help with performance advice.

[Hulkssv]

hi guys,

proud owner of brand new 2011 SS Ute Series II in poison ivy, Looking at doing some mods but would like opinion on what should be done and how much it should cost. firstly can anyone reccomend brisbane performance workshops?

2ndly.
mods i am looking at doing.
2 1/2 or 3" hurricane full exhaust ( is 3" too loud)
cams undecided on which to use. want to keep drivability but want the tough cammed rumble (224/230 make a difference? or should i go 232/234)
otr
tune

anyone done this sort of stuff and can tell me expected power and torque figures? Bob romano performance quotes 400kw for these mods.

Also, anyone know what sort of price this should cost? :eyes:

[boggers007]

hi guys,

proud owner of brand new 2011 SS Ute Series II in poison ivy, Looking at doing some mods but would like opinion on what should be done and how much it should cost. firstly can anyone reccomend brisbane performance workshops?

2ndly.
mods i am looking at doing.
2 1/2 or 3" hurricane full exhaust ( is 3" too loud)
cams undecided on which to use. want to keep drivability but want the tough cammed rumble (224/230 make a difference? or should i go 232/234)
otr
tune

anyone done this sort of stuff and can tell me expected power and torque figures? Bob romano performance quotes 400kw for these mods.

Also, anyone know what sort of price this should cost? :eyes:

400kw at the engine is abit of a stretch without heads but not at the rear wheels looking at 280rwkw+ depending on cam size.

[peter b]

Speak to Kent at Hi-Torque performance he will be able to help you out as for 400kw at the engine dont think it too much of a stretch my ve makes 340kw at the rear wheels

[boggers007]

Speak to Kent at Hi-Torque performance he will be able to help you out as for 400kw at the engine dont think it too much of a stretch my ve makes 340kw at the rear wheels

I was refering to his cam selection you've got a monster in comparison haha

[peter b]

I was refering to his cam selection you've got a monster in comparison haha

True but dont under estimate the 224/230 cam they work really well in L98's but still stand by recommendation to speak to Kent at Hi-torque will give all the advice needed to be able to make the right decision for the owner of the car

[HEKYEH]

Budget around the $8-10K mark for all of that....if it's done properly.

[Wonky]

hi guys,

proud owner of brand new 2011 SS Ute Series II in poison ivy, Looking at doing some mods but would like opinion on what should be done and how much it should cost. firstly can anyone reccomend brisbane performance workshops?

2ndly.
mods i am looking at doing.
2 1/2 or 3" hurricane full exhaust ( is 3" too loud)
cams undecided on which to use. want to keep drivability but want the tough cammed rumble (224/230 make a difference? or should i go 232/234)
otr
tune

anyone done this sort of stuff and can tell me expected power and torque figures? Bob romano performance quotes 400kw for these mods.

Also, anyone know what sort of price this should cost? :eyes:

Assuming it's an M6 then without doing heads (arguable value for the outlay on a VE which has pretty good heads stock) most guys I know of with those sized cams are around the 315 - 330rwkw mark, depending on supporting mods.

The rumble on idle is also dependent on LSA (lobe separation angle). A cam of those type of specs at 120LSA would sound stock whereas at 108LSA the car would be rocking!! :D

[VYSHSV8]

I was refering to his cam selection you've got a monster in comparison haha
Pete's cam is a Junior cam :):lol:

[HEKYEH]

Yeah.....doing those sorts of mods will not get you 400rwkw. Unless it's a DisneyLand Dyno or the dyno sheet has been PhotoShopped....

U should be looking anywhere between 280-340...

But it's all about what u start with and the percentage increase...And then backing it up on the track.

[munz]

go see Powertorque or hitorque I'd be passing right by bob romano

:hitler:

[Derek ve ss]

I have the full 2 1/2 inch hurricane system on my Ve sedan , sounds good , not too loud but there is a bit of drone around 1400 to 1500rpm.. no big deal I would buy one again no worries.

[BLACKVE]

Is it true that all Ve 2's have the AMF lifters inc manuals and therefore any cam change would require heads off and new lifters.

Re cams there's 48 million different grinds out there talk the the installer about your needs.

[LS1TOY]

We consistantly see 280+rwkw from the VE II M6 with full Difilippo system RAMJET OTR and Tune, Stock Camshaft. :eyes:
The VE II all have the L77 DOD equipped engine.
Jake,

[SAMCRO]

but want the tough cammed rumble (224/230 make a difference? or should i go 232/234)
otr
tune

Hey mate. I had a comp cam 224/230 @112. It gained between 60-65 rwkw.
I had Xforce exhaust on and it sounded pretty tough. I think it will sound even better with hurricane or kpm or manta.
The car was very drivable, but I had HSV 3.7 diff. The car was idling at around 800-850 rpm. It shook the car pretty good.
The power delivery was a bit different to stock of course. Mine delivered from 3-3500 rpm all the way to 7000rpm.


