Re-turbo my car or just get a C6?
Re-turbo my car or just get a C6?
I'm not sure exactly where this belongs, so I won't be offended if the mod's move it elsewhere 
But being that this is an FI-related post, I decided to try here.
Basically as most of you know, I had a ***** to the wall, built motor with APS TT putting out about 540whp and 560wtq, on 93 octane gas. Well, as most of you also know, it was nothing but trouble for me. I believe alot of it had to do with the fact that I had no less than 3 shops work on it, and I could NEVER seem to get the tune how I wanted it. When I tore my motor down myself to install new headstuds and gaskets and ended up with coolant in the oil (totally my fault; ran fine before), I finally threw my hands up and said "to hell with FI". I've since sold all of my FI parts, and car is 95% back to stock at this point.
I've been really toying around with the idea of saving up and just getting a new C6 and just not messing with modding it at all, except maybe the normal "intake/exhaust" mods.
Here's my delema: recently, I've been thinking about keeping the Z stock for a year or so, saving up, and rebuilding my block and installing a new TT kit. If I went this route, I'd most likely either ship the whole car off to GT Motorsports or Forged Performance, have it done RIGHT the first time, and not get it back till it's PERFECT. I'd get stock compression Arias ED pistons, Eagle rods, APS TT, UTEC, L19 studs, JWT cams, HKS headgaskets, and stock APS fuel system. Tune it to 11 psi on 93 or 94 octane, make around 480whp, be done with it, and be happy.
I guess my question is this: Would you any of you jump back into it, or just move on to a different car? I'd have to save as much to get a C6 than it would take to do what I'm thinking about to my Z, so money-wise, it's pretty much a wash, except for of course the resale value.
But being that this is an FI-related post, I decided to try here.Basically as most of you know, I had a ***** to the wall, built motor with APS TT putting out about 540whp and 560wtq, on 93 octane gas. Well, as most of you also know, it was nothing but trouble for me. I believe alot of it had to do with the fact that I had no less than 3 shops work on it, and I could NEVER seem to get the tune how I wanted it. When I tore my motor down myself to install new headstuds and gaskets and ended up with coolant in the oil (totally my fault; ran fine before), I finally threw my hands up and said "to hell with FI". I've since sold all of my FI parts, and car is 95% back to stock at this point.
I've been really toying around with the idea of saving up and just getting a new C6 and just not messing with modding it at all, except maybe the normal "intake/exhaust" mods.
Here's my delema: recently, I've been thinking about keeping the Z stock for a year or so, saving up, and rebuilding my block and installing a new TT kit. If I went this route, I'd most likely either ship the whole car off to GT Motorsports or Forged Performance, have it done RIGHT the first time, and not get it back till it's PERFECT. I'd get stock compression Arias ED pistons, Eagle rods, APS TT, UTEC, L19 studs, JWT cams, HKS headgaskets, and stock APS fuel system. Tune it to 11 psi on 93 or 94 octane, make around 480whp, be done with it, and be happy.
I guess my question is this: Would you any of you jump back into it, or just move on to a different car? I'd have to save as much to get a C6 than it would take to do what I'm thinking about to my Z, so money-wise, it's pretty much a wash, except for of course the resale value.
Originally Posted by chimmike
well, if you're only looking for 480whp, don't bother with the L19 studs . Other than that, I say, build it and boost it!
. Other than that, I say, build it and boost it!
Plus, I already own a set so why not, lol.
You know you Z, and pros and cons to it. You guys (your car and you) have been thru alot, she really love you and you her. What i am trying to say is you learned this car already and know what you need to do to do it right. Boosted Z's are unique, not many people have them or can afford them.C6 are nice but your just going to have a C6 like all the rest. I say keep your Z and send it to Sharif and get it done right. Keep it!
ahh that makes sense I'm thinkin the regular studs are more than enough for an unsleeved block, but my insurance will be the HKS headgaskets.
You might be interested in the JWT 700 kit, have Performane Motorsport build it and install that kit, which will give you the headroom you want, but the great power as well.
I'm thinkin the regular studs are more than enough for an unsleeved block, but my insurance will be the HKS headgaskets. You might be interested in the JWT 700 kit, have Performane Motorsport build it and install that kit, which will give you the headroom you want, but the great power as well.
Originally Posted by chimmike
well, if you're only looking for 480whp, don't bother with the L19 studs . Other than that, I say, build it and boost it!
. Other than that, I say, build it and boost it!I wouldnt chance it for the extra insurance the L19's and 30lb's more trq. would give you
Originally Posted by booger
I blew a head gasket with normal ARP head studs , trqed to stock specs . I was making 400whp at the time -13psi with no signs of detonation .
I wouldnt chance it for the extra insurance the L19's and 30lb's more trq. would give you
I wouldnt chance it for the extra insurance the L19's and 30lb's more trq. would give you
400whp? Something doesn't seem right, lol.
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I think it has a lot to do with you plan on doing with the car. If you plan on driving it hard than you are better off with the Z. I've spent some time reading the corvette forums and even over there they will admit the vette doesn't hold up. One guy was complaining that after autocrossing a new vette just twice the brake rotors were all warped and needed replacing.
If you're going to wax it more often that drive it the corvette is great. Also, IMHO, it's just a little too blue collar.
