Old enough to know better.

[DC347]

Gentlemen,
The questions I have have been covered in numerous threads in the past with varying responses and answers depending on personal preference. Will make this to the point.Had some older fairly quick cars when younger but wife, kids cars had to go. Now kids left home back to the cars, which have changed alot in the last 20 years.

Car : VZ SS LS1 30,000kms ,otr, maffless tune 25% u/driven,222/224 comp cam, Hi teac headers (ceramic coated) hi flow cats ,full 2 x 2.5 s/s exhaust stnd stall, 3.9 gears 260rwkw.Was very happy at the time with the power for the $$$ I spent compared to 20 years ago.Now want more so here ls my problem.

1. Do I do bigger cam ,heads ,stally etc etc. (Are LS1's worth it )
2. PD blower
3. LS2 built
4. Stroke the LS1 or LS2

Would love to get high 3oo rwkw ( Iknow it's just a number but you need some sort of reference point) Not daily driven now but still want to be able to drive it without it boiling or playing up everytime I take it out.Not sure if you can even get a Blower past rego in NSW. Realise need to upgrade the Box but thats a whole sepperate issue.
Looking at spending About $12,000 give or take a bit. More down the track??
Sorry for the length but according to my wife I am "Old enough to know better then spend money on cars" so I need to get it right .

Regards and best wishes

[LS1TOY]

go for a spin in one of each and go from there. they are all different in delivery and manners.
Jake,

[DC347]

go for a spin in one of each and go from there. they are all different in delivery and manners.
Jake,

Thanks mate, but wouldn't know where to find a blown LS1 around here or 1 that had been stroked. Went for squirt in a stock ve ss from the car yard and wasn't that impressed. Yes I know it was stock but ... was going to trade mine in for it but didn't have the heart.

[LS1TOY]

Maybe you could holiday down here for the ls1 nationals? or talk to a forum sponsor in your area. im sure they could tee up a drive for you.
Jake,

[DaveHAT]

For high 300rwkws you'd need to consider that a CAM is going to be stinky big to get those sort of numbers even with heads.

For the sort of km of your car it's almost be a shame to do away with such a low km motor so ...

IMO.

1. Heads onto the existing motor.
2. Potential header upgrade (disregard if you've already got 1.75" 4-1s)
3. Some form of forced induction ... harrop or PWR.

Who did all the existing work on your car? Perhaps get onto them about sampling some cars with similar mods fitted to those that you're considering?

[The_Plague]

You might need to devite from the "I need a big ****ing cam at all costs" thought train dude, especially if you go a blower or turbos, a big cam in combination with these things, even with a good set of heads, can see low down RPM losses of around 25 to 30hp, thats a given with a big cam, the power moving further up the RPM range, but do you really want this to happen if you go a turbo setup where its already a fair way up, if anything you want low down to mid range power on tap as the turbos supply the up top stuff.
I imagine the blower might be more accomodating to a bigger cam as everyone keeps saying blowers give their boost right from idle.
Turbo's in particular require your RPM to be substantially higher to get them in the "mood" (peak power delivery) if you are only going for 300rwkw or so then maybe a GenTT or similar size kit will be what you are after, if you want more then maybe consider upsizing the turbos as you can install a boost controller with multiple settings.

If you really wanted to go ape shit mate then the LS7 427 motor has been available for some time, it was on special for about a shandy off 16K at this site: http://horsepowerworld.com.au/shop/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=152&category_id=7&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26 , but I think the price has gone back up.

That engine will give you the 300rwkw (and then some) you are after with **** all mods, a monstrous torque figure and a warranty.
Modifications to it, supercharger, heads, cam etc, will probably see the power figure turn into something that will turn your auto tranny into a pile of metal shavings though.
Dunno who can fit it in your area though, not saying there is no one that talented there, I am jsut saying I don't know any establishment saying "YES, WE CAN CRAM AN LS7 IN YOUR BAY TODAY!!" advertising etc.

[DC347]

For high 300rwkws you'd need to consider that a CAM is going to be stinky big to get those sort of numbers even with heads.

For the sort of km of your car it's almost be a shame to do away with such a low km motor so ...

IMO.

1. Heads onto the existing motor.
2. Potential header upgrade (disregard if you've already got 1.75" 4-1s)
3. Some form of forced induction ... harrop or PWR.

Who did all the existing work on your car? Perhaps get onto them about sampling some cars with similar mods fitted to those that you're considering?

Read plenty of thread u have posted in the past and value your oppion.Dont mind a fairly big cam within reason. Yes will need 4-1s as have tri-y's atm.Not sure about rego with blower in NSW as having to pass every year even with a bloke who will turn a blind eye, BUT hard to miss a blower.Was hoping not the LS2 road as its $4000++ for motor then add on the good bits plus install. $4000 more to spend on the LS1 if this is a viable motor and a realistic out come
Thanks Again !!!

