Time to mod the Z - Opinions wanted

[str86]

Hello All!

I have done some extensive reading on these forums over the past year regarding modifications to the VZ spec LS1 (260kw) motor.

I currently own a CV8-Z Monaro in Fusion, T56 Manual with absolutely no mods what so ever.

The power bug has finally bitten me and It's time to do some modifications but I am not sure on the exact avenue to take..

I have read lots about the following mods and would like advice/feedback if any of these would be worth it or the way to go:

1. MAFLESS tune (either using LS1Edit or VCM suite I hear good things about)
2. Headers (Pacemakers and the liking)
3. Full exhaust system (2 1/2" twin system seems the way to go with opened/high flow cats)
4. Cold Air Induction <- I heard the VZ monaro already has fantastic air induction??

I hear with those following mods it should give me somewhere between 300-350rwhp.. somewhat closer to 350 @ the rears which is the kind of power I would be chasing..

With the exhaust system side of things, everybody says the CV8-Z/VZ Monaro has a true dual exhaust system but how 'true' is this exhaust? Looking underneath the vehicle near the diff it has some 'squashes/bends' in the exhaust piping which would be quite restrictive, but, if I was to replace that piping with decent round piping would it be cheaper to keep the existing exhaust system instead of going custom such as Di'Fillipo?

Feel free to link me to other threads in regards to the following mods but It would be nice if somebody could base the mods on my motor/vehicle..

On a side note, how strong is the clutch/driveline on the CV8-Z Monaro? Would it take 350rwhp or should I look at upgrading in the future..

Cheers to all for reading

Regards,
Rob

[OUTAtheBloo]

Gday Rob, Welcome to the addiction !

Ive had these things done to my 225kw VU SS M6 for 369rwhp

224/228 112lsa comp cam, valve springs and double row timing chain.
25% underdrive pulley, star 84mm t/b, Higgins OTR.

Hm try y's with a 2.5 cat back, standard cats.

Textralia clutch and rip shifter combo. 3.9 diff gears.

My personal thing on the clutch, when it goes replace it with a tex, its the mod i appreciate the most out of everything, as the stock clutch just wouldnt cut it.

Dan

[Holden Nut]

You are correct in that a mafless tune is the way to go.

Headers is a difficult subject but the general consensus is try-y's are better for down low and 4>1's are better for top end...mind you, there are people who disagree with that statement.

Twin 2.5" system is the way to go if you are leaving it unopened or with a small cam.

Unless you buy an otrcai, the standard airbox will be fine, you just need to do the 2nd hole mod.

If you do a search you will find hours of reading on all 4 of those subjects.

[vt350phantom]

Gday Rob, Welcome to the addiction !

Ive had these things done to my 225kw VU SS M6 for 369rwhp

224/228 112lsa comp cam, valve springs and double row timing chain.
25% underdrive pulley, star 84mm t/b, Higgins OTR.

Hm try y's with a 2.5 cat back, standard cats.

Textralia clutch and rip shifter combo. 3.9 diff gears.

My personal thing on the clutch, when it goes replace it with a tex, its the mod i appreciate the most out of everything, as the stock clutch just wouldnt cut it.

Dan


Interesting comment re the clutch Dan. My clutch is rooted. Am looking 4ward to getting a tex when the minister for finance frees up further funds!!

[str86]

Cheers for all the replies,

Yeah I've read the forums throughly and alot of people contradict them selves when it comes to headers, exhausts and induction so I thought to start my own thread to help owners of the 04+ LS1 260kw engine in regards to modding..

Edit: I gotta admit though, I find it quite pathetic how Holden release this special 'CV8-Z' and just change the colour, interior seats and rims... Should of put huge 6 piston brakes, tuned 350kw LS2, heavy duty clutch, etc but oh well.. Guess it's time to do that all my self heh

[Holden Nut]

Cheers for all the replies,

Yeah I've read the forums throughly and alot of people contradict them selves when it comes to headers, exhausts and induction so I thought to start my own thread to help owners of the 04+ LS1 260kw engine in regards to modding..You think thats bad...try ringing 6 or 7 forum sponsors, telling them your wants/needs and expectations out of your car in regards to what cam to choose, and then get 6 or 7 different answers!

[vt350phantom]

Cheers for all the replies,

Yeah I've read the forums throughly and alot of people contradict them selves when it comes to headers, exhausts and induction so I thought to start my own thread to help owners of the 04+ LS1 260kw engine in regards to modding..

Edit: I gotta admit though, I find it quite pathetic how Holden release this special 'CV8-Z' and just change the colour, interior seats and rims... Should of put huge 6 piston brakes, tuned 350kw LS2, heavy duty clutch, etc but oh well.. Guess it's time to do that all my self heh

Yeah, you're right mate, there's definitely room for improvement in the commos/munros from the factory, however Holden provide a good canvas for all of us addicts to turn into a work of art!!

For your car, here's my 2c, exhaust, tune, 3.9 diff gears and smallish cam. Should be good for 280+rwkw and good manners on the road

[str86]

I could do alot of mods but I gotta keep in mind, I do need to keep my 6 year bumper-to-bumper warranty so I think the most I could do is exhaust, headers, cai, tune.. I just need the perfect combination for those mods..

