[Nataphen]

I don't know what power level you guys are after, but a mild H/C combo with the MSD IM, E85, and headers would get you to ~150whp over stock, with usable power stretched out to 7500RPM. I'm talking about a cam that looses no low end torque, keeps some VVT range, and idles practically stock too. Since these cars seem to dyno in the 400whp range most of the time, there's 550whp NA right there. That's the route I'm going. Forced induction just isn't my thing anymore.

[TSloper]

That path is an option as well for sure. It has the advantage of not adding any weight. I think 150 RWHP would be a perfect jump. Higher numbers look cool but are useless anywhere but the track.

[Nataphen]

That's exactly the way I think. The power stays linear, there's not as much heat under the hood, and it's more suitable for road racing. 550whp would be a blast on the street anyway. Anything more, and you'd probably never get any traction below 60MPH. Here's the setup I'm looking at. This is Katech's stage 2 heads/cam, MSD IM, 93 octane tune, and completely stock exhaust on a C7.



Add headers and E85, and I'd say another 40-50whp would be very likely. That would also bring the slight torque loss back to at least stock levels, so the slight low end penalty of the cam would be no issue any longer.

[TSloper]

That's not bad at all! On the street that would be an excellent setup.

Tim

[Nataphen]

https://youtu.be/W48VwhD9qXY

Here's that cam at idle. It has a very slight lope to it, but still very streetable. The MSD IM on this setup was worth over 30whp I think. It makes a bigger difference the higher in the RPM range the motor can pull.

EDIT: found Katech's MSD IM test. 36whp!

[LesBaer]

Anyone who's worried about keeping the stock engine cover should just stop reading. That thing is going in the trash bin with or without any mods on day 1. If you think that it's going to save your warranty claim, I'm sorry, it won't LOL. Really, I mean no disrespect, but why bother touching anything if you're worried about your warranty? If you have a major problem, I would expect to face resistance from even the slightest modification. You really just have to ask yourself if modding the car at all for extra performance is it worth it to you. It's not an easy decision, especially considering resale, with the hassle of returning to stock once the mods pile up. Otherwise you're going to drive yourself crazy being held hostage by a warranty.

The MSD units and a cam swap have proven their worth elsewhere with this same engine. Thanks for sharing this. I'm definitely getting these and a tune once I'm past the break in period and I have confidence in my car. They're not the prettiest IM's out there but they're worth every penny based on this data and what I've heard about them. If you can change a throttle body, you can do this yourself - just don't over tighten it or you'll strip it and ruin it.

My list just keeps growing and growing. I'm at the point now where I'm starting to evaluate the cost of doing everything at once with a known performance shop (LPE) vs. piece by piece / going local.

[Nataphen]

I don't like the stock gray cover much, but I don't like the look of the MSD IM lettering. I think the letters being painted black and reinstalling the side covers probably looks the best to me. Warranty isn't my concern. I'll get all the bolt-ons and exhaust done, then start planning out the cam swap.

[LesBaer]

I agree. Someone will come out with some nice half covers in carbon fiber I'm sure that will look great.

[oldman]

500 WHP from top end work and a tune, oh my oh my, can we say complete LT1 dominance from street to strip. Especially in a lighter stronger package with bigger tires. Yep a win in every column.

Look how flat the torque curve is, and to add icing on the cake look how flat the HP curve is at the top. 7000 RPM baby.

[Turbo8u]

[Megahurtz]

Strangely enough I am wondering about Fuel Economy with the MSD intake manifold. It's not a deal breaker for me but I am going to be more cautious how I modify my 2017 SS. I previously owned a heavily modded 2011 Z06 and man fuel mileage was a bit rough for a daily driver.

TSloper, how has your fuel economy been with your mods? (Excluding E85)

[TSloper]

My only mechanical mods have been front cat delete pipe and Rotofab. No appreciable change. E85 of course drops it but at only $1.65 a gallon it's easy to deal with.

MSD won't affect mileage in any real way. It's a closed loop system while cruising and the flow difference just aren't going to be a major factor at part throttle.

[Megahurtz]

Originally Posted by TSloper

My only mechanical mods have been front cat delete pipe and Rotofab. No appreciable change. E85 of course drops it but at only $1.65 a gallon it's easy to deal with.

MSD won't affect mileage in any real way. It's a closed loop system while cruising and the flow difference just aren't going to be a major factor at part throttle.

Did you keep the MSd intake?

My mods path is going to pretty much be the same as yours. E85, Rotofab, Primary Cat Deletes, MSD Intake. All self tuned via HP Tuners. I want the car to stay quiet and get good gas mileage. Thanks for sharing all your experiences with us.

[TSloper]

I will be returning to the MSD after I do headers.