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Old May 13, 2010 | 11:11 AM
  #1  
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Default Mod-planning help

All,

Would like some feedback on my planning for some basic mods. Cash flow prevents me from doing everything at once so I'm trying to do this in steps. Car is an '03 coupe used as a light daily driver. I don't race or have plans to (although time at VIR sounds mighty tempting), but want a car that sounds louder than stock and gives me increased seat of the pants enjoyment.

Plan A) Buy a Corsa exhaust and X-pipe; either the Extreme or Pace Car. Then a CAI and tune from Santa. Then in the distant future a LT header system.

Plan B) Electric cutouts, a CAI and a tune. LT header system next year and evaluate if I want the Corsa.

Cliffs: A or B or something else to consider.

thanks
tom
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Old May 13, 2010 | 11:16 AM
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Go with a 4.10 Gear and a Cold Air Intake and you will be happy with the results. Headers/X-pipe/catback will increase your HP also and make your vette breathe much better.
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Old May 13, 2010 | 11:22 AM
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If you don't race or have plans to, then I would not worry about the LT headers. The car will breath better with the complete exhaust system, but I would stick to the Corsa exhaust and X-pipe. I believe the headers will just add to the noise level. A good cold air intake and the Corsa system will give you an increase in HP, but again, if you don't race it I am not sure way you are going that route.
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Old May 13, 2010 | 12:21 PM
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Plan C - LTs and vararam (and tune when possible). Then the car will BE fast and not just sound fast.
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Old May 13, 2010 | 01:04 PM
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Well if all you want is sound you could go with just the catback, but it will net you probably zero horsepower... maybe a couple. The LTs are where the power is but as a daily driver they may be too loud. Mine is a DD and I just can't seem to justify the money to buy LTs, x-pipe, and tune (already have a catback) when I never even really get a chance to get on it since my commute is all city driving. Honestly, a CAI isn't going to do too much for you either in the HP department.
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Old May 13, 2010 | 01:07 PM
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If it's a daily driver I'd honestly just save the money for tires and maintenance.

If you do buy a couple parts, make sure they are used in the classifieds here. Be smart.
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Old May 13, 2010 | 01:28 PM
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I'd lean towards option A - but a good seat of rear gears will give you a very nice SOTP feeling.
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Old May 13, 2010 | 01:33 PM
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It's a slippery slope once you start modding

I would select 'A'. Full exhaust, CAI and tune will squeeze the most out of a stock engine to start. These cars respond very well to those mods. Selecting a good catback is the key as far as "loud" goes. It's a personal preference that you have to decide on. Headers will definitely increase the sound volume so keep that in mind if you select a catback first.

Good luck

Nick
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Old May 13, 2010 | 02:08 PM
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Stick or auto?
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Old May 13, 2010 | 10:33 PM
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Thanks guys for the responses. It is a 6-speed. This may be a stupid question but the differences between a new catback exhaust and just cutouts on a stock exhaust are???
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Old May 13, 2010 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Blow Torch
Plan C - LTs and vararam (and tune when possible). Then the car will BE fast and not just sound fast.
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Old May 14, 2010 | 01:03 AM
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Originally Posted by radstom
Thanks guys for the responses. It is a 6-speed. This may be a stupid question but the differences between a new catback exhaust and just cutouts on a stock exhaust are???
Cutouts will cause exhaust leaks.
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