224/230 cam they work really well in L98's

True, it worked very good in my VE SS.
Made 322rwkw :rofl:

[tomholzy]

he may have meant 400fwkw in the original post, which sounds right for about 300rwkw

[Wonky]

Is it true that all Ve 2's have the AMF lifters inc manuals and therefore any cam change would require heads off and new lifters.

Re cams there's 48 million different grinds out there talk the the installer about your needs.

AFM motors can take some small cam changes without removing the AFM stuff. Oztrack has some AFM specific cams. From memory the problem is the lift, especially on the 8 collapsible AFM lifters, though I have read that guys in the US have gone more than the recommended lift on AFM motors with some good results and the motors are hanging together, but it's not something I would risk. I'd prefer to spend the extra up front (as I've already done) and remove the AFM gear altogether rather than eventually destroying a motor. :(

[CunningStunter]

We consistantly see 280+rwkw from the VE II M6 with full Difilippo system RAMJET OTR and Tune, Stock Camshaft. :eyes:
The VE II all have the L77 DOD equipped engine.
Jake,

I'm watching this thread with interest....

I want to install a cam in my 08 SSV manual - through CHE with a Xforce 3" catback, OTR 6+ tune saw 249kw so it seems the only real big difference between these 2 would the full system?

That's worth another 30kw alone...wow that speaks volumes for the exhaust.... :1peek:

I would like between 320-350kw with a cam + full system without changing rods/major piston/engine work (in addition to the cam to try and keep expenses down)...am I dreamin?

[Wonky]

Absolutely no point comparing dyno results between different shops CS. A full system i.e. adding extractors and high flow cats, will possibly give you 15-20rwkw. On my SSV sedan I initially had HSV headers/cats and when I put 1 3/4" Pacies and high flow cats on I gained about 15rwkw, as did someone else I know on his GTS. You should gain a bit more over stock manifolds.

320rwkw should be achievable with a cammed M6 and stock heads, but to get a lot higher probably needs heads. On Chev's dyno I'm not aware of any L98 which has repeatedly cracked 350rwkw without FI. One or two have done it on one run, but not consistenntly.

[T2000]

Absolutely no point comparing dyno results between different shops CS. A full system i.e. adding extractors and high flow cats, will possibly give you 15-20rwkw. On my SSV sedan I initially had HSV headers/cats and when I put 1 3/4" Pacies and high flow cats on I gained about 15rwkw, as did someone else I know on his GTS. You should gain a bit more over stock manifolds.

320rwkw should be achievable with a cammed M6 and stock heads, but to get a lot higher probably needs heads. On Chev's dyno I'm not aware of any L98 which has repeatedly cracked 350rwkw without FI. One or two have done it on one run, but not consistenntly.

+1 to what Wonky said.
A dyno operator can make the dyno spit out any figure/ chart he wants.
A dyno is a great piece of equipment for making before and after mod comparisons and of course for tuning. But shouldnt be the only benchmark you use to justify your purchases. As Wonky said dont compare cars & mods that have been measured on 2 separate dynos.

That being said I think you are on the right track with your mods... however if you are considering a ~$10k investment to install cam & boltons & removal of the L77 internals then you are close to the kind of money that you would spend on forced induction. IMHO I think you would be foolish to discount the option of FI as it would probably return more HP/economy/driveability than your CAM & bolt on package.


Cheers & Good Luck , Chris

[Hulkssv]

just called bob romano about price. $8500 drive in drive out, he said power was a bit understated. should be 440 - 450 flywheel. which my calculations is roughly 310rwkw?

thats for 3" handmade exhaust would be cheaper with xforce but i dont like chinese stuff.

any opinions on the price?

[T2000]

just called bob romano about price. $8500 drive in drive out, he said power was a bit understated. should be 440 - 450 flywheel. which my calculations is roughly 310rwkw?

thats for 3" handmade exhaust would be cheaper with xforce but i dont like chinese stuff.

any opinions on the price?

Driveline loss in a manual is probably closer to 20-25% ... so I would say 440fwkw would be closer to 330 to 340 rwkw.

Price... dont know... what has he quoted on?
If that is Zorst, Cam, pushrods, springs (duals), tune && L98/LS3 style lifters then I would say that is pretty good.

Really need all the details though.

