2000 Yellow C5

I have a 2000 Millenium Yellow C5 and I'm very happy with it. it has 70,000 original miles and is still in pretty good shape inside and out. I'd like to "bump" the horsepower up a little and my budget is $2000.00 including parts and labor. What would you recommend and how much of an increase could I expect with that budget? Thanks for your help!!

Velocity_Vette

At that budget?

A really good set of headers and an LS6 intake, both with an accompanying tune. Could maybe squeeze a CAI in there if you played your money right.

SuperTom

With your budget Vararam, XS power longtubes, and a Tune.

The Rabbi

What about the famous "chip"?

zeevette

Seriously? PCM tuned only, I.E. no chip.

Shakeydeal

That will work only if he does the work himself. Headers, installation and a tune will eat up all of that budget, possibly more.


Shakey

Acid666

Regearing it would make it a lot more fun without any other mods. Jump to some 4.10s and enjoy the ripping thru gears.

Joe Scafide

Start with zo6 exhaust and a new air cleaner

grampi50

It's said this would be under $2K too...even with paying labor...

Smoken1

How are you planning on getting 4.10s done for under 2K with labor?

Acid666

Where the hell are you guys getting your prices? I got a local shop quote come in @ $1,400. East Coast Supercharging does them in the C5/C6 starting at $1495
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.co...-upgrades.html

RTK Performance: $1,100 parts and labor
http://www.rktperformance.com/drivetrain-upgrades/

bikeriderga

Long tube headers will cost you close to 1K with cats,provided you go with XS Power, Texas Speed, or Hinson. Going with ARH, Kooks, or LG will eat up your 2K including taxes just for the headers.

Install for long tubes is going to run about $ 400.00.

Tune will run around $ 350.00 - $500.00.

Going with the < $ 1000.00 long tubes with the install and tune will eat up the 2K.

You probably want to include high temp wires with the LT install. That will more than likely push you over the 2 grand. You really need another catback system as well. You could run the stock axle back for a while. It will cost you some HP and torque, but you are only a used C5 Z06 titanium axle back away from getting it back.

Net horsepower to the wheels should be between 20 and 30 with the tune. That is the cheapest and most effective way to add real power.

The next option is a CAI and a tune. This is well within your budget.

A Vararam purchase and install is going to run approx. $700. Add a street tune for about $150.00 - $250.00. That puts you at about $ 900- $ 1000.00

Power to the wheels with Vararam and the tune will be between 10-15 HP at the wheels. Most of that will be in the tune, but at speed the Vararam will make a difference, though you may not feel it in the SOP.

Another option is a Vararam and a LS6 intake. If you could get a used LS6 intake, that and the CAI would be a good combo. Figure 200.00 for a good used LS6 intake and about 300.00 for the install. That moves you up to around $1,400.00 for install and tune. I could see another potential 5-10 HP with the intake.

Another option is to find a set of used C6 Z06 exhaust manifolds. Add that to the Vararam and you would only be off around 7-10 HP over headers at the wheels. A good used set of Z06 exhaust manifolds should run around $ 200.00. Vararam, install, tune would be around 1500-1800.00. Add a used Z06 titanium axle back system and that would get you a pretty good bump. You might be able to add wires and plugs and get in right around 2K. If you are in California, this is your best and really only route.

If it were me, I would opt for the Vararam, put aside the rest, and start saving for long tube headers and an LS6 intake next. You may want to add new wires and plugs with your Vararam install and tune. That puts you between $1,300-$1,400.00.


Just remember the old adage. Speed cost, how fast do you want to go? It is not the desire that stops us, it is the cost.

grampi50

Some of guys over in another thread (I think it was about gearing) said it could be done for around $1300...and also acid666 posted it 2 posts ago....

JETZ

The eighties are ova!

frank

Dave concrete

I would wait a little longer and save up little more and do a cam. You will get bored quickly with just a 25hp- 40 bump.

SAYUNCL

take your time...install the best...it's a vette...don't cut corners or spare any expenses

My Vette Life

1) Consider used parts
2) Zip Tie Mod = Free mod and only requires a few Zip-Ties
3) Install on your own as much as possible
4) Consider spark plug swap such as NGK
5) Pro Tune or invest in a hand held tuner and experiment "Again consider used item"
6) Always get estimates from various shops on parts and installations cost.
7) How are your brakes and suspension? Think about that before engine upgrades.

Just things to consider or may help someone else.

v8srfun

If you are firm on your budget you can not afford to pay labor. If you are physically able do some research and tackle the parts installing yourself. These cars are just nuts and bolts as long as you put all of them back on and tighten them within spec you will be just fine.

dankhts

Nitrous... cheapest mod out there for the biggest HP gain...

grampi50

What is the zip tie mod?