~ In Need of G8 GT Parts Advice from the Pros ~

[GT G8]

After months of browsing I've compiled a mini-list of mods I'd like to purchase for my daily driver G8 GT. But before I pull the trigger on purchasing the lot, I need to make sure I have everything I'll need.

Here's what I have so far;

Livernois Camshaft Pkg (http://www.livernoismotorsports.com/product.phtml?p=1927)
Borla Catback + X-Pipe (http://borla.com/products/product_detail.aspx?prod_sku=140287)
Harmonic Balancer 25% Underdrive Pulley (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=g8pb|0)
Long-Tube Headers w/ High Flow Cats (http://marylandspeed.com/slp-coated-longtube-headers-w-high-flow-cats-2008-g8-gt-60l-slp30210-p-1955.html)
Roto-Fab Cold Air Intake (http://marylandspeed.com/rotofab-cold-air-intake-2008-pontiac-g8-gt-60l-rfb-10105001-p-1603.html)
Yella Terra 1.7 Shaft Mount Roller Rockers (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=yt6667g8|0)
160 Degree Thermostat (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=slp100228|0)
Ported Throttle Body (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=G8TBporting|0)
Tune

So, with that list I have a few important questions......

1. Is there anything listed that is unecessary for making power?

2. Are there any power adding mods I should consider adding? (Aside from Super or Turbocharger.)

3. Any supporting mods I should consider adding to increase engine safety and/or reliability?

4. What is the duration for that Livernois cam package? Are they ideal for daily driving without issues with idle? Does it have DOD delete?



Sorry for all the questions, I just need some direction, lol.....

Thanks! :headbang::rocking:

[GRRRR8]

After months of browsing I've compiled a mini-list of mods I'd like to purchase for my daily driver G8 GT. But before I pull the trigger on purchasing the lot, I need to make sure I have everything I'll need.

Here's what I have so far;

Livernois Camshaft Pkg (http://www.livernoismotorsports.com/product.phtml?p=1927)
Borla Catback + X-Pipe (http://borla.com/products/product_detail.aspx?prod_sku=140287)
Harmonic Balancer 25% Underdrive Pulley (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=g8pb|0)
Long-Tube Headers w/ High Flow Cats (http://marylandspeed.com/slp-coated-longtube-headers-w-high-flow-cats-2008-g8-gt-60l-slp30210-p-1955.html)
Roto-Fab Cold Air Intake (http://marylandspeed.com/rotofab-cold-air-intake-2008-pontiac-g8-gt-60l-rfb-10105001-p-1603.html)
Yella Terra 1.7 Shaft Mount Roller Rockers (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=yt6667g8|0)
160 Degree Thermostat (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=slp100228|0)
Ported Throttle Body (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=G8TBporting|0)
Tune

So, with that list I have a few important questions......

1. Is there anything listed that is unecessary for making power?

2. Are there any power adding mods I should consider adding? (Aside from Super or Turbocharger.)

3. Any supporting mods I should consider adding to increase engine safety and/or reliability?

4. What is the duration for that Livernois cam package? Are they ideal for daily driving without issues with idle? Does it have DOD delete?



Sorry for all the questions, I just need some direction, lol.....

Thanks! :headbang::rocking:

1. You dont want to buy Borla cat-back and X if you are doing ARH/KOOKS as they have the X and the piping all the way to the muffs. Get axle-backs for your headers.
2. Port the intake as well.
3. You will want to put atleast a 2800 stall and a trans cooler.
4. Yes the cam will delete DOD
5. DRAG RADIALS will be your friend!

[GT G8]

Nice info! :clap:

I'll be getting the Borla Catback with the SLP headers and HFC, I'm assuming they'll bolt up together without incident?

I'm a newb to the 2800 stall comment, what is that and what does it do?

Any links to where I can buy a trans cooler?


Thanks again! :wacko:

[GRRRR8]

Nice info! :clap:

I'll be getting the Borla Catback with the SLP headers and HFC, I'm assuming they'll bolt up together without incident?

I'm a newb to the 2800 stall comment, what is that and what does it do?

Any links to where I can buy a trans cooler?