[debencha]

after reading some of the recent blower threads ,good results to be had with just a blower,the recent special capa had you would come in under 10k

[atomic1]

Hi torque have packages available 11 sec package for manual, comp camshaft, valve springs, 3:9 diff gears tune $4500. $5500 for auto including high stall convertor

[Hulkssv]

Have just emailed power torque and hi torque to compare prices. Yes that's zorst cams springs pushrods otr tune. I would look at forced induction, but I wanna do na first. Bolt on may happen down the track a little bit. I work for an insurance company so my insurance is cheap as hell. So I can do whatever I want :) already got it insured for 70k agreed value..

[Hulkssv]

power torque has returned with $8750 however they have quoted on a few extra bits that bob romano didnt talk about.

power torque has discussed with me that the manual is still equipped with the AFM lifters which do no respond well to cam changes. suggestion from him is to change these as well as new engine valley plate, new head gaskets and head bolts as these need to be removed.

Due to them actually telling me this i believe power torque is probably the better option?

can someone confirm all this is the truth. im a little bit clueless :)

[HQLS1]

Out of interest, which brand of exhaust have they allowed for in the quoted price of $8750?

[HEKYEH]

power torque has returned with $8750 however they have quoted on a few extra bits that bob romano didnt talk about.

power torque has discussed with me that the manual is still equipped with the AFM lifters which do no respond well to cam changes. suggestion from him is to change these as well as new engine valley plate, new head gaskets and head bolts as these need to be removed.

Due to them actually telling me this i believe power torque is probably the better option?

can someone confirm all this is the truth. im a little bit clueless :)

Correct. They use the same AFM lifters, it's just that it's not enabled in the tune for manuals. So they will need replacing if you are going with a bigger cam. Do it once and do it right.

[Wonky]

power torque has returned with $8750 however they have quoted on a few extra bits that bob romano didnt talk about.

power torque has discussed with me that the manual is still equipped with the AFM lifters which do no respond well to cam changes. suggestion from him is to change these as well as new engine valley plate, new head gaskets and head bolts as these need to be removed.

Due to them actually telling me this i believe power torque is probably the better option?

can someone confirm all this is the truth. im a little bit clueless :)

:yup: Powertorque are correct (of course). You can change cams in an AFM motor such as yours but are limited to relatively small lift cams due to the collapsible lifters. FWIW you can get AFM removal kits from the US which include new valley plate, head gaskets etc from around $A500 (or less shipped) and ARP head bolts which are reusable for about $A125, which you're probably paying a lot more for from them, but if you're new to the game that's messy and can cause complications.

As someone else suggested, make sure you get an exact list of what exhaust, extractors, cats, OTR etc is included as particularly with exhausts there is a huge range in quality and price starting from around or under $2k complete to the premium stuff like DiFilippo and KPM for over $4k.

[boggers007]

:yup: Powertorque are correct (of course). You can change cams in an AFM motor such as yours but are limited to relatively small lift cams due to the collapsible lifters. FWIW you can get AFM removal kits from the US which include new valley plate, head gaskets etc from around $A500 (or less shipped) and ARP head bolts which are reusable for about $A125, which you're probably paying a lot more for from them, but if you're new to the game that's messy and can cause complications.

As someone else suggested, make sure you get an exact list of what exhaust, extractors, cats, OTR etc is included as particularly with exhausts there is a huge range in quality and price starting from around or under $2k complete to the premium stuff like DiFilippo and KPM for over $4k.

My tuner had put in a few big cam's like a 231/247 with 600+ lift in the L76's without removing all the lifters etc etc at the clients request and was surprised that when i was talking to him they had lasted about 3ish months i think it was and not had a problem (yet) but that is also with someone not launching it hard at the drags or watever so u may get away with not replacing the lifters but you'll be playing with fire if you don't do so.

[Hulkssv]

this is the email i recieved. only quote as 3" mild steel exhaust.

Hi Justin

Thanks for the enquiry.

The exhaust package in mild steel is $2,750.00 supplied and fitted.

Cam and valve spring package including an otr intake and custom mafless tune
is $4,000.00. The biggest issue with the series 2 VE, is even in the manual
car, the engine is equipped with active fuel management lifters even though
it isn't activated in your car. These lifters don't respond well to cam
upgrades and we recommend they be changed if a larger cam is installed.

To complete the lifter change, you will also require new lifter guides, a
new engine valley plate, new head gaskets and head bolts as the heads need
to be removed. Cost is an additional $2,000.00.

Lowered springs are $725.00 supplied and fitted.

Overall power will depend on cam choice, but we will be looking for 300-315
rwkw.

Let us know if you have any additional questions.

Regards
Shaun

[LuisS]

My tuner had put in a few big cam's like a 231/247 with 600+ lift in the L76's without removing all the lifters etc etc at the clients request and was surprised that when i was talking to him they had lasted about 3ish months i think it was and not had a problem (yet)


Give it time , not long now :)

[Wonky]

this is the email i recieved. only quote as 3" mild steel exhaust.
..........