[The_Plague]

Some of the parts are interchangeable between donks dude, particularly if you an iron block of the LS1 variety and stroke it.

[DC347]

How the F**k do all u 20 something year old afford twin turbo charged clubbys and the like.Not having a go I'm just jellous as hell.

[SHANESVZSS]

since your engine is still a baby , i would bother going changing it , maybe supercharger with stall to suit. should make well over 300rwkw with good manners to go with it..or if it was me id go twin turbo!!!!

[Evman]

You're looking at over 10g easy for the forced induction setups fitted. For that you could also get a cammed L98 fitted that will give you low 300's at the wheels, I think strokers don't cost much more than that either and will net you probably mid 300's (? I don't know much about strokers...). A bolt on blower will give you low to mid 300's and turbos mid to high. Some of those have "hidden" costs of requiring upgraded fuel systems and such to achieve the best power as well. All of these result in very different power delivery, sound and attention so best way to go would be to work out how you want your car to drive and make the decision from that :)

[VX2VESS]

How the F**k do all u 20 something year old afford twin turbo charged clubbys and the like.Not having a go I'm just jellous as hell.

illegal activities :stick::diddy:

beats me i still can't....

[Vulture]

Consider a crate LS3 with a big cam? LINK TO HOLMART (http://holmart.com.au/online/prod2085.htm)
LS3 stroker?
Your LS1 plus a Harrop 122 would probably be nice and easy? Might not even have to change the cam.
Don't forget to budget on strengthening the A4 gearbox. If you are making over 300rwkw they tend to have a limited lifespan.
Either way, the next step up from where you are tends to get pricey very quickly - been there done that with nearly the same package you have now. Honestly, it sounds like a great car as is. You could chuck in a bigger cam and bigger stall for a bit of a laugh - cheaper too!
Another possibility is to wait until you are ready to change over again and start with an LS3 HSV for example.

[Evman]

A cammed LS3 fitted (going the new reluctor wheel direction) will result in around 15g fitted. You can get a converter box now though that converts the 56 tooth wheel signal to a signal the PCM can understand but I'm not sure of costs. A lot less that pulling down the motor either way ;)

[ADAM 26]

ASE SINGLE TURBO KIT!!

my best bang for buck, and will get you the power your after, and well within the price range!

[Blown 540]

Marrano's had this deal going,good value in my book.

We have a special offer for the VT VZ guys who have tired engines,we will supply fit and tune a brand new LS3 engine with cam & springs for $13199 drive in drive making anywhere between 300 to 350rwkw & loads of torque depending on exhaust,intake ,cam etc..The pakage contains the following,

- LS3 Crate Engine
- Comp Custom Grind camshaft(camshaft is selected to suit owner)
- Cam Gear + Bolts
- Dual Valve Springs
- Collettes
- Reatainers
- Pushrods
- 90mm Throttle Body
- Coolant
- A/C Regassed
- Custom Mafless Tune
- Over The Radiator Intake
- Map sensor patch harness
- Cam Sensor Ptach harness
- Knock sensors relocated
- Knock Sensor patch harness

- THE above pakage is $13199 drive in drive out,the following are options if required,There is only a limited number of engines available be quick !

- Exhaust System
- Clutch Kit
- Under Driven Pulley kit

[Ads 057]

How the F**k do all u 20 something year old afford twin turbo charged clubbys and the like.Not having a go I'm just jellous as hell.

working up north has helped, as well as a few sacrifices and a good bank manager lol

[mikeparkinson]

How the F**k do all u 20 something year old afford twin turbo charged clubbys and the like.Not having a go I'm just jellous as hell.

sorry off topic... My job gives me an allowance to cover the purchase of a new car, and have it paid of in 4 years.. no residual.. Doesnt effect mortage repayments that way..

[The_Plague]

How the F**k do all u 20 something year old afford twin turbo charged clubbys and the like.Not having a go I'm just jellous as hell.

hahahahahahahahahahaha
that's a fair enough call mate.
I suppose it kind of does occasionally raise a few eyebrows, because there is a few of us on here.
To the best of my knowledge everyone in their 20's with a toy that looks a bit out of place for their age can put their hand on their heart and say it hasn't been obtained directly with the proceeds of illegal activities.
On the other hand if you looked at some Mercedes, BMW and Ferrari forums and found people of similar ilk, you can probably surmise:
a) Dad's money
b) Rich family
c) Lotto Win
d) young entrepreneur who may not actually own the car
e) young entrepreneur who does actually own the car
f) Drug dealer

[berroca]

on your engine being still young
a gen ttr bb kit with a suited cam will see you well into the high 300 and more likely 400rwkw range with mountains loads of torque....might be requiring tyres more often tho :burnout:

PM Street Tuna
or better yet check this thread out :)
Australian LS1 and Holden Forums (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=100411)


Cheers
BRock

[DC347]

:goodjob:Thanks to everyone that replied to this post has given me a direction.Will be keeping the LS1 simply because its already in and isn't another cost. Spend the whole 12grand on it. I know that legality is not the first thing on peoples minds when building on of these things but has anyone had a PD BLOWN LS Commy passed in NSW???? I know they are ADR approved BUT ???

