Next Modification for my VE Ls3

[R8133]

Hi All,

I am ready for next level of mods but wasn't sure as to what to do next so here I am getting some advice.

I already have full exhaust 1 78 with twin 3 inch exhaust and 150 cell cats.
Vcm otr and tune currently the beast has 290 atw.

I'm thinking of doing 3.9 diff gears, 4000 hi stall or vcm 21 cam install or get e85 tune with upgraded fuel injectors?
what should I do first and what would give me the best gains as I don't want to do the whole lot in one go and do it in stages.

I have VE R8 clubsport LS3 with auto transmission.

Thanks.

[1BEAST2NV]

to ME it would depend on what u want out of it for the money, there all good mods.

1- depending on cam specs, u may get away with doing a cam package on its own so long as it doesnt surge, otherwise u may need the stall first.
2- high stall-retune shift points
1- Diff gears , will def wake the car up


just depends on what u want, but either way youll get good gains right across

[R8133]

Cam profile is 217 225 with 113lsa being vcm 21 or I can get the smaller cam which has 217 217 with 112.5lsa.

At this stage I'm thinking 3.9 gears ?

[1BEAST2NV]

yeah not a big can so wont need a stall straight away.

yeah diff gears are ya cheapest option, will give ya better take off and low/mid speed

[Wonky]

With 290rwkw and an A6 it's of dubious value going from stock 3.27 to even 3.7, let alone 3.9. Of course, some people love 3.7 with A6 so all I would recommend before going 3.7 or even (god forbid) 3.9 is try to spend a day or two with such an A6 and see if you love the extra acceleration and virtually non existent first gear or whether the extra rpm on the highway drive you crazy..........

[R8133]

With 290rwkw and an A6 it's of dubious value going from stock 3.27 to even 3.7, let alone 3.9. Of course, some people love 3.7 with A6 so all I would recommend before going 3.7 or even (god forbid) 3.9 is try to spend a day or two with such an A6 and see if you love the extra acceleration and virtually non existent first gear or whether the extra rpm on the highway drive you crazy..........

Basically if 3.9 first gear would be non existent? Do you recommend 3.7 instead? I was also going to go with 4000rpm convertor would that be non respectable for everyday driving too?

[Wonky]

As I implied in my previous reply, different people have different tastes and requirements so what one person loves another will hate. I'd hate to go any more than 3.45 in mine with the A6, but I know a few guys who love 3.7s in their A6. You'll also increase problems getting traction the lower ratios (higher numerically) you go and just be in wheelspin city, unless that's what you want.

Converters is similarly another area you'll find widely varying opinions on if you read the converter threads. Some people love high rpm converters on the road, for others 3,000 or even a bit lower is the sweet spot. Again, it comes down to personal taste and your requirements. I can't comment as never had a car with anything but stock converter.

[Micks]

I tend to agree with Gary, can easily go too big. I originally wanted a 3.46 for our A6 though the more reading I did decided HSV got it right with the 3.27! In your case maybe 3.7's will be ideal?
Problem with the VE's a diff change is 3-4hrs labour + consumables, earlier models can be done in half that time.
Forgot to mention VE will also require rear wheel alignment following the work as the rear susp. has to be partially removed to carry out.
Good luck with your choice.

[gassit320]

I'm with Wonky, I have the exact same car, similar mods (only cats back exhaust) and 285RWKW, I find that first gear is so low I couldn't imagine making it lower, it already has awesome acceleratio, even ttaking off in second.
Save the 1500 odd and put it towards a cam package, IMHO.

[dogsballs]

shave the heads and go with e85. will wake it up and still idle like stock and can stay stock convertor. if thats still boring after 6 mths can still slide in a small cam or convertor.

[peter b]

3.7 and 3.9 gears with a6 are shit leave 3.27's in there as I'd only change to 3.45's which isn't much of a change.
You would be surprised about how much of a cam you can fit without needing stall convertor but all depends what your expectations are.
My opinion leave std cam fit a htv2300 blower and twin in tank fuel pump setup bigger injectors and e85. You will be able to drive like a dead stock car and not obtrusive at all they look very neat under the bonnet and as for power gains well it will make more than just a cam upgrade. Bonus part is wont need a power robbing hi stall convertor.

[Micks]

Peter you know your stuff & I totally agree, I have an L76 DOD with baby cam CAI no pipes providing 288rwkw.
Looking @ the E85 conversion now have the larger LS9 injectors just need to upgrade the in tank pump.

[calais190]

After running a tight 2800rpm converter with a 228/232 cam for the last 6 months, the best advice I can give you is to decide by how often you drive the car. If you drive this thing every singe day, a 2800 and a cam as big as mine is more than enough. It's very drivable, but don't expect to be moving very fast unless your holding 2100rpm+. As my car is driven basically on weekends only, it suits me just fine. I could have even gone slightly bigger converter in hindsight (but I think this is enough).

The choppy cam is great, but certainly draws a lot of attention (good and bad). I have the big by KPM system (1 7/8 pacies and dual 3" catback) and it is decently loud. Loud enough to have scared the crap out of this poor kid who was nearby when I started it cold the other day (he literally jumped in the air - i loved it). If i was driving it everyday I'd surely get hassled for it.

If budget permits, bypass the cam/converter/diff and slap on a supercharger!!! You won't need any of that with an extra 100kw...

[Wonky]

Problem with the VE's a diff change is 3-4hrs labour + consumables, earlier models can be done in half that time.

I watched mine get swapped at Chev's and it didn't take half that long - maybe 1 - 1.5 hours.

[R8133]

Actually getting the car booked to get e85 setup..... Can't wait to see the gains. Has anyone done an e85 setup and tune? how much gains should l expect on a n/a ls3 engine with just full exhaust and otr? I currently have 290Atw