The exhaust package in mild steel is $2,750.00 supplied and fitted.

Cam and valve spring package including an otr intake and custom mafless tune

To complete the lifter change, you will also require new lifter guides, a
new engine valley plate, new head gaskets and head bolts as the heads need
to be removed. Cost is an additional $2,000.00.

Lowered springs are $725.00 supplied and fitted.

I would certainly be asking more questions, especially given the amount of money you are potentially going to invest! :eek:

I would want to know a) what extractors b) what cats c) what exhaust (catback) and size. From the fitted price I'd guess it's an XForce aka XDrone/XFarce, though some on some VEs they sound OK. Whatever it is go for a ride in similarly cammed cars before you commit your hard earned as many people don't like the often barky note of the XForce, particularly at WOT. Many also find they drone badly at highway speeds, especially when cammed.

Also find out what OTR they're using. The two most people seem to get best results from are the VCM and DUS. They also are regarded as looking the most factory, though achieve this in different manners. That can be important if/when you get pulled over as some police won't recognise them as aftermarket.

I must admit to me $2,000 for removal of AFM gear seems a bit high given as I said above you can get an AFM removal kit and ARP head bolts shipped from the US for probably $A700, meaning it's costing you about $1,300 to (basically) remove and replace heads. Seems a bit steep IMHO, though maybe I'm missing something??? :confused:

For lowering, if they're using Bilstein springs (unlikely?) that's a good price but if they're using for example Kings it's (IMHO) a bit steep. I've seen placing doing lowering on Kings for $500 - $550. Also, depending on how low you're going you may want to do shockers as well. :yup: Standard shocks can be problematical from both the handling and longevity point of view once they get outside their normal operating range (typically consider to be around 30mm lowering?? :confused:). Problem is if later on down the track you decide to change the shocks then you'll be duplicating the labour cost as it's basically the same labour to do either springs alone or springs and shocks. I've seen it quoted as a 2.5 - 3 hr job, plus wheel alignment.

[sjhugh]

I work for an insurance company so my insurance is cheap as hell. So I can do whatever I want :) already got it insured for 70k agreed value..

Does that mean if the car is a write off the insurance company will give you an agreed value of $70,000 for it even though it is currently a stock 2011 VE SS Ute worth about $40,000 new?

Why on earth would they give you an extra $30,000?

What insurance company is it?

[Hulkssv]

Yep agreed value of $35k extra, I've included this because I know my car will be modded. I pay the extra for agreed value coz I end up ahead if someone ruins my ride. Having the car insured for that much can be a bad thing though due to it takes more damage for them to write it off, obviously they will have more money to spend.

And yeah wonky I am refusing to go xforce don't like it at all. $2000 does sound exxy for the afm lifters, but at the same time their quote has come back at pretty much the same price as everywhere else which I wasn't expecting being a Walkinshaw dealer.. Also bob Romano states that their work doesn't void néw car warranty.. I'm finding this hard to believe?

[Wonky]

Also bob Romano states that their work doesn't void néw car warranty.. I'm finding this hard to believe?

Me too!! :yup: Don't know whether it's just me but he sounds dodgy and is bending the truth. Sure, if you have a modified motor you can still get your glovebox etc fixed under warranty but if you destroy your engine and it's cammed etc kiss your warranty goodbye!!

As has been discussed on here many times before eg. http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=138339 and http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=131554 some dealers don't like even the most minor of modifications, some are OK with fairly extensive mods. Increase the power of your engine and you potentially kiss warranty on any driveline components eg engine, gearbox, diff etc goodbye. :(

[Hulkssv]

320 rwkw should be fine without strenghtening the gearbox etc right? clutch will be iffy?

[Wonky]

I assume your car will have the LS7 clutch in it being a new car so from what I read (see for example http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=148825) as long as you don't abuse it you should be OK. Gearbox should be fine.

[Hulkssv]

wonky. you sir are a champ. thanks for all your help

[Hulkssv]

quick question to anyone who knows. exhaust + tune. void warranty or not?

[BLACKVE]

320 rwkw should be fine without strenghtening the gearbox etc right? clutch will be iffy?

I've had bent tailshaft bolts, and a brand new LS7 clutch didn't like 350+rwkw's. Treat the clutch nice and 320 should be fine.

What cam spec's you looking at???? i had a 224/244 and while good and well tuned biggger cams are more fun(have a 232/234 daily and 239/247 in ve), lot of us guys like around 227/231 as the best.

[ryno]

quick question to anyone who knows. exhaust + tune. void warranty or not?

The tune is probably your bigggest worry. Any mod voids aspects of the warranty. You can't expect A manufacturer to warrant something that someone else has changed.

If you knocked down some internal walls on your house and 6 months later the roof collapsed, would you ask the original builder to warrant the repair?

