L98 rebuild for the VE wagz. Thoughts on this basic combo?

[VrWagz1]

My Stock SS-V L98 MY09 auto wagon has had a bit of a top end failure. So its just been more economical(peace of mind) to get it rebuilt, then chance anything on a half done top end fixer-upper job.

So while thats happening im looking at just slapping in a mildy bigger cam and T-bar lifters (because I can, seems pointless to put a factory cam back in). So i was looking at somthing around the 220/225 duration with 114 lobe centers and around a .600" lift. I have free almost new hsv headers im looking at fitting up with some Hi-flow cats to the factory exhaust. + Dyno tune once all is done.

I know this Combo isnt going to set the streets on fire and im fine with that. Im more after Torque then just high kw numbers. Just a solid pickup on the factory setup for a pumped up daily. Any comments/feedback on this setup appreciated as im a bit new to the Chev motors.

Also at the moment im trying to get some soild advice if a OTR (with maf) setup is going to be of any real "economical benefit". Im not a fan of large micron KN filters and i see no reason to get rid of the factory air box. But if anyone can provide me with any thoughts/experiance on weather this will prove to be any benifit to my combo I can look into it. Links to OTR setups appreciated to if possible. Not looking to spend another $1k on somthing thats gonna give only a slight improvement.

The last bit to this is: The current Throttle body keeps throwing up error codes, so its time for a new one- Will bigger throttle bodys fit the factory intake manifold, and again would this see any benifit to what im looking at doing. Or to fit a bigger TB require a new inlet manifold + New TB?

So if your still reading by now, Im keen to get this right and spend $ where it counts but not on tiny gains that cost a fortune.

 

[st3r3otyp3]

Hi.

With the TB, don`t bother, there is no benefit for your application, when you say error codes maybe just the TPS IAC sensors need replacing. perhaps get a second hand one from the wreckers.

Retaining the airbox and putting a K&N in there will be restricting the final output.

The cam choice is fine.

 

[VrWagz1]

I wasnt aware you could replace the TPS only without replacing the entire TB.

So its a fair given that the OEM air intake assembly is restrictive? Its such a random shape i guess, its layout is like a 3 bedroom house. Is it best to skip the run around and go for an OTR setup? I seen yella terra has a replacement pipe that goes between the factory airbox and the TB for about $140, i wonder if this a viable more budget option, given OTR's are around $5/600ish.

 

[vr304]

Get a decent otr and be done with

 

[2INIL8]

Vcm otr with infill panels look great and work well and can go maf or mafless.
Combined with a tune you will see some good gains and more with full exhaust system.
Stock air box is a restriction.
Ive got an ls3 throttle body same as l98 if your interested.
Entire tb has to be replaced,they don't have iac or tps like the ls1 throttle bodys.

 

[Freedon]

airhammer cold air intake is about $180 ( without shield ) and is pretty much the same as the yella terra one. if going otr, id go with a vcm one.

 

[VrWagz1]

Ok, VCM OTR Maf intake ordered. Will be added to the re-build list.

 

[st3r3otyp3]

Just to give you guys a comparison.

Went to the PLEX with the VX SS, we first tried the airbox with K&N filter,we modded the intake the MAF sensor was taken out and replaced with a piece of 4 inch stainless zorst pipe so its a little less restrictive, best time we could get was 13.87, between runs swap out the airbox and place in a OTR set up right off the bat 13.55 and the MPH went up. and the best time of 13.37 as night creeped in and the temps dropped.

 

[VrWagz1]

So sounds like it will be a worth while addition. Im just a bit wary of spending good coin on inlet and exhaust stuff, as the 304's never used to benefit alot from all of that. I spent quiet a bit of money on Extractors/exhaust/CAI on my old 5Ltr and never seen any real worth while gains for the money. For all that money I spent on external mods I could of just swapped in a small cam into the old 304 and been twice as better off.

Sounds like the LS engines all benefit nicely from opening up the airways though.

 

[st3r3otyp3]

Could not agree more, the low down torque and throttle response after the mods and tune will have you smiling ear from ear.