[KingLT1]

The stock exhaust from the cats forward is indeed limiting his setup. Mainly the factory cats. The factory NPP cat back is not.


The stock IM/TB even ported limits the potential of a stage 2-3 head cam combo. The only way I would stick with a Stock ported IM/TB is on a mild stage 1 H/C setup where shift points would be similar to stock(64-6500rpm). Other then that you need a intake that carries the power up top better and utilizes the cams potential. Good news is the LT2 looks like a cheap upgrade that will definitely carry power much better up top.


The biggest mistake I have seen over the years and it applies to all GM small blocks is folks putting too large of a cam in the engine, not properly addressing the induction, exhaust, and not revving it high enough. Seen this for years on LS combos. Another big mistake I see with those doing heads/cam setups is leaving the stock compression. That is why you lose low end and mid range because you lost a lot of DCR from the bigger cams lack of efficiency down low...especially after you delete VVT. You need to raise the compression to get that back.