[Hulkssv]

yeah, i just didnt know whether tune will void... like alot of things?

[Wonky]

quick question to anyone who knows. exhaust + tune. void warranty or not?

See http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=1668534&#post1668534. It all depends on your dealer. Some dealers hate any mods, my dealer doesn't seem worried about mine with cam, tune, full exhaust etc.. Some of my dealer's own guys have modded cars and go to the drags etc.. However, I'm sure if my A6 carked it I'd have Buckley's of getting a replacement under warranty. It's a risk we all take with modding our cars unfortunately. :(

[Oztrack Tuning]

Even though i have arranged cams that work with the DOD gear, after comparing a large range of results in VE Commodores i strongly advise people with AFM VE's to just spend the extra and have the DOD gear removed, fit a high lift cam and get the performance gains and reliability benefits that come with it. You will get a quieter valve train, calmer idle at the same duration 0.050 and a lot more power from the same sized cam. You can enhance the DOD cams with high ratio rockers but they cost almost 50% of the amount needed to have the dod removed.

We do cam upgrades for $2950. AFM cars can be done for about $4600 inc morel lifters & cometic gaskets.
The gain we see is often in a L76 around 90rwkw from the best we can get from the stock L76 cam.

We often see these cars get close to the same or even sometimes better economy on a trip than the stock cammed AFM cars ever can.

[Hulkssv]

have just heard back from HI Torque performance at labrador, little bit dissapointed in them really. price they quoted is 6850 + 2200 for removal and replacement of the afm lifters. Power estimate from them with all work done is 290 - 320 rwkw.

how hard is it to remove and change the lifters? ive got a couple of mechanic mates, would it be a job we could do at home in the garage? haha im so clueless when it comes to mechanics :)

[atomic1]

There is a place out Ipswich somewhere called scotts rods and he is meant to be really good and well priced I know a few mates have had there cars to him and they very happy

I'm sure there are plenty guys out there who are very happy with hi torque but I had my car there other day for service and they never even tightened hand brake and they couldn't reset the service reminder they reckon the car had to go back to Holden to get software updated I searched this forum and reset it in under a minute my self that to me is not professional that's just my opinion on them I have been to power torque before and they go out of there way to help

[QldKev]

There is a place out Ipswich somewhere called scotts rods and he is meant to be really good and well priced I know a few mates have had there cars to him and they very happy

I'm sure there are plenty guys out there who are very happy with hi torque but I had my car there other day for service and they never even tightened hand brake and they couldn't reset the service reminder they reckon the car had to go back to Holden to get software updated I searched this forum and reset it in under a minute my self that to me is not professional that's just my opinion on them I have been to power torque before and they go out of there way to help

Scotts Rods in Ipswich did my full exhaust, was a lot cheaper than anyone up here in bundy. :goodjob:

QldKev

[Hulkssv]

okey dokey! thoughts please people. power torque in brisbane have just come back to me about what they were doing for the $8500 before. Exhaust system they will use is a full hurricane system dual 3" mandrel bent exhaust, 1.7/8 4:1 extractors VCM OTR and high flow cats.

Can anyone rate the hurricane system? havent seen any / heard any?

[Hulkssv]

ok so i found one. ill post the link and if people wanna give me opinions that would be saweeeet. :)

YouTube - ‪Holden Commodre VE SS Hurricane exhaust system‬‏

[BEARWOOD]

This isn't going to help you decide on what to do but i have to ask, how can you possibly insure a 40k ute for 70k????

[Hulkssv]

This isn't going to help you decide on what to do but i have to ask, how can you possibly insure a 40k ute for 70k????

because im freaking awesome. NRMA insures for vehicle + modifications. so pay a little extra and get agreed value and they dont ask you to list your mods :)

[Wonky]

ok so i found one. ill post the link and if people wanna give me opinions that would be saweeeet. :)

YouTube - ‪Holden Commodre VE SS Hurricane exhaust system‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eirf_goHkCM)

Must admit it doesn't sound as deep as I expected but maybe it just needs to carbon up. Hurricane seems to be fairly well regarded. See http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/search.php?searchid=7735241, in particular http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=142325

[Hulkssv]

ok so after a bit of youtubing, found a set up i like the sound of

YouTube - ‪VE SSV Commodore, Cammed, OTR, Full 3" Exhaust‬‏

231/237 113LSA very chunky sounding, only thing im not sure about is the depth.

anyone else have an opinion, would love to hear it.

[Wonky]

ok so i found one. ill post the link and if people wanna give me opinions that would be saweeeet. :)

YouTube - ‪Holden Commodre VE SS Hurricane exhaust system‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eirf_goHkCM)

FWIW see http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=150533

[mattnsw]

I work for an insurance company so my insurance is cheap as hell. So I can do whatever I want :) already got it insured for 70k agreed value..


