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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 04:31 PM
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Default HP Upgrades

Hey Folks,

I have a stock 03 C5 Vert. The forum member that I purchased it from replaced the Cat Back exhaust but that was it.

Wanted to se if anyone had any suggestions on mods that can be done to increase the hp output. Any ideas that offer the most "Bang for the Buck" would be greatly appreciated (Up to $1,500).

Thanks for the suggestions!
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 04:52 PM
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When I first got my o3 like yours, a guy told me there are two kinds of vette owners. Guys who polish, and guys who pay 20, 000 bucks to install a super charger.

Since I do neither, my only advice is to be aware of the additional workload and skill required in the stewardship of a modified car.

I sure you are aware of this, but as I just read in a quote form the famous engine builder Ed Pink, the hardest engine to build is a street engine, I thought I would mention it. With mods, you have re-engineered a street engine. I don't have the time or interest, but the lure remains.

Then I step back and consider the big picture. THe car is fast enough for me, and seems to be a sweet spot in the evolution of corvette design. As the car gets older, original makes it as distinctive as the cars than are kept to more modern standards.

Either way the smile goes on when the top goes down. All the other body styles are equivalent to a four door verses a two door in regular cars.
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 05:44 PM
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Intake and tune or a set of headers would really wake the car up.
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 06:07 PM
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Depending on your trans/gearing, etc., a cam kit costs around that, and will make the most gain for your dollars. If an A/T, than that budget would be best used on gears, and converter.
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Not4spd
Intake and tune or a set of headers would really wake the car up.
I have 2 these engines respond very well to basic mods, intake, exhaust, tune, these are very easy mods that are easy to return to stock if the situation requires, And your car will response great :cheers, enjoy ok
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by zeevette
Depending on your trans/gearing, etc., a cam kit costs around that, and will make the most gain for your dollars. If an A/T, than that budget would be best used on gears, and converter.
He is right, a cam is awesome and with the right supporting mods can get substantial HP increases, but your still going to need the engine to breath when this is completed, IMHO I'd make it breathe better first, then add better gears (depending on tranny) and your long term goals, a good breathing properly tuned Vette with lower rear gears is a blast, but if down the road you think your going to install a blower or whatever, do the cam upgrade with supporting mods and maybe a stall if your running an auto, if not a better clutch may be needed

Last edited by skydiven4fun; Jul 16, 2014 at 06:19 PM.
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 06:23 PM
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You already have the LS6 intake on the car which is pretty decent in itself. For teh $1500, get a set of LT headers and a tune. That would give you a HP increase.
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 07:48 PM
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Texas speed long tube headers and X pipe $750
Vararam intake $270
Ecs mail order tune $150
160 thermostat $48
Ac iridium plugs $28
Gm Red wires $70
ASP underdrive pulley and belt $250

That's right around $1566 for parts if you shop around will also add about 50 Horsepower
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
You already have the LS6 intake on the car which is pretty decent in itself. For teh $1500, get a set of LT headers and a tune. That would give you a HP increase.
I agree, $1500 can only buy so much hp---good luck.
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 08:17 PM
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Save yourself the effort at nickel and diming it to death. Just save that money and when you get enough then supercharge it! That's the BEST advice you'll ever get!
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by sfc rick
Save yourself the effort at nickel and diming it to death. Just save that money and when you get enough then supercharge it! That's the BEST advice you'll ever get!
Absolutely the best advice. LS1 engine responds 'well' to a SuperCharger.

Don
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 11:57 PM
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Originally Posted by donald4972
Absolutely the best advice. LS1 engine responds 'well' to a SuperCharger.

Don
they respond even better when a cam and headers are added on top of that... I would personally do the headers and tune first... if you plan to stay n/a then budget a few hundred for an intake and add that in with the headers and have it tuned at the same time... if you think you will boost it later I'd leave out the intake and maybe add a cam next then do the blower... you really need to decide what kind of goals you want first or our suggestions will be all over the board since you can do anything to these cars that you can imagine
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Old Jul 17, 2014 | 01:00 AM
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I would go with headers, Vararam CAI, and a tune.

That would be the best bang for your buck for $1,500.00.

Even if you choose to go further later, you would want the headers.
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