Moding a '99 Coupe
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 61
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From: Leesburg GA
Moding a '99 Coupe
I am looking to do some performance mods to my '99. I am looking a SLP long headers with high flow cats, Corsa Indy exhaust, Vararam air intake, ported throttle body and intake manifold. Not sure what type of cam kit to get. Is this a good setup? I have been told that I can pull Z06 parts and upgrade mine easier. Looking for a 100 or better HP gain? What do you think.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 24
From: Northern Chicago Burbs IL
I also have a 99 Corvette. I have installed the vararam intake and air bridge, LS6 intake manifold, LG motorsports long tube headers connected to B&B Rt 66 cat back with dmh electric cut outs. I did new plugs and wires while installing the headers. I have also put on the johnny O'Connell stage one suspension from pfadt to help put the power to the ground. After all this was put on, I had my car tuned and it makes 360 rwhp. I did a half-mile drag race this summer and had a higher mph than a slightly modified C5Z after we both went down the runway several times.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
If you are looking mainly for HP save your money on the corsa and get the stock z06 titanium pipes. They flow just as well and cost half as much. Since you have a 99 get a LS6 intake. Vararam wont show much hp on the dyno but it will get quicker on the strip. There are other cheaper header options out there that will perform just as well XS Power, TSP etc. Cam kits will cost you a few days of research here. Z06 parts will interchange but the cost to benefit ratio makes it not worth the effort. Research the TSP 228R cam kit, very common kit, tunes easily and will make good power. Plugs and wires are always a good idea but research will tell you that oem is as good as it is going to get and do not forget a good tune as well once the mods are done.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I also have a 99 Corvette. I have installed the vararam intake and air bridge, LS6 intake manifold, LG motorsports long tube headers connected to B&B Rt 66 cat back with dmh electric cut outs. I did new plugs and wires while installing the headers. I have also put on the johnny O'Connell stage one suspension from pfadt to help put the power to the ground. After all this was put on, I had my car tuned and it makes 360 rwhp. I did a half-mile drag race this summer and had a higher mph than a slightly modified C5Z after we both went down the runway several times.
I have also been considering a mild cam upgrade. I think it would really add some power especially with the other mods.
AKA "The CLOWN"
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Chicago South Suburbs
Not a chance in Hell are you going to see 100hp with just those mods. If you added a nice set of aftermarket heads then yes it would be possible!
You are way better off getting boosted! I know of a complete A&A setup for $3800 that will add 175-250hp!
Are you a Marine?
You are way better off getting boosted! I know of a complete A&A setup for $3800 that will add 175-250hp!
Are you a Marine?
AKA "The CLOWN"
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Chicago South Suburbs
With the money you are talking about on your mod list and the power gain, you would be MUCH better off with an A&A supercharger and headers, thats it! You will have gobs of power with the stock drivability and reliability. This one is for sale and I personally know the seller (Matt) He is a good guy and I have seen his car and setup, he's a stand up guy and honest. Think about this as this will get you the most for your money hands down.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...-kit-nice.html
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
You will need to add some heads to that set-up for at least a 100 HP gain and that should put you right around 430 RWHP! 
Thanks,Matt
Thanks,Matt
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
usually money ahead getting a tried and true combo. the texas speed 224/228 setup is the way i would go if i ever modded. a 224/228 cam on a 114LSA is going to behave more or less like stock with more midrange and a lot more top end. that with some ported 243's, ls6 intake manifold and quality headers & even a z06 cat back if you want to save money will be enough power to overwhelm all but the stickiest of street tires
i would really try and buy the catback used. the nice catbacks rather it be a z06 OE or a corsa or a borla more or less live forever.
oe z06 ti's with headers is a really nice, quiet until you get on it combo that could be done cheap. they sell for 300-400 often
corsa is my fav sound too but man, they are a big chunk of money you will never get back when you sell the car
i would really try and buy the catback used. the nice catbacks rather it be a z06 OE or a corsa or a borla more or less live forever.
oe z06 ti's with headers is a really nice, quiet until you get on it combo that could be done cheap. they sell for 300-400 often
corsa is my fav sound too but man, they are a big chunk of money you will never get back when you sell the car
Last edited by racebum; Nov 27, 2013 at 09:48 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
Injectors, pin the crank, future fuel pump upgrade, better timing chain, upgrade transmission, PRECISE tuning.
Decide what YOU want and go from there. For example, most will push you to really large cam, because that's what THEY like, but in reality, a mid size cam can be a ball to drive with no down sides.
DO the basics first (they will work with whatever you decide next) like headers, good exhaust, CAI and see if you want more.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 61
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From: Leesburg GA
You are correct, but then again, most mods will cost more than the "visible" mod itself (cam, etc)
Injectors, pin the crank, future fuel pump upgrade, better timing chain, upgrade transmission, PRECISE tuning.
Decide what YOU want and go from there. For example, most will push you to really large cam, because that's what THEY like, but in reality, a mid size cam can be a ball to drive with no down sides.
DO the basics first (they will work with whatever you decide next) like headers, good exhaust, CAI and see if you want more.
Injectors, pin the crank, future fuel pump upgrade, better timing chain, upgrade transmission, PRECISE tuning.
Decide what YOU want and go from there. For example, most will push you to really large cam, because that's what THEY like, but in reality, a mid size cam can be a ball to drive with no down sides.
DO the basics first (they will work with whatever you decide next) like headers, good exhaust, CAI and see if you want more.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 5
From: Central FL
cwovwtte do you have a budget in mind? Cash? Credit? If you're paying cash you'll be far better off buying good used parts except for injectors, plugs and wires. I bought new so far and spent $800 when I bought my 01 last year for wires, plugs, CAI and catback but I used my bill me later credit account. 
Last edited by F&Yb0dluvr; Nov 28, 2013 at 10:43 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg GA
cwovwtte do you have a budget in mind? Cash? Credit? If you're paying cash you'll be far better off buying good used parts except for injectors, plugs and wires. I bought new so far and spent $800 when I bought my 01 last year for wires, plugs, CAI and catback but I used my bill me later credit account.
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-----
Other bolt on's can come later, like LT's etc. - but I would suggest making sure you get a good set of mufflers, C5 Z06 titanium exhaust will be good and a good X-Pipe - I ran 701 RWHP through these for a long time!
With a A&A kit and 8-10 PSI of Boost on a stock motor and pretty much stock everything else (Including a LS1 manifold, exhaust manifolds and stock cats) you will be North of 500+ RWHP and on a safe tune too!
There is no way you can beat that with anything else you want to do, this is a true BOLT ON and the dollar for dollar results are the best hands down!
PM me if you have any doubts or questions!
Thanks,Matt