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Stage 1.5ish build

5K views 27 replies 11 participants last post by  Need4V 
#1 ·
Well with much help from Matt(LT1z), Tyler @Mont, Artem Boyko and research from previous builds, the mod list is complete and parts are starting to roll in. Gonna be doing the work myself with the occasional help from my pops. He's 70 now but still enjoys being around projects and wrenching. Kind of a mix between typical stage 1 and 2 builds. Anyways here's my list

Lt1Z Stage 2.5 with deluxe cam kit
Johnson 2100 lifters
GM lifted trays
ARP head bolts
Griptech 2.45 upper
SW 2inch catless headers to 3 inch to stock mufflers(Thanks Tyler)
Milled reinforced -12an Zl1 lid(Thanks Artem)
Katech HX
Airraid with green filter
FIC 1000s
Varimax

Still deciding on either a ported or non ported 90mm TB. Would love to do a lower as well, but this is in my budget now. E85 would be sweet too, but we'll be buying a house next year that for sure won't have any stations within 30 miles. I'll be updating this thread with pics and progress whatnot as I work on it.
 
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#2 ·
Do the lower if you are doing a cam install.

I'd argue starting with the lower over the upper if a bump stick is going in the car.

Also ported tb 87 or 90. I feel my tip in throttle better with a mamo 90 over mamo 87 but I doubt I gained much hp in the end.

I'd argue against the arp head bolts unless you have big plans down the road, but if budget is tight I'd try to get that lower done and that may be what I would "cheap out on" to make the lower happen
 
#3 ·
Unfortunately it's just not in the budget for a lower. Don't want to use my credit card for any of these mods. The head bolts don't equal the price of an ATI with 8.6 pulley, so it is what it is. In 6-12 months when I get the next round going, I'll do it then. I'm doing the labor so it's just time. I agree with the ported TB. Just gotta hope I find one for a decent deal.
 
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#5 · (Edited)
So after working some OT, ended up picking up an ATI and 8.6 lower to go along with everything else. Meanwhile my wife continues to shake her head because this never ends. Gonna tackle the headers and paint my grills while the bumper is off. Last part I need to buy is a varimax. Everything else I have except the Jokerz ported Tb that is on its way.
 
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#6 ·
Nice... get use to the wife shaking her head... we all get that.
 
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#8 ·
Tackling the headers today. Lid Hx varimax and removal of hardlines are done. I'll post pics if I remember to take some. Hopefully me and the old man can knock it out in 6-8 hours haha
 
#10 · (Edited)
Installed the heat exchanger, varimax, zl1 lid, SW headers and dipped the front grills. Ended up having JRG motorsports install the cam, springs, lifters, pulleys. The did a great job and highly recommend them for anyone in Northern California. Headers weren't too bad, but on jack stands weren't the best either. Here's some progress pics and a video after JRG installed the big parts. Still needs to be tuned, and I'm waiting for my exhaust guy to finish welding the stock mufflers back on. Right now it's 2in headers to catless x and midpipes and that's it. My neighbors hate me right now.
Katech vs stock hx









 
#12 ·
Negative ghostrider. I just installed it hahaha
 
#14 ·
I'll keep you in mind if I ever do, how about that? Haha
 
#16 ·
Hot DAM... what cam is that? sounds like an 1/8 of a tank every revolution...lol
 
#18 ·
Nice work man!

The GP 2.5 is my cam of choice when it comes time to get the stock one out of there.

Sounds great with the stock idle settings......not sure I'd change it, :).
 
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#19 ·
It sounds much better on video than in person right now. Once it gets the stock mufflers on it'll sound much cleaner. The low idle does sound nice though
 
#20 ·
Got the stock mufflers put back on. Sounds much cleaner. I do miss how ridiculously loud it was but maybe cutouts will be in my future. Excited tune is this next Monday. Curious what she puts down. Also bought some 17x10 forgestars so I can't wait to run this at the track.

 
#21 ·
About to make its first dyno pull now! If anyone has guesses, post em up.
 
#22 · (Edited)
651/624!! Unfortunately I might have air or a kink in the HX system because iats were getting hot around 6300, so timing was pulled and maybe left a little on the table. But I'm extremely happy with the results and the way the car feels. Matt did a kick ass job with the tune, drives super smooth and turns into a whole new beast when getting after it.

Dyno sheet:
https://imgur.com/gallery/RiyRi
 
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#25 ·
From research and talking to people who helped with my build, it's not necessary, but it's also not necessary to wrap it up with a lady of the night. Whether or not you play with fire is your business
 
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#28 ·
Wheels and tires are on now. Went with 305 ET R. Also installed a Mighty Mouse catch can and underhood ice tank from Tabio. Got to get around to installing the Black Moon splitter and CS shifter and one of Artem’s weighted shift knobs. Hopefully I can get to the track soon if the rain stays away. Here’s a couple pics of the new wheel/tire setup
https://imgur.com/gallery/3SLKg
 
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