"Black Betty" 2006 White SS

[STLtrailbSS]

Day 1
Stock SS
View attachment 28356
Minor Mods. LED lighting,led dash,calipers
View attachment 28357
View attachment 28358

VVME HIDS

wire brush and sprayed frame.

Black out wheels
View attachment 28359
How she stands today

View attachment 28360


And It begins..... I made this thread to post parts and upcoming updates on cam install.
Supporting mods:
existing volant CAI
160 T stat
LS1 efan
Trans Cooler

Rob Style Cam from PCM4Less
COMP cams double beehive .625 springs
Comp Cams lock and seal components
Melling 10296 Oil Pump
LS7 Lifters
APR LSx head bolts

PCMtune for the cam and efans

I'm finally going to start doing what I have always wanted to. But I decided to not be a moron and piece together these parts as the money becomes available instead of ramen diet, also gives time for the warranty to say bye bye.

I did force myself to start the process and dive in picked up some Texas Speed Push Rods and buying the lifters off a TBSSowner member. Also been already in touch with Alvin and marshall at pcm to see expert opinion on a higher mileage cam also on tbss ownes getting good input all around. My thought is I drive 4 miles to work. Gas is no concern and I am not buying a raptor or SRT8. SS cam it is. Blown transmission to follow but thats for another day

Thats the plan.

 

[TexazReece]

God I Love that truck and the mods you've done to it especially under the hood

 

[STLtrailbSS]

God I Love that truck and the mods you've done to it especially under the hood

*doing* lol come to stl around august you get 2nd drive.haha

 

[Boricua SS]

startin to come together...

what are your plans for the stall and LT headers to support the cam?

 

[willn513]

Blown transmission to follow but thats for another day

Lol Awesome... Nice truck bro it is looking sweet.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

startin to come together...

what are your plans for the stall and LT headers to support the cam?

most likely some OBX. Im gonna run a QTP cutout for just a little bit to be a ricer and hear my cam while I save cause those headers are $760 just a tad under a full cam kit. The dealership replaced a lot of transmission components just today so I think this upcoming paycheck Im going to grab the cooler and give that thing some love next 2 paychecks If everything goes as planned Oil Pump and Head gaskets knock out some cheaper stuff and save some. Then into late june and july the warranty should be just about up so i will get more serious with the efans and the all mighty CAM

EDIT
will probably add the tstat with the cooler just for something to put in out of pure boredom and anticipation
the rob runs on a stock stall so i will probably keep it as long as i can. This is all in the quest of changing the sound haha.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

List Update (red is done)
Rob Style Cam from PCM4Less
PCM cam kit
TUNE < Last step obviously
Melling 10295 Oil Pump
LS7 Lifters
APR LSx head bolts
Head Gasket
U/D Pulley...close on this one trying to snatch one off tbssowners when i have the funds
efans
TransCooler PCM

I will post pics once everything gets in. PICS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN i practice what I preach
also working out grabbing a cheap 7inch aux fan to wire to a switch for the trans cooler on those 98 summer days

 

[STLtrailbSS]

View attachment 28514

 

[STLtrailbSS]

List Update (red is done)
Rob Style Cam from PCM4Less
PCM cam kit
TUNE < Last step obviously
Melling 10295 Oil Pump
LS7 Lifters
ARP LSx head bolts thanks ebay
Head Gasket
U/D Pulley...close on this one trying to snatch one off tbssowners when i have the funds
efans
TransCooler PCM

 

[STLtrailbSS]

View attachment 28529
View attachment 28530

 

[Ryda55555]

View attachment 15007
View attachment 15008

I just realized how not right the tbss looks raised lol

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Oil Pump is In. ARP cold forged head bolts should be next.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

View attachment 28707
Cold forged re-usable head bolts

 

[Ryda55555]

View attachment 15215
Cold forged re-usable head bolts

I hope thats a sticker! You know what they say about stickers!

 

[STLtrailbSS]

I hope thats a sticker! You know what they say about stickers!

cant handle it my transmission will blow this is a natural aspiration build. no sticker power adders

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Pacesetter Headers Ordered......4-6 Weeks off ebay saved money buying them with a longer wait will probably just getting ready for install around that time frame anyway. Just added more expense I need the PCM heat shielded wires now hahah it never ends. LS POWER!

 

[Boricua SS]

Better set some money aside for a new tranny.. you already blew yours up in stock form .. now you're going to be throwing all this extra power at it plus a stall to compliment the cam.

Lookin forward to the first fire up vid

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Better set some money aside for a new tranny.. you already blew yours up in stock form .. now you're going to be throwing all this extra power at it plus a stall to compliment the cam.

Lookin forward to the first fire up vid

I think this through everyday. the other thing i have done is started to pay off my credit card to absolute zero Incase I break it unexpected either way it is in the planning and will be rebuilt/replaced. Hopefully I can make it last till I can get the funds for the rebuild.

To be completely honest a short block has came into the picture as well. But the process will go Valvetrain/Cam-Transmission...............Possible forged short later. As of the situation now and what I can see in the future I have no intenetion of giving up the SS. Also want to lower BEFORE the cam I might just do the 1inch instead of 2 im just looking for a good ride Honestly dont like them really low. SO MUCH I WANT TO DO but this whole damn "money" thing

 

[jrSS]

Its not If its WHEN the tranny goes.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Yeah been there done that I swear I will be on my third before this warrenty ends.

 

[Sparky]

I think you just need a 4L80E in there or a built 4L60E. The 4L70E is such a joke, strikes me like the 4L70E is almost weaker than the 60 as I don't hear about near as many blown up 60Es on forums like LS1tech.

