Initial Assessment and Goals Our objective was clear from the start: to elevate the Corvette C8 and the LT2 platform beyond the standard power-adders, focusing on a naturally aspirated (NA) setup for consistent, reliable, robust performance without the additional weight and heat soak issues associated with forced induction. Dyno Testing: Establishing a Baseline With just […]
19
Jan
Jan
Introduction: As we continue to push the LT engine platform to greater RPM and power levels, we have identified a common issue with the OE-style oil pump struggling to maintain adequate oil flow at high RPMs, particularly under hard acceleration with G Force opposing oil intake to the pump. This is due to a combination […]
06
Jul
Jul
Package Highlights: Designing the best LS3 Head and Cam Package. We just can’t seem to leave things alone, and our MAX Package 2.0 is no exception! For several months the team has been working on improving a product that is already pretty darn good! But hey, at GPI, that’s what we do. For those unfamiliar with the […]
05
May
May
One of the questions that we’ve often been asked by our customers is “Can I add a 103mm throttle body to my OEM LS3 intake manifold?” We recently had the opportunity to put this question to the test on our chassis dyno and come up with a definitive answer. The simple answer is yes, you […]
10
Feb
Feb
The factory LS oil pump suffers from cavitation above 6,200 RPM, which results in a drop in oil flow of nearly 1 GPM by 7,000 RPM, as well as introducing aeration into the oil. This can lead to oiling-related issues throughout the engine. Upgrading the oil pump is recommended any time there is cause to […]
31
Jan
Jan
INTRODUCTION Welcome back to Part 2 of our discussion on late model GM gearing and converter choices (want to read the Part 1 on Manual setups? Click Here). This series is aimed to help answer the popular “which gear and converter should I run in my car” which populates social media and technical forums on […]
17
May
May
INTRODUCTION: You don’t need to browse social media or a technical forum for very long to find a thread about “which gear (and converter – for the automatic crowd) should I run in my car”. These discussions are usually plagued by a lack of key information about the car in question – which transmission it has, […]
07
Jul
Jul
As GPI customers and GPI builds have become a force to reckon with in the naturally aspirated racing scene, we could not help but notice the lack of shelf piston options geared towards this environment. Staying true to our name, we contacted our friends at Diamond Pistons to set about designing a new piston. We […]
11
Sep
Sep
Remote Tuning for LS & LT Engines: Step by Step Guide Building a LS or LT powered vehicle and need tuning? From bolt ons, camshaft & cylinder head upgrades, to big forced induction builds – tuning is a critical step throughout this entire process. It determines both how well the vehicle performs, drivability, and potentially […]
30
Jul
Jul
We get a lot of questions about intake manifolds, and because our recommendations vary depending on use and application – we thought it would be helpful to conduct a series of tests which demonstrate the several available intake manifolds back to back on the same engine. We hope these results will help our customers better […]
18
Jul
Jul
We had such a great weekend at CamaroFest last weekend with all of our friends and customers – it was almost hard to come back to the normal grind! Thank goodness we love what we do! We headed down to Bowling Green on Thursday 7/11/19, to get our trailer and product set up for all […]
17
Jun
Jun
Mike Pestka made Gwatney Performance Innovation proud this weekend at Street Car Invasion / Speedy’s Newport Dragstrip. Here is a highlight reel in case you missed it! Keep an eye out for some seriously sketchy passes by Mike Pestka and Matt Almond. They put on a great show for all!
15
Apr
Apr
Ben was able to make some substantial improvements to his personal best time in his GPI SS4 NFC-powered LS3, but was it enough? It’s hard to believe just 12 months ago this same cam-only (non-GPI cam that is…) car was running 12.4s. Check out some footage of his runs at Super Chevy!
09
Apr
Apr
Had a great weekend at the Super Chevy Show. Brandon T. Hill II was able to rip off a [email protected] in his 2017 Camaro SS. The track was underwater when we got there and the crew at Memphis International Raceway busted their butts and got it coming around by end of day. While we couldn’t get that […]
25
Mar
Mar
Thanks Jeff for trusting us with your gorgeous 2008 Corvette Z06. This round of mods included: With a goal of making peak power around 7,000rpm for reliable road course use – this C6Z – on a conservative track friendly tune, made 583rwhp and 507rwtq on our dyno.
25
Feb
Feb
Rob Powell 2018 Points Champion Daniel Hughes Sportsman of the Year Daniel Hughes Rookie of the Year 2018 was another exciting season for Southern Outlaw Late Model Series. We love supporting motorsport events and helping our friends win races all over the country. For those who couldn’t make it, here is a roundup from the 2018 […]
04
Feb
Feb
It seems a lot of questions, concerns, information and misinformation exists related to the LS7 valvetrain issues. We felt it might be helpful to our dealers and customers to summarize what we have learned over time about these issues. (Want to skip straight to our Ported OEM LS7 Cylinder Head Package?) THE INFAMOUS CONCERN I just purchased […]
29
Jan
Jan
Check out this video of Ben Weishaar yesterday – in his “Cam Only” LS3 powered FLOP GEN – running our new SS4 (No Flycut) Camshaft! Can he run a 9 w/ stock heads?! Update 4/15/19: She’s a little faster now… Want to get a GPI SS4 (No Flytcut) camshaft too?
07
Jan
Jan
LT’s are the new LS’s! The performance truck market continues to grow at a staggering rate – with huge popularity going back to the early LS trucks. The L83 (5.3L) and L86 (6.2L) performance potential is especially promising due to these modern generation LT engines offering so much more power and technology than its predecessor […]
04
Dec
Dec
We are very excited to introduce our new Track Tuned Program! Our Track Tuned Program was born out of our passion for racing, and our desire to push our customer’s cars to the absolute limits. We break records when you break records. We win when you win. Racing is all about having the competitive edge, and now […]
30
Nov
Nov
After having the record taken away from us a couple of weeks ago, we headed back to Memphis International to attempt to regain the record! Best pass of the day was 9.25 @ 144mph – the new SBE NA LS3 Record. Setup on Ryan’s 2010 Camaro: Record Pass Video:
24
Oct
Oct
At the Ultima Mile May 2018 event, Arkansas’s own – Cale Hopkins – set the Standing Mile Event Record at 223mph. This is what happened when he attempted to break his own record at the October 2018 event… C6 Z06 Build:
15
Oct
Oct
Ryan Stevens working some magic on a 2017 Camaro SS (A8) w/ Procharger F1A (@16psi) on the dyno. This car is fitted w/ the full assortment of GPI Gen5 LT goodies including: It made 860rwhp & 762ftlbs on 16psi (70% ethonol) and drives like a bone stock car. Perfect daily that will demolish almost anyone […]
09
Oct
Oct
Want to go for a ride in this insane 620hp off road buggy? Check out the Dirt Riot Series point leading White Motorsports buggy – packing a GPI built 416ci LS3 – topped with our GPI MAX Performance LS7 Head and Cam package. Learn More about our MAX Performance LS7 Head and Cam Package for […]
01
Oct
Oct
Rooster Booster 2.0 is BACK! It’s been a while since GPI’s Mike Pestka has taken his car out to Memphis International Raceway – but it is back – and stronger than ever! He is out hunting for 5’s, but does the new setup have what it takes?? Setup:
01
Oct
Oct
GPI’s Ryan Stevens is at it again! He already holds the current 5th Gen Camaro NA Stock Bottom End 1/4 Mile Record – but he is back at the track attempting to raise the bar! Can it be done? Setup:
17
Sep
Sep
Upcoming Event Location: Blytheville Gosnell Regional Airport 4701 Memorial Dr Blytheville, AR 72315 Event Date / Time: October 20th, 2018 7am – 7pm October 21st, 2018 7am – 1pm Want more information? Ready to push your car to the limit in a standing mile race? Visit ultimamile.com to register for the next race! Last Event
21
Aug
Aug
We’ve been fans of Joe Gibbs Racing’s DRIVEN Synthetic Oils for years. They have what believe is the highest quality & best value synthetic oil in the business, and most importantly – it is what we use on all new engines and shop builds. If you want the oil Gwatney Performance uses and recommendeds – check out […]
01
Aug
Aug
Ready for some CamaroFest 8 highlights?! Kicking it off – Brandon T. Hill II in his incredibly consistant 6th Gen. He ran 10.4’s-10.5’s all weekend long in 100 degree heat, AND was the fastest customer car in the Modified class With a personal best time of 10.1 @ 134mph – these new 6th Gens are becoming an […]
23
Jul
Jul
We took Ryan Stevens stock bottom end Camaro SS to Memphis this Thursday to dial in the tune, and just happened to line up next to a clean boosted S550 Coyote. Enjoy!
18
Jul
Jul
Congratulations to Ryan Stevens for breaking the Stock Bottom End 5th Gen Record AGAIN! 9.87 @ 133mph in 3300 DA. This achievement didn’t come easy. After having traction issues all day Friday, we painfully watched the SBE record slip away to a competitor. Knowing that Ryan’s car had more in it – a group of our GPI […]
19
Jun
Jun
Gwatney Performance is now a Concept Performance Authorized Dealer! We have the BRAND NEW 1500+HP Aluminum LSR Blocks in stock and ready to ship! If you are in the market to do a monster build – we’d love to help!
13
Jun
Jun
We are excited to announce the brand new GPI Rewards Program. We’ve backdated the points – so if you’ve made an online purchase in the past 12 months – you have points pending in your GPI Points Account! We want to keep improving the experience for our customers, and reward you all to show our […]
12
Jun
Jun
We can’t believe CamaroFest 8 is already almost here! We’ve been a proud sponsor of this event for several years, and are proud to continue our partnership in 2018. We will be headed up on the 12th to get our booth set up, and coming home on the 15th. Since a big part of our team will […]
22
May
May
Congratulations to our own Ryan Stevens for setting the new Stock Bottom End NA 5th Gen Camaro Record! After years of owning the 5th Gen NA record with his previous 416ci setup – he decided to reenter the Stock Bottom End ring. In preparation for CamaroFest 2018 – he decided to start from scratch with a […]
16
May
May
There is no better way to prove your car, than a standing mile race! If watching 1k+rwhp cars being pushed to the absolutely limits (and sometimes beyond) is your thing – we have that in common! We had an incredible time supporting our friends, making new friends, and helping everyone push their cars to the […]
26
Apr
Apr
Want to experience what it feels like to do a gentle highway pull in an 1100 rwhp Z06?
31
Mar
Mar
It’s a well known fact the direct injected LT1 / LT4 engines have fuel starvation issues at high boost levels – which leads to blown rings and melted pistons. We are developing a port fuel injection system system (similar to the new ZR1) utilizing the 42 Autosports Port Injection Control Kit and Haltech EMS to supplement the factory fuel […]
21
Mar
Mar
As a result of the increased demand in our products and services, GPI is looking to add members to our team! We take hiring very seriously. We recognize that GPI’s reputation and continued growth rests entirely upon the collective efforts of the team. Our team is comprised of extremely motivated, passionate, knowledgeable, and versatile individuals. […]
19
Mar
Mar
Bulletproofing the LT for Boost The LT series GM engines are incredible powerplants as designed – however unlike their predecessor (LSx) – the LT’s commonly rebel when power adders such as superchargers, turbos, and nitrous are added. The LT powerplants have several weak links when boosted: Overcoming Limitations Understanding these limitations – and because GPI […]
13
Mar
Mar
(Update) This event is complete. Head over to ULTIMA Mile to check schedule and register for future events! Exclusive runway event that allows you to run your car flat out for a full mile. Max 50 cars at the event, so you can run as often as you like. Mile Racing Details Event Location Ultima Mile Arkansas […]
12
Mar
Mar
#TeamGPI is proud to welcome our newest sponsor – White Motorsports (@WhiteMotorsports4878) and the 620hp GPI powered MAX Performance LS3 w/ LS7 Top End. This competition ready Jimmy’s 4×4 Bloodline Podium R is freshly tuned, and ready for the 2018 Dirt Riot Series Season which begins March 17th in Laredo, TX. Good luck this season […]
06
Mar
Mar
We are proud to welcome our newest member of the 1000+rwhp Club! #TeamGPI Who’s next?? Check out this 2012 Corvette Grand Sport Centennial Edition rip on the dyno!
27
Feb
Feb
In speaking with our customers, and browsing various automotive forums – I have observed a lot of confusion and misinformation concerning hydraulic lifter operation and preload specification. I have concluded it may be helpful to provide some information on this subject. Anatomy of a Hydraulic Lifter A hydraulic lifter isn’t too complicated. It consists primarily […]
19
Feb
Feb
THE ENGINE DYNO RESULTS ARE IN! 150HP MORE THAN STOCK LS3! Here is our latest testing of the LS3 / L99 MAX Performance Head & Cam Package. We’ve taken the goodness of the LS7, and adapted it to the LS3 / L99 platforms, to create a package that is the best of both worlds! The […]
02
Feb
Feb
As some of you know our friend Marcus Brookes was involved in a terrible accident November 4, when he and Chris had taken his car down the highway for a test drive. Something didn’t feel right with the car so Marcus pulled over on the shoulder to check it out. As they got out of […]
17
Jan
Jan
After many months of working in secret – we are proud to introduce the GPI MAX Performance Head & Cam Package for LS3 / L99 applications! This package is not for the faint of heart. With a huge powerband, torque down low, and an explosive LS7 top end – this is a no-compromise NA build. […]
03
Jan
Jan
This has been a very special build for us. If you’ve ever dreamed of going absolutely crazy on a build, and making something absurdly fast that was never designed to – check this one out! Just imagine the look on that proud Z06 owners face when you demolish them from a light in an unassuming […]
21
Dec
Dec
This has been a very exciting week for team at GPI. We’ve finished up several very exciting builds, and this one is certainly no exception. This car was purchased by the current owner back in 2010, and has been a GPI car for many years. It started life as a heads / cam car, and […]
18
Dec
Dec
The Wait is Finally Over! For those of you with a 2016+ Camaro SS, or a 2014+ Corvette – we have our Gen 5 LT Cam Packages in stock, and ready to ship! Why GPI? Gwatney Performance has a long history with VVT Camshafts, and we have built a large portion of our reputation around them. As many of you […]
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