On another note though, I have been reading about the Gen-TT kits by ls1turbo.com.au for the past 2 weeks... F**king impressive I must say. Near 450-500rwhp guarnteed from a stock ls1 with those two snails on..

I personally thought about doing it, sure it sounds all good for $6995 and all but then you gotta add up: labour, installation troubles, extras, tune. Will probably end up costing a little over 10k..

Within the week burning out your clutch and most likely other transmission/driveline problems will occur so thats why I've gone back to square one... Mods stated above with max 350rwhp and see what happens, just dont know 'exactly' what mods/brand/combination (tri-y or 4-in-1, etc)

[OUTAtheBloo]

Try adding up all the other mods you would need to do to make the same power N/A, Then see what the TT Costs.

All depends what you want from your car mate. Try and plan it out as much as you can, and be realistic with what you can afford to spend.

I thought "yer cam only will give me enough power". But then you get a ride in a few Turboed/supercharged cars and you know your just mucking around.

Try to experience the different combos before going ahead, can save you a fair bit :>

Dan

[michaels1v8]

I could do alot of mods but I gotta keep in mind, I do need to keep my 6 year bumper-to-bumper warranty so I think the most I could do is exhaust, headers, cai, tune.. I just need the perfect combination for those mods..

On another note though, I have been reading about the Gen-TT kits by ls1turbo.com.au for the past 2 weeks... F**king impressive I must say. Near 450-500rwhp guarnteed from a stock ls1 with those two snails on..

I personally thought about doing it, sure it sounds all good for $6995 and all but then you gotta add up: labour, installation troubles, extras, tune. Will probably end up costing a little over 10k..

Within the week burning out your clutch and most likely other transmission/driveline problems will occur so thats why I've gone back to square one... Mods stated above with max 350rwhp and see what happens, just dont know 'exactly' what mods/brand/combination (tri-y or 4-in-1, etc)

If your worried about warranty then for now I would just go with the catback system either twin 2.5inch or a single 3.5 inch (sureflow of course), an MCAI and a Maf tune. Dealer will never be able to tell the tune is there so no worries there.

For the Gen TT you also got to consider fuel system, injectors, valve springs and price of a new clutch (the T56 should hold up without trouble really) so I would say more 12-15g.

Go for 4>1's if you want good power right to red line. Go tri-y is you want better low down power but slightly worse top end. Your choice really. Personally I would go the tri-y's as I would want the most power I can get down low.

Keep reading mate and you will eventually have everything you need:thumbsup:

[SS Enforcer]

The headers and new zorst will help a lot then tune it ! I found that 3.9 diff gears really made a big difference to my VU ute and was the mod that I enjoyed the most.It just made it a nicer car to drive around town as well as quick when you want it.

cheers

[ziggycv8z]

Hi Rob
I have the same car as you with the mods that you want. My mods are,

Standard with about 2,000km went 174 rwkw
pacy tri-y and 2 1/2 system went 194 rwkw
maf tune went 228 rwkw
222/224 @ 112 comp cam, mafless went 255 rwkw (340 approx rwhp) and over 800 nm of torque
also fitted the 3.9 gears which IMO suit the M12 really well
The power figures will very a bit but this should give you a good idea.

Nick

[2 cylinders shy]

Dont forget the VZ monaro came with a different cam and gearbox ratios to everything that came before it

[BLQWN]

Mate, go for a squirt in some different cars to see just what grunt you need, my work ute has 236rwkw with mafless tune, tri-ys, dual pipes and otrcai, and for a daily I reckon just some 3.9 gears would have been a better option, (for what I do) and dont forget rwkw is just a peak number, it's the extra torque down low that you use all the time that counts.
cheers

[HDVZMonaro]

Hi,

I also have a VZ Monaro and am looking at having some exhaust work and a MAFless tune done. Does anyone know where the best place in Melbourne would be to get this done?

Thanks

[str86]

There would be so many workshops in Melbourne for LS1 mods/tuning/building, try searching for them (top right hand corner).

Also, half the advertisments on this site are melb based workshops so refresh the page a few times and take a look at some of the sites.

[Snappa]

i have the same car as yours....

My CV8Z had the below done @ 600km:
- Pacemaker 4-1 (1-3/4) Headers
- Full 2.5" Stainless Exhaust system
- 4" GTS pipe, K&N Pod and custom sheild
- and NO MAF!

After a couple of tweaks, a mafless tune of 253.7rwkw (http://snappa.artc.com.au/cv8z/Dyno/Dyno640.JPG) appeared!!

Since then, the car has 9,300kms on it and it feel HEAPS better!!

Dont waste time... DO IT

[harey]

Hi,

I also have a VZ Monaro and am looking at having some exhaust work and a MAFless tune done. Does anyone know where the best place in Melbourne would be to get this done?

Thanks

Forum sponsors. I am a big G&D Performance fan, but there are other good places as well. Its all about choosing the right place!!

[V28VX37]

I'll second that, G&D is the go.