Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum

Rat · 09-17-2002, 10:14 PM

I am looking for someone who has had the Katech heads and cam installed. How do you like them? Any problems and who done your tuning?

drpipes · 09-17-2002, 10:52 PM

Check out the posts on Katech Dyno WTF in the Pit Road section. Mike and I recently had the Stage II installed and are experiencing disappointing results. To make matters worse Katech is not communicating with our installers.
The first alarm is that they use 941 Comp Cams springs which have a questionable performance history. This concerned me the most until I got my dyno results. Now I didn't use a tuner but opted to use an installer with experience with C5's and PCM editing by Ed Wright.
If I had it to do all over again I would either use a tuner like CARTEK or MTI with in house mods and dyno tuning. If this was not an option then I would use a good local tuner who is able to dyno tune with LS1 edit. This will free you from the pain and agony of trying to get the stuff straightened out. This way you don't get the car until it is optimized and you are happy. After all, that is what this car is all about.
If you are totally isolated from a good tuner then don't mess with this mod because you will

when you see what kind of support you get. Shit, its not like I just spent $7K on this thing.
I am now having to go to a new shop to get the situation right. This has turned in to a real PAIN IN THE ASS since the Z is my daily driver.
Good luck and use CARTEK!

Rat · 09-18-2002, 06:04 AM

Well I hope I have better luck than that. The only thing I have in may advantage right now is, Katech is only a couple miles from my house. They do not install there but have a installer right around the corner. I also have been prewarned about the retainers from the installer and they are being upgraded. They also have a in house dyno and ls1 edit and I hear they do some of the best work around. This still does not make me feel comfortable, tearing into a new car and all>>>I will keep you posted on how things go>>>>

drpipes · 09-18-2002, 08:30 AM

If you decide to go that route then I think you should be OK. I think that the product is good and if you use their tuner you will be in good shape. I was not fortunate enough to have the install done under the direction of the manufacturer. Let us know how it turns out.

**MikesZ06** · 09-18-2002, 08:43 AM

Rat are you using AP Engineering as the installer?

Rat · 09-18-2002, 03:03 PM

Yes....why, how did you know that? What does a guy from Kansas city know about APE?

**MikesZ06** · 09-18-2002, 05:44 PM

Rat, us Missouri guys know lots of things we can't tell the general public

Plus, I'm originally from Texas and of course we Texicans know everything

**MikesZ06** · 09-18-2002, 05:46 PM

(Oh yea, I also bought my Starspec clutch from them)

Rat · 09-18-2002, 08:58 PM

Well seeing that you know everything

>>>Is it a good thing or a bad thing that my car is being done by them?

**MikesZ06** · 09-18-2002, 09:03 PM

Rat, I think you will be very pleased with the APE install and the Katech package. You have an advantage over Doc and I by using APE. They are verrrry good friends with Katech and if they have any problems at all I think Katech will respond in a flash.

Rat · 09-18-2002, 09:10 PM

Well thats good to know. Have you tried to call APE to address what ever problems you and Doc may be having??? Kurt seems to be very helpful and knowledgeable>>>>586 954 3181

**MikesZ06** · 09-18-2002, 09:15 PM

Good point...I should have thought of that. Too late now, the blower is already installed so we're moving forward.
(damn, I'm getting old....I should have called them in the beginning).

Good luck, Rat. Looking forward to your results

BTW, your right. Kurt is a good guy and knows his sh1t.

Rat · 09-18-2002, 09:27 PM

Will keep you posted>>>>Good luck

**MikesZ06** · 09-18-2002, 09:45 PM

Rat, for the record, I had Chris (before he left) send me the 918 valve springs and retainers to replace the 941's when I heard about some of the problems there.