What would you do?!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 196
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From: Keego Harbor MI
What would you do?!
Hey All, I have a question: even though this is my third corvette, I grew up with old school cars. I just got my 01 base vette this summer. It runs great, but I would like it to sound just a little better, and run as strong a possible. I am just a working class guy so on a budget, what would you suggest doing to it, best bang for the buck? cold air intake? headers/exhaust? tune? thanks for feedback. Im looking at saving up while she's in storage this winter. should have a couple grand by spring to spend. thanks 
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
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From: Buffalo Texas
XS Power headers with high flow cats around 800.00 (great buy, love mine) I think the Vararam CAI is the best bang for your buck but not real cheap (around 300.00) those two things and a Mail order tune from ECS 150 dollars would be a great start !!!
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.com/
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.com/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
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From: jefferson texas
Hello! '99 vert 6m. Good exhaust, CAI, tuned (computer/dyno). Got a nice increase (340 rwhp or about 391 at the crank figuring 15% loss through the drivetrain). Feels much nicer and a lot more responsive. Less than $1500.00. Money well spent in my opinion. Best wishes!
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Just so you know I have those XS headers with cats and the car is dyno tuned. Car smells like an old school car with no cats. It stinks at a red light. If you want old school those headers will be perfect. Add a mild camshaft and you'll be all set.
I just bought some of the fuel additive from Summit that makes the exhaust smell like bubble gum. Should have it tomorrow. Can't wait to check it out.
I just bought some of the fuel additive from Summit that makes the exhaust smell like bubble gum. Should have it tomorrow. Can't wait to check it out.
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You don't say what mileage is on the car. Check to make sure your plugs and wires are in good shape. As mentioned, a set of LT headers, a good air intake, an aftermarket catback for some good sounds, and a tune should do the job for you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2015
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Headers, x-pipe, and a good dyno tune really wake these cars up.
As for exhaust, that is subjective. What I like, you might not. It's all about the sound, since performance really won't be improved. I personally like Corsa.
Shakey
As for exhaust, that is subjective. What I like, you might not. It's all about the sound, since performance really won't be improved. I personally like Corsa.
Shakey
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
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From: Lynn MA
All that was said above are great additions. $2,000 should take care of everything if you use what akapounder suggested. I did the XS power headers with high flow cats, air intake, and only difference was I got a dyno tune. My car will now put you back in your seat and sounds so much better. 
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
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Just so you know I have those XS headers with cats and the car is dyno tuned. Car smells like an old school car with no cats. It stinks at a red light. If you want old school those headers will be perfect. Add a mild camshaft and you'll be all set.
I just bought some of the fuel additive from Summit that makes the exhaust smell like bubble gum. Should have it tomorrow. Can't wait to check it out.
I just bought some of the fuel additive from Summit that makes the exhaust smell like bubble gum. Should have it tomorrow. Can't wait to check it out.
OP if your on a budget for now you could do the stock exhaust bypass mod. Super cheap, sounds great.
From there, Z06 Lid or Flip Tie Mod, long tubes (Hinson, XS or Texas Speed) and an ECS tune. You could do all this for just over a Grand
Bypass Mod $40
Flip Tie Mod $0
Headers listed above: $850ish
ECS tune: $150
Last edited by Roddy13; Oct 21, 2016 at 04:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 196
Likes: 4
From: Keego Harbor MI
Your tune is off. It's too rich.
OP if your on a budget for now you could do the stock exhaust bypass mod. Super cheap, sounds great.
From there, Z06 Lid or Flip Tie Mod, long tubes (Hinson, XS or Texas Speed) and an ECS tune. You could do all this for just over a Grand
Bypass Mod $40
Flip Tie Mod $0
Headers listed above: $850ish
ECS tune: $150
OP if your on a budget for now you could do the stock exhaust bypass mod. Super cheap, sounds great.
From there, Z06 Lid or Flip Tie Mod, long tubes (Hinson, XS or Texas Speed) and an ECS tune. You could do all this for just over a Grand
Bypass Mod $40
Flip Tie Mod $0
Headers listed above: $850ish
ECS tune: $150
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
XS Power headers with high flow cats around 800.00 (great buy, love mine) I think the Vararam CAI is the best bang for your buck but not real cheap (around 300.00) those two things and a Mail order tune from ECS 150 dollars would be a great start !!!
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.com/
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.com/
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
For bolt ons, the mail in tune is actually pretty solid and seems to be a fast turn around for $150. Not as good as a dyno tune, but bolt ons don't really need that fine a tune.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 935
Likes: 103
yep the ECS tune is the way to go for OP's budget and mods.
Last edited by Roddy13; Oct 21, 2016 at 06:48 PM.