Thanks again! :wacko:

They dont bolt together as the Borla is a factory style cat back for manifolds.
A stall converter helps the car get to its powerband easier, helping 60ft and 0-60 times. Circle-D makes GRRRR8 converters! Trans coolers can be found at Summit Racing and Jegs as well as many other places.

[MANOFSTEEL69]

Go with the New Era OTR, you won't be disappointed.

[Rich@pm-fl.com]

They dont bolt together as the Borla is a factory style cat back for manifolds.
A stall converter helps the car get to its powerband easier, helping 60ft and 0-60 times. Circle-D makes GRRRR8 converters! Trans coolers can be found at Summit Racing and Jegs as well as many other places.

The SLP Headers are designed to bolt up to factory exhaust, should bolt up to the Borla without a problem.

[GRRRR8]

The SLP Headers are designed to bolt up to factory exhaust, should bolt up to the Borla without a problem.

? The SLPs are long tubes correct. How would they bolt up to the factory exhaust without cutting?

[Rich@pm-fl.com]

? The SLPs are long tubes correct. How would they bolt up to the factory exhaust without cutting?

Yes, they are long tubes. They have a shorter collector, with a small bullet cat that bolts up to stock exhaust.


http://www.pfyc.com/supportfiles/g85002_3.jpg

http://www.pfyc.com/supportfiles/g85002_2.jpg

[GRRRR8]

I see. Thanks. It still is a good option, but non emissions legal since the converters have been moved. They are a long tube nonetheless, but with such a short collector it has to effect the scavaging(sp) purpose of a longer collector.

[DRCUSTOMPARTS]

Hmmm I'll have to look into the SLP headers, they would go nicely with the custom Borla axle back mufflers I'm picking up tomorrow morning. That would give me good sound AND more power!

[Blackdevil77]

I'd say ditch the 160 degree thermostat. I don't think it will do much at all and the engine is designed to run at a certain temperature. Not to mention, your heat won't be as good in the winter id say your daily drive ability would go down. A nice intercooler would do better along with the tranny cooler. As for the headers, get the ARH 1 7/8 system is all you need. It's fantastic and simple.

[Blackrider]

I would add the VMS heat soak reduction kit to the list, it will help provide more real time IAT's to the ECU which helps recover lost timing due to heat soak.

[todds87ss]

are we using hsrk with OTR cold air?

[-Ray-]

He had Roto-Fab listed as his CAI.

[BSmith]

You can have your favorite tuner tune out the spark loss at higher IATs to save some money on the HSRK.

And as mentioned, the ported intake mani compliments the ported TB nicely.

I'd also stick with the stock rocker arms. There are too many people running them without a problem.

[Blackrider]

You can have your favorite tuner tune out the spark loss at higher IATs to save some money on the HSRK.

And as mentioned, the ported intake mani compliments the ported TB nicely.

I'd also stick with the stock rocker arms. There are too many people running them without a problem.

I would agree to a point, however tuning it out completely defeats the purpose of the IAT sensor, there is a reason timing is pulled due to high IAT, would it not make more sence to use a sensor that give more accurate, data?

[GRRRR8]

You can have your favorite tuner tune out the spark loss at higher IATs to save some money on the HSRK.

I did a recent test on this and same speed, same air temps, the stock IAT was 20-23 higher which is about 4 degrees of timing pulled. Close to 10 HP




I would agree to a point, however tuning it out completely defeats the purpose of the IAT sensor, there is a reason timing is pulled due to high IAT, would it not make more sence to use a sensor that give more accurate, data?

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! :)

[GT G8]

As for the headers, get the ARH 1 7/8 system is all you need. It's fantastic and simple.

What changes with 1 3/4 headers vs 1 7/8?

[GRRRR8]

What changes with 1 3/4 headers vs 1 7/8?

3/4 makes a little more HP down low and 7/8 makes more high rpm HP

[GT G8]

A stall converter helps the car get to its powerband easier, helping 60ft and 0-60 times.

Ahh, I found 2 so far. This Circle-D (http://www.circledspecialties.com/Converter%20Pages/6l80_I.html) converter as recommended, and another one from New Era (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=g8pitc|0). I don't see how I can know which is better than the other.... :confused:




Trans coolers can be found at Summit Racing and Jegs as well as many other places.