Does that mean if the car is a write off the insurance company will give you an agreed value of $70,000 for it even though it is currently a stock 2011 VE SS Ute worth about $40,000 new?

Why on earth would they give you an extra $30,000?

What insurance company is it?


Yep agreed value of $35k extra, I've included this because I know my car will be modded. I pay the extra for agreed value coz I end up ahead if someone ruins my ride. Having the car insured for that much can be a bad thing though due to it takes more damage for them to write it off, obviously they will have more money to spend.


This isn't going to help you decide on what to do but i have to ask, how can you possibly insure a 40k ute for 70k????


because im freaking awesome. NRMA insures for vehicle + modifications. so pay a little extra and get agreed value and they dont ask you to list your mods :)

I find this amazing, my sister works for the NRMA.

So if the car is a total loss, the Insurance Assessor checks the car, see no mods and says what the f@ck, we’ll give you 70k for a 40k Ute anyway.

I didn’t know the NRMA or any insurance company for that matter would be so stupid. Why isn’t everyone doing this then writing their cars off, we could all become millionaires.

It’s great to know the NRMA doesn’t ask you to list mods and given that many mods are illegal and can mean your claim is rejected like wow. Thanks for the info, we should all be phoning them tomorrow and get a piece of this action.

Thanks for the heads up.

[Wonky]

It’s great to know the NRMA doesn’t ask you to list mods and given that many mods are illegal and can mean your claim is rejected like wow.

I gather many/most insurers are like this now, even those who allow mods. Maybe I'm naive but I'd much prefer to have my mods listed up front so there's no nasty surprise. I made an at fault claim a few months ago (with AAMI) and all went smoothly. :goodjob:

[smokey777]

300+rwkw is easy with L98 i have a 224x224 cam & 302rwkw & 670nm. with insurance they were fine with cam etc (suncorp) just made my excess $1400 lol

[sszkid]

My advise after more or less just going down this path you are now with a few things... Call Fat pipes in Brisbane and get them to fit you up a Hurricane exhaust, got mine there and after calling all the above mentioned places and others they are the best price without a doubt.

Also noticed you got a price to lower the car at PT, call City Suspension in Slacks Creek, they did my SS with King Springs and shortened sports shocks + alignment for $1100.

Also worth a shot is calling EFI Performance they have the best priced cam package I found around Brisbane, mind you that price was for an L98 so will obviously be more for you.

[Hulkssv]

I find this amazing, my sister works for the NRMA.

So if the car is a total loss, the Insurance Assessor checks the car, see no mods and says what the f@ck, we’ll give you 70k for a 40k Ute anyway.

I didn’t know the NRMA or any insurance company for that matter would be so stupid. Why isn’t everyone doing this then writing their cars off, we could all become millionaires.

It’s great to know the NRMA doesn’t ask you to list mods and given that many mods are illegal and can mean your claim is rejected like wow. Thanks for the info, we should all be phoning them tomorrow and get a piece of this action.

Thanks for the heads up.

its not always a good thing. it takes more to total loss a car due to they have more $$$ to repair it. obviously you still have to be weary of them denying your claim, but there are certain insurance companies that will deny a claim alot faster than others. and you obviously pay the extra premium to insure @ agreed value.

[Hulkssv]

good news! just got moved to southbank as of monday, which means my vehicle is no longer for commuting! :D i believe that is the all clear to go all out on a big lumpy cam. who knows, supercharging may be on the cards a little bit down the track! :goodtime:

[T2000]

good news! just got moved to southbank as of monday, which means my vehicle is no longer for commuting! :D i believe that is the all clear to go all out on a big lumpy cam. who knows, supercharging may be on the cards a little bit down the track! :goodtime:
hmmmm.... I think you need to do a lot more research re cams and forced induction before spending any of your hard earned.

a "big lumpy cam" generally means that you are running something with long duration and tight LSA.
http://www.tildentechnologies.com/Cams/images/twolobes.gif
Long duration and tight LSA is likely to introduce a fair amount of "overlap".
Overlap is where your exhaust and inlet valves are open at the same time.
Google "camshaft overlap calculator"
This will increase air charge/ discharge velocities and improve scavenging - resulting in increased performance. A side-effect of this is that your engine become less efficient and you will lose boost.
If you are seriously thinking forced induction in the long term then I would recommend that you shoot for a cam that has little to no overlap so that you can build as much in cylinder boost as possible.

Believe me a baby cam and a supercharger is an awesome combo for a daily driven.
Fuel efficient, smooth and lots of power on tap. ;)

[Hulkssv]

could i get some thoughts on this pricing please :) i have contacted bullet performance ( supercharger specialists ) and asked them to give me a quote on cam packages etc to suit supercharging in the future. theyre reply is as follows.

