Chris White responds
Since this is your daily driver, I'm sure fuel economy is a concern as well. With gas prices approaching $3 a gallon, hitting 500 hp with heads and cam, while entirely possible, should come at a pretty big sacrifice at the pump. That said, I'd recommend an ATI ProCharger (www.procharger.com) installed and tuned by a competent professional. This mod alone should net you just over 500 flywheel horsepower while still retaining excellent street manners and fuel economy.
Included in the tuning, I'd recommend having the tuner leave about 60 percent of the up-shift torque management intact to allow the transmission to cope a little better with the added power. This should also increase transmission longevity quite a bit.
As far as an installer, ask ATI for recommended installers in your area; the staff knows the people who sell and service their products best. I'm not familiar with any shops in your area. Hope this helps, and good luck!
LS1 ECM Issue
I'm a big fan of your book and love your articles. I'm seeking technical advice. I have a '99 Trans-Am, LS1, six-speed, slightly modified, skip shift Eliminator, headers, smooth bellow high-flow intake lid, 4.11 gears, short throw shifter, cold air induction, and all SLP parts. My ECM keeps throwing a "pending code" reading that the No. 2 cooling-fan relay is bad. I've replaced it several times, even with a dealer relay. The fan has also been replaced as well as the temp sensor. Now I cannot even link my scanner to the data port without shorting the hand-held device.
I'm thinking my computer is toast but wanted to consult someone more knowledgeable than myself before I throw down $300 for something which may not even fix the problem. Any suggestions? Thank you for your time.Christopher PrattVia Internet
Ray T. Bohacz responds
Based upon the series of events that occurred, there is a very good possibility that the ECM/PCM has failed. What concerns me is that engine control computers usually do not die on their own. They need to be murdered. Most likely something has taken out the PCM. A faulty relay can do that.
Before you purchase a rebuilt engine controller, it's important to reference the shop manual diagnostic procedure for the condition, and follow all steps. Do not diagnose by replacing parts first. Whenever troubleshooting electronics, there comes a time when a procedure called "replace with a known good component" should be applied. But from your letter, it appears you aren't there yet.
The first step is to make sure all power and ground connections are good. Low voltage or a faulty ground will make electronics respond in an unpredictable way.
The good thing is the condition appears to be getting worse. It eventually makes troubleshooting easier. When complete failure occurs, the problem is easier to pinpoint. Take your time, be thorough with your diagnostics, and your Pontiac will be humming once again.
Freer Breathing For The 2005 GTO
I recently purchased an '05 Pontiac GTO. I want to find headers for the LS2, but can't locate anyone who makes them, only the '04 LS1. Do you know of anybody trying to develop any for the LS2 in the GTO? Thanks for any information.KeithRock Island, IL
Chris White responds
You're in luck! Stainless Works makes an incredible set of long-tube headers for the '05-'06 LS2 GTO. Every Stainless Works header set is CNC mandrel bent with 131/44-inch primaries and CNC laser-cut flanges. Best of all, they can be ordered with or without catalytic converters depending on your situation. You can find these headers at www.stainlessworks.net.