thought of.
HKE isn't local, so that isn't really convenient, but an option.
Carlos screwed me out of money a year ago, so he won't be getting any more of my money.


Thanks for your help.

SS MPSTR

Try Phil at Advanced Induction in NC.