Depending on your budget, I would recommend the following package: · Remove intake manifold,
valve train and heads·
Remove radiator harmonic balancer, timing chain and cam·
High flow cylinder heads and service valve seats·
Supply and fit new performance springs, titanium retainers and seals·
Supply and fit new head studs and head gaskets·
Supply and fit new high performance Crower cam (suitable for supercharger)·
Supply and fit new timing chain·
Supply new exhaust and intake manifold gaskets Total price including labour - $6260
3 Inch twin exhaust system with high flow catalytic convertors and 1/7/8 primary ceramic coated extractors - $2950
Labour to fit exhaust (if done in conjunction with the head upgrade above) - $440. OTR to suit MAF - $570 Cost to tune vehicle - $900
Total drive in drive out package - $10990 Let me know what you think.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

wow im glad i did mine my self

but then again i dident spend on the heads just went straight to the 2300 +cam and fuel system
more grunt then you can use on the street

[Hulkssv]

wow im glad i did mine my self

but then again i dident spend on the heads just went straight to the 2300 +cam and fuel system
more grunt then you can use on the street

i wish i was mechanically savvy :( is it fairly easy if you can follow instructions?

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

yes i thought so
theres plenty of diy threads on here if you do a search of what you want to do

[Wonky]

All sorts of ifs, buts and maybes in there before anyone can really judge value for money. First thing is I notice there is no mention of lifter or valley plate replacement which is a bit of a worry! :confused: Cams are usually $3,000 - $3,500 on non AFM cars, so add labour to R/R heads, gaskets, cost of valley plate, lifters etc and you're probably looking at at least another $1,000 and getting on towards $2,000 if they use the good Morel tie-bar lifers. All up, probably well over $4,000 to do cam on an AFM car, even over $5,000 if they use Morel lifters. Did you tell them it was an AFM car? :confused:

I'm puzzled as to exactly what "high flow heads" means. Does it mean they're going to mod your heads for you while they're off?

Labour to fit exhaust $440 is a bloody rip off given they'd have to refit the old exhaust anyway!! :mad: :nutkick: Fitting a new full system is negligibly more work than refitting the old one.

Again, as mentioned previously the price on the full system may be good or may be bad - what extractors, what cats, what catback? :weirdo:

If you've never tackled anything much mechanical before then I'd suggest that's way too big to tackle as a first project by yourself!!

[Hulkssv]

All sorts of ifs, buts and maybes in there before anyone can really judge value for money. First thing is I notice there is no mention of lifter or valley plate replacement which is a bit of a worry! :confused: Cams are usually $3,000 - $3,500 on non AFM cars, so add labour to R/R heads, gaskets, cost of valley plate, lifters etc and you're probably looking at at least another $1,000 and getting on towards $2,000 if they use the good Morel tie-bar lifers. All up, probably well over $4,000 to do cam on an AFM car, even over $5,000 if they use Morel lifters. Did you tell them it was an AFM car? :confused:

I'm puzzled as to exactly what "high flow heads" means. Does it mean they're going to mod your heads for you while they're off?

Labour to fit exhaust $440 is a bloody rip off given they'd have to refit the old exhaust anyway!! :mad: :nutkick: Fitting a new full system is negligibly more work than refitting the old one.

Again, as mentioned previously the price on the full system may be good or may be bad - what extractors, what cats, what catback? :weirdo:

If you've never tackled anything much mechanical before then I'd suggest that's way too big to tackle as a first project by yourself!!

exhaust is custom, they choose to do everything themselves there. didnt really expect the quote to come back that high to be honest, but i dont know the importance of head work, but for that sort of money i could almost go drive in drive out supercharger kit.. AFM lifters need to be replaced if your only going small cam?

[Hulkssv]

oh and the other place i emailed quoted me 4955 for kpm 3" full stainless exhaust..

[T2000]

As much as I like the guys at bullet...
There is not enough detail in the quote.
Brand of parts and part no.s?
As Wonky said - how exactly are the going to high flow the heads? Hand port, deburr, machine port, port & polish???
Never been a fan of the Crower cam grinds... their shorter duration cams tend to have some very modest lift numbers... and to be honest when added to an s/c would probably give minimal improvement over a stock cam. I would prefer to see a different spec cam... around or just under 220's duration, aaprox 600 lift & 112-114 lsa. just my 2c.

More details needed on this "quote" and a different spec cam and no charge for the exhaust install an I reckon you might be getting closer.

Good luck, Chris

[Hulkssv]

other option i have isss!

HTV1900 Black series Intercooled Kit + Injectors and OTR
Upgraded Fuel Pump

Now, im not 100% sure on power figures that would be returned from this, but price would come in at $10495 + $1500 for fitting.