I wonder if this (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2DG4969&N=700+115&autoview=sku) Trans Cooler is compatible with the G8 GT? How would I know?

[GRRRR8]

Ahh, I found 2 so far. This Circle-D (http://www.circledspecialties.com/Converter%20Pages/6l80_I.html) converter as recommended, and another one from New Era (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=g8pitc|0). I don't see how I can know which is better than the other.... :confused:

Circle-D has been doing them for the Aussies for awhile now.



I wonder if this (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2DG4969&N=700+115&autoview=sku) Trans Cooler is compatible with the G8 GT? How would I know?

You want a plate/fin cooler minimum 15000 sizes and shapes vary.

[stryker g8gt]

Summit has a B&M tranny cooler (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=BMM%2D70264&N=700+400004+4294924500+4294888847+115&autoview=sku) for around 59.00 .........Some guys are running Yank Converters also.

[GT G8]

Summit has a B&M tranny cooler (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=BMM%2D70264&N=700+400004+4294924500+4294888847+115&autoview=sku) for around 59.00 .........Some guys are running Yank Converters also.

Nice thanks.

Also, I'm sure I'm the Epic Noob right now, but just to make sure I got it right.....Say for example I get a 3400 stall, how does it work? I press the gas and it holds the RPM's so I can launch at 3400?

[GeorgeInNePa]

Nice thanks.

Also, I'm sure I'm the Epic Noob right now, but just to make sure I got it right.....Say for example I get a 3400 stall, how does it work? I press the gas and it holds the RPM's so I can launch at 3400?

http://www.converter.cc/faq/

[GT G8]

Nice find, but it doesn't say how you do it. You just floor it from a dead stop and it raises the RPM's before letting you move forward? Or....?

[jbradsh1]

After months of browsing I've compiled a mini-list of mods I'd like to purchase for my daily driver G8 GT. But before I pull the trigger on purchasing the lot, I need to make sure I have everything I'll need.

Here's what I have so far;

Livernois Camshaft Pkg (http://www.livernoismotorsports.com/product.phtml?p=1927)
Borla Catback + X-Pipe (http://borla.com/products/product_detail.aspx?prod_sku=140287)
Harmonic Balancer 25% Underdrive Pulley (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=g8pb|0)
Long-Tube Headers w/ High Flow Cats (http://marylandspeed.com/slp-coated-longtube-headers-w-high-flow-cats-2008-g8-gt-60l-slp30210-p-1955.html)
Roto-Fab Cold Air Intake (http://marylandspeed.com/rotofab-cold-air-intake-2008-pontiac-g8-gt-60l-rfb-10105001-p-1603.html)
Yella Terra 1.7 Shaft Mount Roller Rockers (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=yt6667g8|0)
160 Degree Thermostat (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=slp100228|0)
Ported Throttle Body (http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=G8TBporting|0)
Tune

So, with that list I have a few important questions......

1. Is there anything listed that is unecessary for making power?

2. Are there any power adding mods I should consider adding? (Aside from Super or Turbocharger.)

3. Any supporting mods I should consider adding to increase engine safety and/or reliability?

4. What is the duration for that Livernois cam package? Are they ideal for daily driving without issues with idle? Does it have DOD delete?

Sorry for all the questions, I just need some direction, lol.....

Thanks! :headbang::rocking:

Don't bother with #3, #6, or #7 listed above. The rest are awesome power makers.

[GRRRR8]

Don't bother with #3, #6, or #7 listed above. The rest are awesome power makers.

A pulley and throttle body don't make power? Hmmmmm........ I see why you are in a constant dilemma.

[GeorgeInNePa]

Nice find, but it doesn't say how you do it. You just floor it from a dead stop and it raises the RPM's before letting you move forward? Or....?

My converter is a 3200 stall speed Yank.

I can move forward at 1000rpm, just like you.

Under WOT, the higher stall speed converter will "slip" (not the best analogy) to a higher rpm, allowing your engine to get into the range where it makes more power.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_converter

[GeorgeInNePa]

A pulley and throttle body don't make power? Hmmmmm........ I see why you are in a constant dilemma.

I think he means the rockers and Tstat. I agree with that.

