msloneZ06

So I have a Z06 with a CAI and Corsa Exhaust and was thinking of additional power adders to get to 550-600HP, What is the easiest, safest way to get there? I know Nitrous will do it do I believe that is pretty hard on the motor? I really don't want to spend 5k to get 50HP... Just picking your brains on what you did to make some more power and keep the car reliable!

I'm assuming that the CAI and Free flow exhaust gets me maybe 25 HP, so figure I'm close to 525HP... Not really wanting to do headers, I have heard horror stories about getting it to pass inspection in TX

NytmereZ

Getting heads and cam, you need the heads done as your motor will blow at some point, might as well fix the problem , do heads and cam, and be done.

Stay away from nitrous, na corvettes are not good nitrous candidates as your compression is to high, and you have cast internals..
You can do headers(it will help the heads /cam) and have an emissions tune like many people I know used to do, Illinois has changed, no more visual inspection, makes it easy to pass.
If you have visual inspection how in the hell are you going to pass with a nitrous kit?
Just do the heads/cam/header combo and you will surpass the number you want, while correcting the LS7 motor problem all at once .

roscoe118

Where did you hear that? I'd say that 90% of the Corvette owner's I know, in Texas, have headers. Just get a cat'd (can be hi-flo cats) x-pipe, or use your stocker, and you'll be fine.

Give Brian at RPT a call. He's a great guy, and knows what he's talking about.

http://www.reckartperformancetuning.com/



Oops! I got Katy mixed up with Kyle (Central Texas). You can talk to Brian, or call one of the several speed shops in H-town about headers...

Achilles97

I think with your CAI and exhaust, add a good dyno tune to that and you'd be close to your 550 already...

NytmereZ

On a very nice dyno, real world numbers on the C6z are 440rwhp range, he's not getting 100 HP out of an exhaust, cai and tune
He has to do the heads, or are you guys just not going to make him aware of the problem with the LS7.
Hes talking nitrous, you think he is really informed ?
I'm trying to get this guy they where he wants. , while saving an engine.

ghoust

Here is how to get there...

Unreal

Sounds like he was talking about engine HP. If that is the case then intake/headers/tune would be 550 at the crank pretty easy.

Decent cam and heads would be my choice.

Achilles97

I agree with you. However, I'm sure the OP was talking about crank HP since he estimated his current power at 525hp.

roscoe118

Your advice is right on for RWHP. If he is referring to a 25HP gain with an intake, he is talking about BHP not RWHP.

As Achilles97 states, with an intake and good tune, he could be real close to 550BHP. Certainly with headers he will be.

surfinva27

i agree it seems like the OP is talking about crank hp. not rear wheel. if so, headers will get him there... not positive about his emissions concern

WhiteKnight

Cam, headers and x-pipe. If you're worried about valve issues get the heads reworked or swapped with WCCH stage 2 at least. That should put you close to 550 rwhp. No worries with inspection in Texas; at least not yet. Do high flow cats to keep it legal. There are number of good shops in Houston close to you.

Beach Bum

Its more than clear, it was obvious the OP was talking about Crank HP.

In regards to the OP's question. Only one thing you need to do, a cam upgrade. Most are somewhere around 2 grand installed, thus you are well under the 5 grand. That price typically includes the tune as well.

Considering you already have a CAI and rear exhaust, you'll easily go far beyond your goal. 575+ is fairly easy dependent on the cam selection.


If you can afford it, shell out another 2 grand or so at the same time to have your heads freshened up with new exhaust valves and guides.

Good Luck with whatever you do.

VetteVinnie

Heads, mild cam, headers, CAI, ported stock intake & TB will get you there. Or skip doing the heads and put in a radical cam, but then you risk sacrificing drivability. I wanted phenomenal drivability with good power, and that's exactly what I got with this Lethal Racing setup.

clogan

Got my heads fixed by Vengeance Racing (WCCH stage 2, et al), and their tune, and I'm at 505 rear wheel...pretty close to what OP is looking for.

He should get heads fixed, and a new tune, and he will likely be there. Plus, he will have peace of mind that comes with SS valves. Headers and cam, maybe FAST intake would give even more.

I honestly can't come close to using what I've got now... Just too much car for public roads.

pkincy

The thing we haven't asked is warranty. Nothing he has done so far has caused a problem with any extended warranty. Heads would. However if warranty is no longer an issue, the heads get him there and fix the biggest problem we know of with the LS7.

VictoryRedZ06

I agree with Evil427 if you don't want to do headers, get heads done with a mild cam and your there. It will make good power and be reliable just make sure you have it done by a reputable and good shop

sublime1996525

I'd say intake and tune and you're at 550 BHP.

JwT

Yeah good advise here H/C/T and you may want to consider Melrose Ceramic coated headers to help keep the heat down during those Texas summers.

FrankTank

If you are talking about Flywheel/engine HP, not RWHP, then a Tune, CAI/cat back exhaust will get your there..and I doubt right now you've picked up 25 HP with no tune and just a CAI and cat-back exhaust. Tune makes all the difference.

If you are talking 550-660RWHP you are going to need a decent size cam, heads, intake, CAI , headers.

Either route you go I would get the heads worked to address the valve guide issues that haunt everyone.

VetteVinnie

He wants 550 at the the wheels, which is over 620 BHP. I seriously doubt you can get there without a cam change (well, unless you spray the car ).