Question: AFR heads custom cam from west coast corvettes

[Big Shot]

I just recently ordered that kit for my 97. It has 11:1 compression ratio and comes with everything needed to install gaskets etc. It says its an estimated 75-85 HP gain. I was just wondering will I notice a big diiference or will it be minor? Any help is appreciated

 

[Hib Halverson]

It's tough to give you an assessment without knowing which AFR head, the cam specs and whether or not this includes headers with better cat converters, however be quite skeptical of what West Coast Corvettes claims because you can't buy pump gas anywhere in California to use 11:1 compression, unless it's a very cold, humid day.

Most likely, in Modesto, which tends to be warm to hot in the summer, if the car has an aggressive calibration, expect lots of knock retard running on 91 octane gas.

Now, if it's one of AFRs street performance heads (a darn good choice, I might add), the camshaft is something like the LS6 or maybe a little more aggressive, the engine had headers, low restriction cats, appropriate ECM calibration and about 95 oct gas, yeah...you're looking at 75-85 hp.

I'll add that Tony Mamo at AFR has his own head/cam package for LS6es that's worth 100 hp, I suspect fitted to an LS1, it would be about the same given the right cal and 94-95 octane fuel.

 

[zagger]

Depends which kit you ordered, the head/cam package only or the stage IV with the intake, pcm and etc. Either is going to make a big difference but the head/cam package only will have to be fallowed by proper tune and depending on the intake manifold, throttle body and so on is how big of a difference you will see. By the mods you are making it looks as you stepped into the HP mod dark side, welcome to the club .

 

[Big Shot]

true i will probly have to run 91 octane if so will that cause damage, or lessen HP? im not sure the grind of the cam. i will be driving it alot so wondering how the heat and 91 octane would effect the performance or even cause damage.

 

[Big Shot]

???:confused

 

[Hib Halverson]

true i will probly have to run 91 octane if so will that cause damage, or lessen HP? im not sure the grind of the cam. i will be driving it alot so wondering how the heat and 91 octane would effect the performance or even cause damage.

The engines knock sensors and closed-loop spark control will prevent detonation. If there is a lot of knock retard the engine may run somewhat hotter, but if the cooling system is in good condition and is operating properly, that shouldn't be a problem.