 

[xtitan1]

I like how you consider LED dash a minor mod! I'm too scared!

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Went around to transmission shops in attempt to find a guy willing to put in performance parts and stand behind his work ending up finding a great shop perfect reviews guy knows customer service!.......on the dark side of life I am still getting this knock I will be cutting the oil filter If I see a star field it will be straight in for warranty work. The dealer has actually been really good to me so we shall see.

And sparky Im really trying to make the 4l80e happen. The only thing that sucks is the retrofit kit is $1000. Cross member and TCM and various accessories. The transmission is the cheap part lol

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Should really start installing this crap got all my upper and lower ball joints in for suspension upgrade.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Have some updates,
got A Set of LS2 head with the intention to get them cleaned up by a machine shop. Well in STL apparently no one does aluminum heads. So my options were to send them off or DIY, with that Bretts Ghetto Customs was born.. After searching for methods to clean head I had made a hybrid of my own. Megs Aluminum wheel cleaner and Dawn soap in a highly advanced parts tub.

got to say Wow its very effective this was right before I pulled them out and power washed and dropped them in for a final soak.

Also at BGC we have state of the art valve cleaning letting them soak in degreaser then may hit them up with a soft rotary brush .....still on the fence of getting a new set we shall see

Also some purchase updates,
Valve train components have changed and I am going with Lunati Gold LS set up.
Rocker Arms Will remain stock BUT with upgraded Comp Cam Trunion set up.
LS1 efans will arrive soon as well.

 

[jrSS]

I think you just need a 4L80E in there or a built 4L60E. The 4L70E is such a joke, strikes me like the 4L70E is almost weaker than the 60 as I don't hear about near as many blown up 60Es on forums like LS1tech.

Lol....the 4l70 is a built 4l60. Lol.

 

[Sparky]

Lol....the 4l70 is a built 4l60. Lol.

Doesn't hold a candle to a properly built 4L60E from what I've seen...

 

[jrSS]

Probably cuz the torque of the ls2 is too much for the 4l70. And the 4l60 is built for the i6

 

[jrSS]

Probably cuz the torque of the ls2 is too much for the 4l70. And the 4l60 is built for the i6

Dont the 5.3's come with the 4l65??

 

[Sparky]

Probably cuz the torque of the ls2 is too much for the 4l70. And the 4l60 is built for the i6

There are 4L60E transmissions behind a number of LS engines. They put it behind the LS1 in the 4th gen Camaros for example (and the 6 cylinder also). It was used all over the place. Pretty sure the Silverado 1500 uses it also.

A stock 4L70E is stronger than a stock 4L60E, but a built 4L60E is stronger than a stock 4L70E. And a built 4L70E is basically the same as a built 4L60E. A 4L65E is just an updated 4L60E and is a little stronger.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

View attachment 30630
Starting to actually get clean, deck surfaced with aluminum polish should seat a gasket beautifully.

Also my Lunati .660s came in they are beastly.
View attachment 30633
View attachment 30632

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Getting close spring will be here before you know it.

Most Recent Mod the winter has been dead.
AEM UEGO Wideband and AeroScan gauge installed. Also got a touch up tune for some Air/Fuel Ratios. FAPtuning Great guy definitely will see more of him in the GM world he just took on the LSx willys jeep as the sole tuner.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Alright Lets get real and see how bad I am at making up my mind the FINAL build details with some pictures to prove my final commitment lol.

Stock GM LS2 block bored to 4.005 to accommodate aftermarket pistons.
Wiseco -3.2cc Flat Top Pistons
Lunati H-Beams
New LS2 crank
Going to leave it to alvin or Matt from tbss to match a cam to the set up
FAST 102 LSXRT intake manifold
PRC STAGE 2.5 LS6 CNC HEADS
All Lunati Valve train components
OBX catless Headers+Y
Melling oil pump
PCM OF NC relocated oil pick up
Circle D torque converter
Local Built 4L70e

Also my coveted lift plate finally showed up, I can finally get the motor broken down completely and get it to the machine shop after I clean it up.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

This SOB is OUT!

Time for clean up and tear down then off to the machine shop.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

The Mod bug is surging right now just ordered my FAST102 LSXRT. Its soooo beautiful lol

 

[triz]

Digging this thread.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

SUPER FAST SHIPPING! I told you guys this thing was god damn beautiful.
FAST LSXrt 102mm
DSC_0041 by NoIdeaWhatImDoing, on Flickr
offlight by NoIdeaWhatImDoing, on Flickr

 

[dmanns67]

SUPER FAST SHIPPING! I told you guys this thing was god damn beautiful.
FAST LSXrt 102mm
DSC_0041 by NoIdeaWhatImDoing, on Flickr
offlight by NoIdeaWhatImDoing, on Flickr

That intake manifold looks exactly like the one Gas Monkey Garage used on their 1968 Camaro SS build that aired yesterday. Sexy

 

[jimmyjam]

the port work in your heads looks a lot nicer than when I got my CNCed PRC L92s. mine had lots of low spots that didn't get touched. I guess they take more meat out of the cathedral port heads

wish they made a truck intake for l92s, i'd be on it.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Yeah I was pretty happy with it especially for $800 for brand new heads! And Its just dumb they dont make a rectangle port especially with more LS3 "based" trucks on the market.


Todays Work
DSC_0015-2 by NoIdeaWhatImDoing, on Flickr

Block is completely torn down next day off is Sunday going to do some major clean up then it should be off to the machine shop next Wednesday.