I'm going home to Chicago in a few weeks so I'll be without the Z for a bit but when I get back I'm going to start the modding. I've got some experience with Supras and Trans Ams but Vettes are certainly new to me. I've done a lot of searching but it's not really opening my eyes.

Is a CAI worth it for this car? With full exhaust and eventually cam? They seem... slightly overpriced (prolly get one used honestly).

I noticed OBX longtubes on ebay are surprisingly cheap. I could care less about what brand my pipes are (hence my straightpipes..) but are there any issues with them cracking or o2 sensor fitment (looking at ones with catted x-pipe that claim factory o2 placement)? If they only lasted 5 years they'd still be worth it. 5 years is a LONG time for me to not get t-boned by some old guy or have the car stolen (what can I say, my luck is impeccable). Also I assume 1 3/4" runners are what I would be looking for on a car that would see AT MOST a cam in the next few years. How much of a PITA is it to install longtubes? I know a shop out here in Hawaii would murder my wallet for anything.

How much difference will a tune make with just intake/full exhaust? Will the car actually run poorly without one or are we just talking about ~10rwhp. I can live without the expense and wait for my cam if it isn't going to HURT the motor. Seen a lot of 380-400rwhp tuned with just I/E.

I need guidance on cam selection (bout 6 months away realistically from pulling the trigger on one). I'm neither for nor against "loping" but I would still like the thing to drive decent in traffic. I understand the mechanics of cam selection (lift, duration, LSA) but not the application as I've never done it before. If I just go at it myself I'm afraid I'll go too mild rather than too wild. How much of a hit on gas mileage is a cam? Clearly gas mileage isn't my highest priority the way I drive but doing 4banger nice on the highway is freaking awesome. What does installation on a cam usually run? I'll figure in x2 for the "Hawaii tax"

I picked up some stickers yesterday. Am I correct in assuming a 50rwhp bonus for each one? Okay I guess I'm late for April fools lol.

I appreciate the guidance.

 

ttt

 

CAI are worth buying, a good improvement. Wait on the tune till after the cam. Cam selection takes as much or as little work, it depends on you. There's a lot of good info on cams on this site. Do some searches and then come back with less general questions. Good Luck

 

Best bang for the buck for me was the cam and custom tuning. Although before doing these came the cai, ported throtle body, ported intake manifold, headers, exhaust, wires, thermostat, and a few other bits and pieces. It all adds up over time...HP and $. I'm at 576rwhp now. Good luck.