Best to 500HP

[Blueclyde]

Lots of really good input here based on experience. I agree with mikeSS, you need to have the dough to start this process. Personally, I think $5K is a little light for 500rwhp. Let me give you a little different spin. My car makes 482rwhp/434rwtq with full bolt ons + ported heads and intake. Here is what I would do different if doing this again. These cars are heavy and it takes torque to get them rolling. These full bolt on NA cars scream but they sacrafice some torque down low in the rpm range. If doing this again, I would go to a stroker kit with a smaller cam. The car would make more torque without sacraficing much drivability performance. These big cam bolt on cars do not drive like a stock car. Go drive in somebodies car. Talk to some people and some shops.

[nebchevy]

ok... see thats why I love all you guys on this site! You are all so full of ideas and opinons and just so damn nice!! So can you tell me whats the difference between a stroker kit vs cam? or am I confused lol

[Blueclyde]

A stoker kit increases the discplacement of the engine. So instead of the engine being 376 cubic inches (6.2L), it might be 388 cubic inches or 400 cubic inches. You can achieve more power, and more importantly torque, without a very radical cam.

To get to 500rwhp with the LS3, you need a very radical cam. These cams are optimized to make the most power high in the rpm range (5500-6750 rpm) and sacrafice some torque low in the range (2000-3750 rpm). A better option, albeit more expensive, is to increase the discplacement of the engine ("stroke it" = requires different crank and rods). There are plenty of reputable vendor sponsors here that can help. If you decide the full bolt on route with the LS3 just know what you are getting into. I love mine but there are some that would drive my car and not like it.

[Padre]

Originally Posted by nebchevy

I agree with you all... I will do it one little mod at a time... so maybe I should just work on the cosmetic stuff untill I have money to mod then?? in the mean time... what should I at least do with my exhaust to make it a nice loud sound like a real muscle car should sound? Also if I was to just do a cam install what kinda hp we looking at gaining and what is the best cam for your money/hp

Well, if you want some idea of what happens when you do one mod at a time, read my Build Journal.

For me, one mod at a time was for learning, having fun, trying new things, learning from mistakes, having an excuse to race every month, and to meet a lot of great folks here and at the track.

Either way, it's your car and how you mod it will make it unique. Read a lot here, talk to people, and try what you feel works for you.

Padre

[nebchevy]

So if you could, or if you know... what is a typical cost of doing a stroker kit in the camaros and how much hp do you they we could get typicaly? I thought that was what a stroker kit was but I am gald you went into detail.

[fldrummer]

Originally Posted by Blueclyde

A stoker kit increases the discplacement of the engine. So instead of the engine being 376 cubic inches (6.2L), it might be 388 cubic inches or 400 cubic inches. You can achieve more power, and more importantly torque, without a very radical cam.

To get to 500rwhp with the LS3, you need a very radical cam. These cams are optimized to make the most power high in the rpm range (5500-6750 rpm) and sacrafice some torque low in the range (2000-3750 rpm). A better option, albeit more expensive, is to increase the discplacement of the engine ("stroke it" = requires different crank and rods). There are plenty of reputable vendor sponsors here that can help. If you decide the full bolt on route with the LS3 just know what you are getting into. I love mine but there are some that would drive my car and not like it.

Get some more aggressive gears. You'd be amazed what a difference they make getting these heavy cars moving!

[Blueclyde]

Padre is right btw, read, talk, learn and do what's right for you. Most folks on this site will try to talk you into doing what they did.

As for the cost of a stroker, it all depends on what parts you already have (headers, CAI, exhaust, etc). Also depends on if you plan to do some of it yourself. Turn key, from a reputable shop, (you drop off, write check, pick up) and you also need the headers and such.... I would say$7k to $9k.

[Padre]

Originally Posted by nebchevy

So if you could, or if you know... what is a typical cost of doing a stroker kit in the camaros and how much hp do you they we could get typicaly? I thought that was what a stroker kit was but I am gald you went into detail.

A stroker kit, you're talking about pulling and rebuilding the motor: new crank, pistons, rods, plus all the supporting parts. You'll be doing pretty much everything else along with it: cam, valvetrain, heads, manifold, etc. Plus all the bolt-ons: CAI, headers, etc., then something to strengthen the drivetrain.

So, put aside $12k and several months of your car in the shop.

Padre

[nebchevy]

YA.... ok well how about this how much is it for a LG Motorsports G6X3 cam complete kit... then I will do that with LT and cat del with axle back?? what yall think

[Bay Area SS]

Bolt ons, nice cam and head package. Im at 455. Few months I should have heads and a few other things, im hopin 4 500 myself

[maroman1138]

Check out my signature for my list of mods. I'm at 480 RWHP and was told if I go with an underdrive pulley and a electric water pump I would be at 500. But I often wonder if I could achieve the same 500 with a Fast intake and high flow fuel rails. Don't really want to go with an underdrive pulley for a daily driver. I don't know if this is true or not but I heard the U.D. affects the A/C system?

[nebchevy]

Is the stage II heads and cam a brand or is it a stage 2?? is just a # then what brand you have? Who did you get your TB from

[14pilot]

Good thread. I'm reading all this and thinking that the cost (and the liabilities of drivability and reliability?) to get to the 460rwhp range is substantially less than going for 500rwhp. Thanks for sharing all your own experiences. Think I'm convinced to work towards 460-470 for now.

To the OP, best of luck with your future build. Oh, and I agree with all here, don't finance your build...

[nebchevy]

Ya I agree I think I want to try to hit the 480 mark would be fine... hope I can.