[T2000]

other option i have isss!

HTV1900 Black series Intercooled Kit + Injectors and OTR
Upgraded Fuel Pump

Now, im not 100% sure on power figures that would be returned from this, but price would come in at $10495 + $1500 for fitting.
Better bang for buck - imho.

I would seriously consider upgraded valve springs though.

Stock Gen IV valve springs are very soft and may not enjoy the compressor trying to "blow the open" all the time. Go duals whilst you are at it for the extra insurance and lift the rev-limiter to almost 7k safely ;)... should only be a few hundred more....

[Hulkssv]

hmmm.. supercharging, would i hit 350rwkw running stock boost?

[AD07]

oh and the other place i emailed quoted me 4955 for kpm 3" full stainless exhaust..

F@rk , i know its supposed to be a great system but thats 10% the price of the WHOLE car.....:confused:

[T2000]

hmmm.. supercharging, would i hit 350rwkw running stock boost?
Depends on lots of factors (incl a good tune) ... but probably

But the right dyno operator can get 350kw at the wheels from a stock camry. ;) so dont base too many of your decisions on promised dyno figures.

Ask whether it will be fun, reliable, economical and run an 11 in street trim.

[Wonky]

exhaust is custom, they choose to do everything themselves there. didnt really expect the quote to come back that high to be honest, but i dont know the importance of head work, but for that sort of money i could almost go drive in drive out supercharger kit.. AFM lifters need to be replaced if your only going small cam?

The exhaust is potentially not too bad a price depending on what they do. I know of people who've picked up 1 7/8" Pacies for around the $750 mark and allow around $400 for HPC. Sureflo Ballistic cats are good value at around $230 ea normal price ($170 on special) so say $480 pr inc delivery. Total so far is $1630, meaning about $1350 for the catback. Therefore if it's only a 2.5" or even 3" mild steel system it had better be good or they're saying please bend over while we "lube" you. :D

Unless you specifically requested to keep the AFM gear then (IMHO) any shop worth their salt would strongly recommend doing lifters while the heads are off. :yup:


oh and the other place i emailed quoted me 4955 for kpm 3" full stainless exhaust..

:shock: They're also saying please bend over and enjoy!! KPM's website quotes $4155 supply only for the HPC 3" system. Allow even $100 to upgrade to 1 7/8" from standard 1 3/4" and even $100 for delivery (most likely both too much) means they're wanting $600 for fitting which is bloody ridiculous!! :shock: I've seen my full stock exhaust swapped for a full 3" KPM in around 2 hours.


other option i have isss!

HTV1900 Black series Intercooled Kit + Injectors and OTR
Upgraded Fuel Pump

Now, im not 100% sure on power figures that would be returned from this, but price would come in at $10495 + $1500 for fitting.

In a way the s/c is better bang for buck and when you go to sell the car can be removed and either sold on or transferred to your next car. However, it doesn't include an exhaust (not that that's really needed according to some) and as T2000 said it's probably a good idea to do valve springs.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

other option i have isss!

HTV1900 Black series Intercooled Kit + Injectors and OTR
Upgraded Fuel Pump

Now, im not 100% sure on power figures that would be returned from this, but price would come in at $10495 + $1500 for fitting.

it still needs to be tuned $$$$
about 400RWKW

[Hulkssv]

whats the differences between the htv1900 and something offered by vortech? for example.. i would be quite happy with this setup?



VE L98 6.0L, LS2 & LS3
Intercooled with Injectors, 7psi Kit
Retail Price: $6,995
Rated Horsepower of Kit: 440kW

Note: Exhaust Required with this kit.

Parts Included:
All parts are included --- Except Exhaust Upgrade
Vortech V-2 Sealed Supercharger
Aluminium Laser Cut Bracket Kit
6 Rib Accessory Drive
Injector Upgrade
Injector Connector Harnesses
Intake & Discharge Pipework
Pod Filter System with Shroud
Front Mount Intercooler

NOTE: Tune Required, Not Supplied in Kit.
NOTE: Exhaust Upgrade Required, Not Supplied in Kit.

Comments:
This kit features the Vortech Sealed Supercharger for quick and easy installation at a great price. The Reverse Rotation supercharger also allows for easy integration into the factory belt system. Includes fuel system and front mount intercooler. 8-10 Hours Fitting Time, no cutting of vehicle required.

[boggers007]

Vortech is more like a turbocharger and basically almost spools like one.

[Hulkssv]

think i will be going ahead with the vortech package from CAPA! :D install by me and my mate ( has done a fair bit of engine work before ) :woohoo:

9000 total with a fair bit of fun. as opposed to a cam and supercharging down the track. :goodtime: