Engine mods
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: phoenix az
Engine mods
I am about to start adding some mods to my 2000 coupe and I am wondering what are the best for the money/ easiest to install? I think the first thing I want to shoot for is new exhaust but I am not sure if I would be able to install it myself or not.. Also I heard that if the hp of a car increase you have to get into replacing things like the clutch and transmission to handle the new hp increase, is this true? Thanks.
-Michael
-Michael
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
I am about to start adding some mods to my 2000 coupe and I am wondering what are the best for the money/ easiest to install? I think the first thing I want to shoot for is new exhaust but I am not sure if I would be able to install it myself or not.. Also I heard that if the hp of a car increase you have to get into replacing things like the clutch and transmission to handle the new hp increase, is this true? Thanks.
-Michael
-Michael
EDIT: failed to mention, since you have a MN6, you might want to invest in a stronger clutch regardless of what kind of HP upgrades you go with.
Last edited by Chemdawg99; Aug 27, 2007 at 02:09 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
There have been a number of threads on this before. You can find them by using the search function.
Lots of opinions on mods, so I am not going to add anything on that subject. I will say that before you start modding the car take a long hard look at how you will use the car and how long you plan to keep it.
If you make a lot of mods to the car and significantly increase the HP and torque you may need to upgrade all or parts of the drivetrain (transmission, torque tube, rear differential, & clutch).
There is an old addage that says "speed costs, how much are you willing to pay?". There are a number of people here on this forum that have signicantly modified there cars at considerable expense.
Take you time and do your homework. Don't rush into things.
Good luck!
Lots of opinions on mods, so I am not going to add anything on that subject. I will say that before you start modding the car take a long hard look at how you will use the car and how long you plan to keep it.
If you make a lot of mods to the car and significantly increase the HP and torque you may need to upgrade all or parts of the drivetrain (transmission, torque tube, rear differential, & clutch).
There is an old addage that says "speed costs, how much are you willing to pay?". There are a number of people here on this forum that have signicantly modified there cars at considerable expense.
Take you time and do your homework. Don't rush into things.
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
like other have said, many opinoins on what to add, just depends on how you use the car.
As far as the driveline goes..you will be safe (a lot depends on your driving style) up to about 400RWHP..once you go north of that you have to start thinking about driveline..but again, just depends on how hard you plan to drive it.
As far as the driveline goes..you will be safe (a lot depends on your driving style) up to about 400RWHP..once you go north of that you have to start thinking about driveline..but again, just depends on how hard you plan to drive it.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: phoenix az
Money is not really an issues.. I plan on doing all this over a decent amount of time. I'm not really even doing it for the power, I more or less want to mod it for a hobby, to learn about cars (since I know next to nothing as it is atm). So basically I am interested in anything that I can install myself that will be flexible.. for example I heard that you can swap the motor out I think it was called a ls3 or lt1 or something that is 450 hp stock I think which I would like to eventually do... But I do not want all the mods I added to be useless at that point. Also my engine has been knocking pretty bad recently (which I was told is pistol slap which is supposed to be harmless).. however I am just planning on if the engine does blow up I can just swap the engine for a better one :>. ps.. Its a daily driver
Last edited by pubin; Aug 27, 2007 at 08:45 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
Money is not really an issues.. I plan on doing all this over a decent amount of time. I'm not really even doing it for the power, I more or less want to mod it for a hobby, to learn about cars (since I know next to nothing as it is atm). So basically I am interested in anything that I can install myself that will be flexible.. for example I heard that you can swap the motor out I think it was called a ls3 or lt1 or something that is 450 hp stock I think which I would like to eventually do... But I do not want all the mods I added to be useless at that point. Also my engine has been knocking pretty bad recently (which I was told is pistol slap which is supposed to be harmless).. however I am just planning on if the engine does blow up I can just swap the engine for a better one :>. ps.. Its a daily driver
Motor swaps can be very expensive and time-consuming (a consideration you must take into account since this is your daily driver) especially if you are doing the work yourself. Do you plan to take the engine out from the top (very difficult) or the bottom of the car (Vette needs to be raised).
I think you are still unclear of your ultimate goals for your Vette. Experimentation on a daily driver is sort of an oxymoron.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 37,329
Likes: 12
From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
CI-VI Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Notes:
STAY AWAY from the LS3 - there are many issues being reported on the quality of these at the present time!
As for 'upgrading' - you indicate one of your objectives is to 'learn' the 'how too' - I really suggest that since you admit you are a novice, let the professionals do any engine/drive line work.
Lastly, it would be beneficial if you noted in your post the following:
1) MN6 or A4 - will make a difference on possible improvement modifications.
2) Although you state the primary purpose is to 'learn' - you'll need to define what objectives (I.e., RWHP bragging rights) and criteria (I.e.,track driving, commuter type driving, etc.) you are after - this will allow a more comprehensive understanding by all so that possible alternatives can be proposed.
STAY AWAY from the LS3 - there are many issues being reported on the quality of these at the present time!
As for 'upgrading' - you indicate one of your objectives is to 'learn' the 'how too' - I really suggest that since you admit you are a novice, let the professionals do any engine/drive line work.
Lastly, it would be beneficial if you noted in your post the following:
1) MN6 or A4 - will make a difference on possible improvement modifications.
2) Although you state the primary purpose is to 'learn' - you'll need to define what objectives (I.e., RWHP bragging rights) and criteria (I.e.,track driving, commuter type driving, etc.) you are after - this will allow a more comprehensive understanding by all so that possible alternatives can be proposed.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Depending on how much you have to spend will help!
A small list:
1. VARARAM ($315.00 Gulf Coast performance))
2.LS6 Manifold (Used from FS Section $350.00)
3.Headers, Hi-Flow Cats, X-Pipe ($1500.00 most Vendors)
4.TI Exhaust (Used Forum FS section $400.00)
5.Dyno Tune ($600.00)
All said that should be around $3100.00 and give you at least 45+ HP and make a huge difference in the way it feels!
Thanks,Matt
That would be awesome
A small list:
1. VARARAM ($315.00 Gulf Coast performance))
2.LS6 Manifold (Used from FS Section $350.00)
3.Headers, Hi-Flow Cats, X-Pipe ($1500.00 most Vendors)
4.TI Exhaust (Used Forum FS section $400.00)
5.Dyno Tune ($600.00)
All said that should be around $3100.00 and give you at least 45+ HP and make a huge difference in the way it feels!
Thanks,Matt
That would be awesome
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 21
From: Marlton. Increasing performance one speeding ticket at a time! NJ
Notes:
STAY AWAY from the LS3 - there are many issues being reported on the quality of these at the present time!
As for 'upgrading' - you indicate one of your objectives is to 'learn' the 'how too' - I really suggest that since you admit you are a novice, let the professionals do any engine/drive line work.
Lastly, it would be beneficial if you noted in your post the following:
1) MN6 or A4 - will make a difference on possible improvement modifications.
2) Although you state the primary purpose is to 'learn' - you'll need to define what objectives (I.e., RWHP bragging rights) and criteria (I.e.,track driving, commuter type driving, etc.) you are after - this will allow a more comprehensive understanding by all so that possible alternatives can be proposed.
STAY AWAY from the LS3 - there are many issues being reported on the quality of these at the present time!
As for 'upgrading' - you indicate one of your objectives is to 'learn' the 'how too' - I really suggest that since you admit you are a novice, let the professionals do any engine/drive line work.
Lastly, it would be beneficial if you noted in your post the following:
1) MN6 or A4 - will make a difference on possible improvement modifications.
2) Although you state the primary purpose is to 'learn' - you'll need to define what objectives (I.e., RWHP bragging rights) and criteria (I.e.,track driving, commuter type driving, etc.) you are after - this will allow a more comprehensive understanding by all so that possible alternatives can be proposed.
Start slow. Add a cold air induction first. How about a catch can. Then move up to changing exhaust, maybe headers too. Do all the standard bold on stuff.
Cracking the engine is next, only after you really know what your doing. And to swap out the engine for a different one, that's getting into advanced territory. You'll have to upgrade a lot of the cars computer systems, and have many of the proper tools. Since you don't know much about cars now (as you stated), I'm guessing you don't have that many automotive tools, so be prepared to drop thousands, just for the tools.
If you goal is just to learn, hang out in the tech section for a while or take an auto mechanics course at your local vo-tech or community college. This is a great site with lots of info:
http://www.ls1howto.com/
But as others have mentioned, modding without a plan always ends up with unsatisfactory results.