Plan now is heads,cam,some exhuast mods PWR 122 blower or somthing similar then STROKE it down the track when I put a few more KMs on the motor. The MRS will be pleased "NOT"

Didn't mean to sugest that u young blokes got your money through "illegal activities,just wish I could drop that sort of cash on a car.

Any other sugestions welcomed especially on head and cam combo would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Chris

[XUV]

hey ,
seeing your cars got FA k's on it ,

sell it , as you'll probably get good dollar for it ,
add the 12 grand to the sale price ,
and step up to a VE SS or VZ Clubby or something already modded ,
some over committed 20 somethings toy .

buy at auction like I did and you'll pay around Red Book trade in price .
so around 25 grand for a 07 VE SS - L98 baby

New/ish cars nearly aleways gets the wife's O.K. ( let her choose the colour )

When I came to getting my car ,
I said '' I'm not going thru the wasted money on car mods '' stage again ,
fun as it all was .

Just my thought on ,
as cars are cheap at the mo .

[berroca]

:goodjob:Thanks to everyone that replied to this post has given me a direction.Will be keeping the LS1 simply because its already in and isn't another cost. Spend the whole 12grand on it. I know that legality is not the first thing on peoples minds when building on of these things but has anyone had a PD BLOWN LS Commy passed in NSW???? I know they are ADR approved BUT ???

Plan now is heads,cam,some exhuast mods PWR 122 blower or somthing similar then STROKE it down the track when I put a few more KMs on the motor. The MRS will be pleased "NOT"

Didn't mean to sugest that u young blokes got your money through "illegal activities,just wish I could drop that sort of cash on a car.

Any other sugestions welcomed especially on head and cam combo would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Chris

not trying to be a smart arse but heads cam exhaust and a 122 charger if going to cost you more than 12K

[cosmo vyss]

First of all I would be contacting one of the forum sponsors that are close to you and going and have a chat and discuss what you really want out of the car and the best way to achieve that. I am sure most sponsors actually prefer if you go and talk to them and tell them the type of results and driveability you and they then can put a package togther to meet these. Rather than going into a shop and saying I want xyz and drive away with it not meeting your goals and being disappointed. It is quite easy to ask questions here and get the usual responsers of turbo,blower, etc.

I also have an opinion like everyone else does and I would say get some decent headers and zorst and then stroke it. That would set you back around 13k and be close to your budget and you get to keep your existing engine and don't have the issue of going to the rta to transfer engine numbers etc. Nothing imo beats a tough n/a engine.

B4 the turbo,blower guys go off tap. I actually think they both have there positives and its just my personal prefence for a V8 to be N/A.

God luck with your project and hopefully the missus understands. I know mine gives me grief on occasions.

[DC347]

not trying to be a smart arse but heads cam exhaust and a 122 charger if going to cost you more than 12K

Sorry Berrcoa didn't mean all at once.Head,cam, exhaust first. Then sell what I have now (already sold to mate with a totally stock vy sv8 ) then charger some months latter.With whats left of the 12grand plus $2000 for my bits (including a CAI, some wheels and tyres and some other bits he wants) add whats needed "hey presto" in about 6months all done.Sounds like a plan???


First of all I would be contacting one of the forum sponsors that are close to you and going and have a chat and discuss what you really want out of the car and the best way to achieve that. I am sure most sponsors actually prefer if you go and talk to them and tell them the type of results and driveability you and they then can put a package togther to meet these. Rather than going into a shop and saying I want xyz and drive away with it not meeting your goals and being disappointed. It is quite easy to ask questions here and get the usual responsers of turbo,blower, etc.

I also have an opinion like everyone else does and I would say get some decent headers and zorst and then stroke it. That would set you back around 13k and be close to your budget and you get to keep your existing engine and don't have the issue of going to the rta to transfer engine numbers etc. Nothing imo beats a tough n/a engine.

B4 the turbo,blower guys go off tap. I actually think they both have there positives and its just my personal prefence for a V8 to be N/A.

God luck with your project and hopefully the missus understands. I know mine gives me grief on occasions.

Thanks mate have spoken with 2 of the sponsors from this forum and both have very different ideas.Would love to stroke it first but just think with motor being so young and far from needing a rebuild, may be a waste not to wear it out a bit first with a Blower. Can see where u are coming from though as the RTA have no sence of humuor and not very forth coming with info.

Totally off the subject just bought a set of "Diablo" wheels and the supplier wants to put a set of "Austrye" Sports 225x35x20 tyres on these. Any heared of "AUSTYRE" and if so any good. Sounds to me like made in CHINA??