If you're going to wax it more often that drive it the corvette is great. Also, IMHO, it's just a little too blue collar.
i would say, rebuild it, nothing like a perfectly running fully built TT Z. just take it to someone who knows how to tune it correctly. it would be worth shipping it or driving it somewhere far to do it...
I say keep the Z and build it again. As someone mentioned earlier, you've already climbed the learning curve on this car and know the pitfalls to avoid. I also doubt you would stop with intake/exhaust on the vette so you'll probably spend more than you think to modify it. 
Good luck!
Good luck!
Hey failsafe....I'm in the exact same situation as you. I had an APS ST on the old Z and now I have an 06 and I'm getting ready to schedule for an APS TT install. Actually its pretty much scheduled already. Anyways for the past week I have been contemplating many different routes I can go here...pretty much every car you can imagine. Unlike you I refuse to buy another american car. Somehow I get desensitized to Corvettes after seeing them on the road for 6 months.
I took a look at the Lexus IS350, GS430, E39 BMW M5, Acura NSX, Porsche 996, 07 G35. I have still yet to make up my mind. I think I want a bigger fast car now. I have a feeling I might get a 06 GS430 and throw some rims on it. That would definitely be a change but I think I'd enjoy it never the less.
I'm so confused. As for your situation I'd be too freaked out to go TT again even if most of it was your fault. Just keep in mind that regardless of what kit you choose and what shop does the install you will at some point experience some issues. Its not a smooth road.
I'm the kinda guy that needs change(I've had 4 cars in the past 2 years now) also and I'd hate to get crappy resale value due to aftermarket mods. Anyways let me know what you come up with in the end ...
I took a look at the Lexus IS350, GS430, E39 BMW M5, Acura NSX, Porsche 996, 07 G35. I have still yet to make up my mind. I think I want a bigger fast car now. I have a feeling I might get a 06 GS430 and throw some rims on it. That would definitely be a change but I think I'd enjoy it never the less.
I'm so confused. As for your situation I'd be too freaked out to go TT again even if most of it was your fault. Just keep in mind that regardless of what kit you choose and what shop does the install you will at some point experience some issues. Its not a smooth road.
I'm the kinda guy that needs change(I've had 4 cars in the past 2 years now) also and I'd hate to get crappy resale value due to aftermarket mods. Anyways let me know what you come up with in the end ...
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You have an 03 (like me) and have had problems boosting the VQ. I personally would not go down that road again.
I would by the C6(non Z06) in that deep orange color or blue. Very soon a bolt on supercharger will be released by Vortech and others and with 8psi, you should make the wanted figures on your car. Plus the C6 is standard targa top.
If I were to stick with the Z, I would throw either a built SR20-DET with 500WHP or a 6 grand RB26 and not worry about the bottom end until after 700whp. Plus like said before, a GT-R motor in a Z will always draw more of a crowd than a built, turboed 350z.
I would by the C6(non Z06) in that deep orange color or blue. Very soon a bolt on supercharger will be released by Vortech and others and with 8psi, you should make the wanted figures on your car. Plus the C6 is standard targa top.
If I were to stick with the Z, I would throw either a built SR20-DET with 500WHP or a 6 grand RB26 and not worry about the bottom end until after 700whp. Plus like said before, a GT-R motor in a Z will always draw more of a crowd than a built, turboed 350z.
Originally Posted by twotonetrack
I would by the C6(non Z06) in that deep orange color or blue. Very soon a bolt on supercharger will be released by Vortech and others and with 8psi, you should make the wanted figures on your car. Plus the C6 is standard targa top.
If I were to stick with the Z, I would throw either a built SR20-DET with 500WHP or a 6 grand RB26 and not worry about the bottom end until after 700whp. Plus like said before, a GT-R motor in a Z will always draw more of a crowd than a built, turboed 350z.
If I were to stick with the Z, I would throw either a built SR20-DET with 500WHP or a 6 grand RB26 and not worry about the bottom end until after 700whp. Plus like said before, a GT-R motor in a Z will always draw more of a crowd than a built, turboed 350z.
Originally Posted by twotonetrack
You have an 03 (like me) and have had problems boosting the VQ. I personally would not go down that road again.
I would by the C6(non Z06) in that deep orange color or blue. Very soon a bolt on supercharger will be released by Vortech and others and with 8psi, you should make the wanted figures on your car. Plus the C6 is standard targa top.
If I were to stick with the Z, I would throw either a built SR20-DET with 500WHP or a 6 grand RB26 and not worry about the bottom end until after 700whp. Plus like said before, a GT-R motor in a Z will always draw more of a crowd than a built, turboed 350z.
I would by the C6(non Z06) in that deep orange color or blue. Very soon a bolt on supercharger will be released by Vortech and others and with 8psi, you should make the wanted figures on your car. Plus the C6 is standard targa top.
If I were to stick with the Z, I would throw either a built SR20-DET with 500WHP or a 6 grand RB26 and not worry about the bottom end until after 700whp. Plus like said before, a GT-R motor in a Z will always draw more of a crowd than a built, turboed 350z.
rice comment ftl
Wow guys thanks for the replies. As of now, I'm sorta leaning towards keeping the Z. If I buy a C6 (which I'll need to save heavily for), I'll just have another C6, with no extra money to mod it. Either way, I need to save up at a MINIMUM 18k to do what I want. I'm not going down the credit card road again, lol.
Maybe I'll call around for some prices next week
-chris
Maybe I'll call around for some prices next week
-chris