The pulley I think is worth the money. Any time you can remove mass for the rotating assembly it's a good thing.

[Downtown]

My converter is a 3200 stall speed Yank.

I can move forward at 1000rpm, just like you.

Under WOT, the higher stall speed converter will "slip" (not the best analogy) to a higher rpm, allowing your engine to get into the range where it makes more power.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_converter


My understanding is the stall speed is where the convertor STOPS slipping. Poor man's way to determine your stall speed is to powerbrake and the RPM's at which your tires break loose (assuming lock up convertor and good rear brakes) is your stall speed.

Basically a higher stall speed allows you to launch at a higher RPM, which if matched correctly with your combination, would put you in a sweeter spot of your powerband. Also, a smaller diameter convertor will allow for getting to that spot quicker.

The most important thing is not what the stall speed is, but how that stall speed matches your engine combination.

[Kaltech Tuning]

You have a pretty good list there. I don't think yella terra's are necessary. No power is gained simply from the rockers and the stock rockers are actually lighter than the yella terras. I only run YT's on aftermarket heads the require aftermarket rockers.
For headers I'd go with either ARH or Kooks 1 7/8" You don't give up any power down low with a 1 7/8" (compared to 1 3/4") on a stock motor let alone an internally modified motor. In fact I've seen numerous stock LS1's (5.7L) make the same or more power with 1 7/8" headers when compared to 1 3/4" Choose whatever catback sounds good to you and will fit whatever header setup you go with. FWIW we tested the ARH header system with and without the stock mufflers. The stock mufflers only costed the car (stock motor with bolt ons) 4 rwhp.
The 160 thermostat IS a good idea. Keeping the engine cool is as important to making power just like keeping the incoming air cool (think cold air intake). Heatsoak on these cars is a bitch both for the intakes and the engine, there's no way for heat to escape the engine bay. You won't have any problems with your heat in the winter either.
Underdrive pulley is a good idea also, it'll typically pick up 5rwhp or so. The stock balancer has to come off for a cam swap anyway so why not put a better piece back on?
That's the power side of things. In order to help the car perform with the new found power you'll want a good torque converter. The stall speed is going to be somewhat of a personal tolerance when you're talking about a street car. If possible try to ride in some ls cars with converters near you and find out what stall and brand they are. Some brands are sloppier than others. A good middle of the road converter would be something like a circle D 3200. Performance without a real high stall speed for street driving. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[jimmytt6]

I see. Thanks. It still is a good option, but non emissions legal since the converters have been moved. They are a long tube nonetheless, but with such a short collector it has to effect the scavaging(sp) purpose of a longer collector.

Does this mean if you put these headers on and you have to take it to your local emissions station it wont pass? I live in Maryland and on my other cars the emissions station just checks your gas cap and plugs a hand held device under your dash and let you go. I know every state is probably different though when it comes to emissions. They dont even look under the car in Maryland.

thanks,
Jim

[GT G8]

California is strict as hell. They'll find any reason to charge you for anything and everything.

......hate this place.

[edmanet]

Does this mean if you put these headers on and you have to take it to your local emissions station it wont pass? I live in Maryland and on my other cars the emissions station just checks your gas cap and plugs a hand held device under your dash and let you go. I know every state is probably different though when it comes to emissions. They dont even look under the car in Maryland.

thanks,
Jim

As long as your car doesn't throw any codes there shouldn't be any problem.
My 86 SS passed the sniffer test with a 400 small block and gutted cats.

My G8 is at LIVERNOIS getting a cam and converter installed. It should
pass with no problem.

http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=4374

[jimmytt6]

thanks for the info.

Jim

[GRRRR8]

Does this mean if you put these headers on and you have to take it to your local emissions station it wont pass? I live in Maryland and on my other cars the emissions station just checks your gas cap and plugs a hand held device under your dash and let you go. I know every state is probably different though when it comes to emissions. They dont even look under the car in Maryland.

thanks,
Jim

Once the rear O2s are turned off it will pass the plug in OBD II test with no issues.

[jimmytt6]

Once the rear O2s are turned off it will pass the plug in OBD II test with no issues.

Thanks Charlie for the info

Jim