Parts? Tuning? Or both?

[CHA55A]

Hello people.

Im new to this forum. Just been having a conversation with a American colleague who is currently on exchange here in sydney. I took him down to the local street meet and although amazed at the variety of cars was a little surprised that the LS1's werent as fast as he expected.

In the states there running quicker times than here. Just wanted to know your feedback as to why. I understand these engines are fairly "new" and we are still discovering its potential.

But what does it come down to? Is it parts? I mean do they (US) have parts we dont have access to?

Tuning?

Both?


Thanks in advance.

CHA55A

[team illucid]

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/timeslips.php?

I am sure a few gents in here would tend to disagree with the "not as fast" statement

[brock05]

the vehicles we have LS1's in are typically heavier than our there US counterparts. Also our dated IRS design does nothing for 1/4 mile performance.

[Space Pope]

Weight's the main difference...Our cars could stand going in a diet. Mind, our cars are probably more secure in an accident. Cameros and Firebirds didn't have much to offer in the impact protection department. They also had prehistoric suspension.

Earlier too, I think the US cars were ahead in the power department but we seem to have come close to catching them up there too.

Our HOLDEN SS and Monaro are probably better balanced though and this makes them a better proposition as quick point-to-point cars (the Monaro in particular). The Camero and Firebird were always more about the looks and straight line performance with less thought was given to handling. They were very much a mass market car.

[dozlert]

The main difference is the cam. That's why the GTO puts out 350 HP and the Monaro puts out a little less. You can do the same mods to get a daily driver up to about 500 hp though.

[dozlert]

You are correct on the balance...the Monaro has closer to a 50/50 balance because we moved the gas tank for safety reasons to get it imported.