[Z06] Performance upgrade suggestions?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 133
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
Performance upgrade suggestions?
Just picked up a mint 2004 Z06 TR that is bone stock. I want to get some feedback on performance upgrades from some of the members. First of all....will removing the cats on the factory system improve the sound/power at all? She's a little quiet for my liking but I don't want it too loud either. Second, is their significant gains by going to headers vs the stock TI system? I like the weight savings with the TI. Third, By adding a Blackwing and possibly headers to the factory Catback, what kind of gains could be expected from a professional tune? Fourth, Any advantages to porting the intake and TB or is it best to go with an aftermarket TB and intake (eg. FAST). I have heard about big gains from a cam swap, but all I have read here basically says that to get the full effect of the cam, you need to upgrade the intake and exhaust. I would rather stick to bolt ons if possible. I am not necessarily on a budget, but not a millionaire either. I am looking to get about 400 rwhp overall. I guess I want to know what is the easiest/reasonably priced options to get to that 400 rwhp mark? I am sure these questions have been asked a thousand times here, but I can't seem to find a thread on it....Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,181
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From: Puyallup Washington
I have a 2002 Z06 with long tube headers, high flow cats and Borla exhaust and a tune. It makes about 375 RWHP. My understanding is that the long tube headers give about 25 HP max, and the Borla gives about 1 HP and the sound. I have read that there is no advantage to replacing the factory cats and titanium exhaust, other than sound. A better intake (Vararam) will give more power on the road but will not show much on a dyno. Improving the intake and TB should give some more gains. The larger gains come from a cam and heads or supercharger or turbos. However, without going there you should be able to get to 400 RWHP with bolt ons..
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
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From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I have a 2002 Z06 with long tube headers, high flow cats and Borla exhaust and a tune. It makes about 375 RWHP. My understanding is that the long tube headers give about 25 HP max, and the Borla gives about 1 HP and the sound. I have read that there is no advantage to replacing the factory cats and titanium exhaust, other than sound. A better intake (Vararam) will give more power on the road but will not show much on a dyno. Improving the intake and TB should give some more gains. The larger gains come from a cam and heads or supercharger or turbos. However, without going there you should be able to get to 400 RWHP with bolt ons..
Honestly, wouldn't bother upgrading the LS6 intake. It flows nicely and for the money you spend on the fast, I don't think it is worth the gains you see.
If the car does not have a short throw shifter in it, that is a great mod, nothing in the HP gain areas, but makes it alot more fun to drive.
Congrats on getting your Z, I recently picked up a 2003 Z TR myself and I am trying to achieve the same things you are, but I will be installing a CAM down the road. Due to the lack of tuning options out here in Hawaii, I am not getting to heavy in the modding right now.
Have fun and enjoy your car.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
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From: Pasco WA
It's not a waste of money at all, it's just the gain per dollar spent is lower than some other mods. There's some misinformation here. To the OP, the stock Ti parts are only in the catback. The exhaust manifolds are cast iron and replacing them with headers loses weight, and increases power. The mid-pipe system is replaced when you buy a complete header system from one of our fine vendors, (I like LG) will also be lighter, and flow better with HF cats, and an included X-pipe will smooth out the sound, reduce popping, and eliminate the H-pipe jingle. If you replace your exhaust system from engine to catback, and retain the stock Ti catback, it will get a little louder with cats, and a little louder yet with an offroad (catless) X-pipe.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Newberry FL
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St. Jude Donor '07
It's not a waste of money at all, it's just the gain per dollar spent is lower than some other mods. There's some misinformation here. To the OP, the stock Ti parts are only in the catback. The exhaust manifolds are cast iron and replacing them with headers loses weight, and increases power. The mid-pipe system is replaced when you buy a complete header system from one of our fine vendors, (I like LG) will also be lighter, and flow better with HF cats, and an included X-pipe will smooth out the sound, reduce popping, and eliminate the H-pipe jingle. If you replace your exhaust system from engine to catback, and retain the stock Ti catback, it will get a little louder with cats, and a little louder yet with an offroad (catless) X-pipe.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Manteca CA
St. Jude Donor '09
That's just so.........un-Zish!!(just kidding!). There are times I wish I had left mine stock. I've tried to do nothing that can't be undone, and retained/bought all parts needed to return it to stock if I want to later.
To the OP, it's difficult to outflow the Ti catback, so not much to be gained there, other than sound. The CAI, headers, and tune seem to net 375 - 390 hp, (as stated above). Good luck
To the OP, it's difficult to outflow the Ti catback, so not much to be gained there, other than sound. The CAI, headers, and tune seem to net 375 - 390 hp, (as stated above). Good luck
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Honolulu HI
Vararam or Honker CAI, LT headers (catted or uncatted is up to you), and a professional tune is a great starting point; and should get you close to your rwhp goal. Don't get caught up on the number...it's just a number. Focus on making reliable hp that your car can put to the ground, and makes it more enjoyable to drive. Just my opinion... 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Newberry FL
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St. Jude Donor '07
Vararam or Honker CAI, LT headers (catted or uncatted is up to you), and a professional tune is a great starting point; and should get you close to your rwhp goal. Don't get caught up on the number...it's just a number. Focus on making reliable hp that your car can put to the ground, and makes it more enjoyable to drive. Just my opinion...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 133
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
I would like to keep the factory Ti catback. I think Long tubes and an off road x pipe to start, then perhaps a ported TB, add the Blackwing I ordered. 160 degrees stat with TR6 plugs and then a tune. I appreciate the comments guys. Even yours Quick.....
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 599
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From: citrus heights ca
Vararam or Honker CAI, LT headers (catted or uncatted is up to you), and a professional tune is a great starting point; and should get you close to your rwhp goal. Don't get caught up on the number...it's just a number. Focus on making reliable hp that your car can put to the ground, and makes it more enjoyable to drive. Just my opinion...
after doing these,if you want more power and decide to put a cam in,you'll already have the supporting mods done.when doing a cam change there are other things you will want to do/need.you'll need to get a cam kit,which should have new springs,retainers,locks.you'll also need pushrods,head gaskets,head bolts,and crank bolt.probably want a new timing chain,ported oil pump,and underdrive pulley.
i always recommend a two piece timing cover.that way if you ever change your mind on the cam,it becomes a whole lot easier job to change it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,243
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From: Loveland CO
Much gain from a good set of Rockers? Traditionally a simple mod without tearing into the motor for Cam/Heads and with other mods listed will be reliable and should put you i would think to the 400hp mark.
S
S
Race Director
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From: Newberry FL
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St. Jude Donor '07
Unless you are going FI down the road, I wouldn't do TR6 spark plugs. Really not much gained there.
