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$2000 to spend- need recommendations

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Old Dec 11, 2016 | 09:11 PM
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Default $2000 to spend- need recommendations

I've got the mod bug like most of you on here and have saved up $2000 to put towards my 2004 Z06.

The car is my daily driver here in Los Angeles, where 50-60% of the time I am in heavy traffic so keep that in mind. I want the car to remain 100% streetable with good manners and reliability.

Mods already installed or on the way:

1. Vararam VR-B2 Intake with Power Duct (installed)
2. LG Super Pro Long Tube Headers (on the way)
3. MGW Short Shifter (installed)
4. Double D Mods Double Din Kenwood 9703 (on the way)
5. Lowered on stock bolts (done)
6. Corbeau Leather A4s (on the way)
7. ACA Projector Headlights (installed)
8. Shorty Antenna (installed)
9. LG G5X1E Cam, Comp 921 Valvesprings, Melling High Pressure Oil Pump, Hardened Pushrods, C5R Timing Chain, Cam Install Gasket set, dyno tune (on the way)
10. Hawk HPS Brake Pads (on the way)


My question is, what's the next logical upgrade?

a. Cam isn't installed yet, but when I do get it installed I have the option to port and polish the stock heads, throttle body and intake manifold- should I spend the extra cash to do it?
b. Upgrade the stock shocks to Koni Yellows or Ridetech shocks?
c. Upgrade the clutch?
d. Tires- Current tires are Bridgestone RE760s with about 90% thread left
e. Something else?

Last edited by harryk387; Dec 14, 2016 at 08:53 PM.
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Old Dec 11, 2016 | 09:13 PM
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C6Z06 sways and shocks are direct bolt on and would be a good addition for little money..cheaper than the Konis and more in line with your driving habits

Last edited by pewter99; Dec 11, 2016 at 09:14 PM.
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Old Dec 11, 2016 | 09:23 PM
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Seats would be high on my list... shifter if you don't like the stock one.
OR...
​​18/19's used would be a great option (new would be more moula).

Last edited by grantv; Dec 11, 2016 at 09:55 PM.
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Old Dec 11, 2016 | 09:23 PM
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how old are the tires and what are they?

this is always my #1 recommendation for realized performance
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Old Dec 11, 2016 | 09:43 PM
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Default c5

coilovers!!! or
C6 z06 big brake kit

Last edited by baddboyz03; Dec 11, 2016 at 09:45 PM. Reason: add
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Old Dec 11, 2016 | 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by grantv
Seats would be high on my list... shifter if you don't like the stock one.
​​18/19's used would be a great option (new would be more moula).
You won't get it all done for $2K, but you could get 1-2 of those done depending on what you choose.
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Old Dec 11, 2016 | 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
You won't get it all done for $2K, but you could get 1-2 of those done depending on what you choose.
Added an intended but neglected word; or.
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Old Dec 11, 2016 | 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted by grantv
Seats would be high on my list... shifter if you don't like the stock one.
OR...
​​18/19's used would be a great option (new would be more moula).
Shifter is already taken care of- I have an MGW Short Shifter

Also forgot to mention that seats may also be taken care of tomorrow. I found a guy locally who is getting rid of a pair of sparcos in leather/suede who is willing to do an even trade. I saw the seats in person and they look great the only thing is that some trim pieces needed to be taken off the seat to fit in the c5. I will be driving down tomorrow to test fit them and see if they will work with the stock seatbelts, fingers crossed.

As for tires, I've currently got Bridgestone Potenza RE760s on all 4 corners, I'd say about 80% thread left. I'd love to upgrade to some Michelin Pilot Super Sports or something even more aggressive/sticky (I live in Los Angeles where it rains 5 times per year, so wet traction not as important)

Possibly looking at a clutch upgrade as well- Monster Stage 2, McLeod Single Disk, Mantic or Textralia

Decisions, decisions...
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Old Dec 11, 2016 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by harryk387
Possibly looking at a clutch upgrade as well- Monster Stage 2, McLeod Single Disk, Mantic or Textralia
No need for a clutch till HP or wear demands it. One of the best driving clutches ever are the stock ones, especially in SoCal traffic (I grew up in Orange County and HATED my McLoud in 91/55/405 traffic)

+1 for coilovers and sway bars though. Would make Malibu Canyon/Ortega a lot more fun
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 09:10 AM
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Front AND rear Big Brake Caliper kits? And you'l have almost $400 to spare!



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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 09:23 AM
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Keep your money and leave it stock..... It's a slippery slope once you start heading down it.
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 09:38 AM
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Z06 shocks and sways and new shoes.
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 09:47 AM
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When replacing the headers don't forget an insulated tunnel plate!

http://www.eliteengineeringusa.com/1...h-thermal-abs/
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 09:57 AM
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New sound system.
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by 0H1Z06
Keep your money and leave it stock..... It's a slippery slope once you start heading down it.
A little too late for that

Haven't heard any input on porting the stock heads, throttle body and intake manifold, is it worth it? The shop down here is super reputable and knows what they are doing.

I'm on the fence if I want to do the porting at the same time I get the cam installed. Options are:

1. Cam install and dyno tune only
2. Cam install, port stock throttle body and stock intake manifold, dyno tune
3. Cam install, port stock throttle body, stock intake manifold and stock heads and dyno tune
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by speedmaster64
Z06 shocks and sways and new shoes.
What wheels are those? They look great!
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 12:56 PM
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Suspension
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To $2000 to spend- need recommendations

Old Dec 12, 2016 | 12:59 PM
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As you up the power something somewhere will fail. I'd keep the $2K as a back up just in case of a failure. I know it's burning a hole in your pocket but I'd just sit on it till needed.
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Bill Vett
As you up the power something somewhere will fail. I'd keep the $2K as a back up just in case of a failure. I know it's burning a hole in your pocket but I'd just sit on it till needed.
Such a responsible answer...lol. My responsible side wants to follow your advice, my 21 year old self wants to throw as much money at my car as possible and get it to be the ultimate drivers car.
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Old Dec 12, 2016 | 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by harryk387
Such a responsible answer...lol. My responsible side wants to follow your advice, my 21 year old self wants to throw as much money at my car as possible and get it to be the ultimate drivers car.
If you have back up funds go for it, but I have been in your shoes and when I broke it, it had to sit till I could pay for replacement parts. I know, responsible answer but it comes from a 70 year old with a history of modding every car I owned. It's just a matter of time when something suffers from the weakest link syndrome.
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