Im considering a vortec, non-aftercooled for the time being and wondered how much boost you can run with the stock 10.5:1 compression ratio. I see claims of 450hp on a stock LT1 in the vortec ads. Any issues running boost with such a high compression ratio in these engines? Any dyno numbers to back up their claims?

Thanks,

Paul.

 

I think it's 7 w/o an aftercooler and about 9 with.

 

Thanks, and now I see ther is a forced induction section, oooops!

Thanks again.

 

I'll move this for ya

 

I finished installing a Vortech Street Legal Kit, 4GH218-068SQ, on my 97 WS6 T/A about 3 days ago. I took my time and made sure I did it correctly. My biggest install issue was the Crane Fireball Hi-6R ignition box. The car would run but stall at idle. I soon learned that the multi-spark feature(which is only active up to 3000rpm) interfered with the PCM's spark count. It must be disabled by putting the switches on the Crane Box to 01. That causes the box to use the single CD spark throughout the rpm range. No more problem. The mult-spark issue may only be a problem with the 96-97 OBDII cars.
I have the retard set to about 1deg per pound. Using 92oct Shell I get no detonation pulling to redline which really comes fast. No codes are thrown and no heat problems. The car idles smoothly and can really haul ***.
I'm using a MAF translator, I already owned, to keep the MAF from thowing a code. I don't know about the dyno numbers. I can tell you it makes a huge difference and you will love it. And since it's street legal with a CARB EO number for the kit, I don't have to worry about Portland's California type emission's inspection.
In preparing for the install I also put in a new clutch, pilot bearing, and rear main seal. I also recently put in a new water pump and in the process replaced the front main seal, and the ignition and water pump shaft seals.

Install the kit. You'll love it.

Jim 97WS6 V2 SQ

 

Thanks for the great feedback (and for moving the thread), Im pumped now, I didnt want to screw up the idle quality, make the car too loud and take some of the daily driver quality away from it all by making changes like a cam and so on (done that on a 94). I figure bang for your buck has to be forced induction, it adds loads of power and no ill side effects when I want to go for a road trip. Thanks again 97WS6, Im sold.

Paul.

 

Running a 6# non-intercooled Vortech kit on a stock motor will net you about 370 rwhp. I wouldn't venture about 6# without an intercooler as your intake temperatures will soar and create predetonation issues.

 

That depends on the outside temp really. This past winter, with 8# pulleys, I was seeing intake temps around 130. Not much more than what I see now with no blower on a warm day.

 

If you live in the north the average temps are a lot lower than the southern states. In Portland, Or. the temps are rarely above 80F during the summer. Maybe two or three weeks a year of over 80. One or two days over 90F. Mostly in the 70 or 60s F during the summer. Right now it is 59F at 11am in Portland with some drizzle. My non-intercooled Vortech V2 SQ will run up to redline(using 5600 right now to be safe) on a 75 deg F day with no breakup or detonation. I have about 1 deg of Retard per PSI(halfway up the first notch on the TRC-2 dial) and it is as smooth as a baby's butt.
The rain here is the thing that will slow you down the most! I'm leaving the 7lb pulley that came with the Vortech kit on. It's enough boost for the street on a stock engine and it keeps my 3 year Vortech warranty on the V2 intact. Changing the pulley drops the warranty to 1 year, voids the CARB EO, and would probably require the addition of the aftercooler to maintain reliability.

97 WS6 V2 SQ