1st Mod
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: McDonough GA
1st Mod
There are so many mods I want for my 03 coupe. But I don't know were to start. Air intake or headers or different gears? Money is the reason I don't do it all at once.
Anyway, my question to you is this....
What mod should I do first and why?
What mod did you do first and why?
What mod did you like best?
Thanks alot!
Anyway, my question to you is this....
What mod should I do first and why?
What mod did you do first and why?
What mod did you like best?
Thanks alot!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
For about $1000 I'd do the following:
1. Blackwing air filter assembly
2. A great sounding cat-back exhaust
You may have added 10 to 15 RWHP and improved the sound of your car greatly. You are also ready for any more aggressive mods like LT headers.
Tom
1. Blackwing air filter assembly
2. A great sounding cat-back exhaust
You may have added 10 to 15 RWHP and improved the sound of your car greatly. You are also ready for any more aggressive mods like LT headers.
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
This is how my MODS are laid out 01 MN6
1. CLB
2. Air intake - Halltech Stinger
3. Window Valet
4. exhaust - GHL bullet
5. x-pipe if needed
6. 4.10 Gears (I am not adding a supercharger so based on my readings I can change the gears.)
7. Misc interior and exterior enhancements (I want the speed first).
1. CLB
2. Air intake - Halltech Stinger
3. Window Valet
4. exhaust - GHL bullet
5. x-pipe if needed
6. 4.10 Gears (I am not adding a supercharger so based on my readings I can change the gears.)
7. Misc interior and exterior enhancements (I want the speed first).
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 52
From: Wentzville, MO.
Originally Posted by my50thvette
There are so many mods I want for my 03 coupe. But I don't know were to start. Air intake or headers or different gears? Money is the reason I don't do it all at once.
Anyway, my question to you is this....
What mod should I do first and why?
What mod did you do first and why?
What mod did you like best?
Thanks alot!
Anyway, my question to you is this....
What mod should I do first and why?
What mod did you do first and why?
What mod did you like best?
Thanks alot!
First - air intake Blackwing or Stinger... best bang for the dollar you will get real boost in HP... no need for LS1Edit at this point...less than $300
I did intake first then a catback ... now after HC and LT it is a bit LOUD
Also if you have a 6 spd get a shifter...one of my favorites since it is used frequently and feels much better than the stocker
Enjoy the sickness
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 665
Likes: 0
From: Hendersonville NC
I have an 03 MN6 Coupe and have done a Blackwing and GHL Magnum cat back exhaust with Magnaflow X-Pipe. It really transformed the car in terms of throttle response, improved performance, and great sound. I have not done anything else yet, because of warranty issues. My dealer told me that they are to deny any warranty claim if the car has been modded. I informed him of the Federal Law concerning a causal relationship between the mod and part failure, and he said that could be used to appeal, but otherwise it was GMs policy to deny. Additionally, he said they have even denied warranty claims because of a changed air intake, but that is usually because of oil in the MAF. I want to do LT Headers, High Flow Cats., cam, valve springs, but am probably going to wait until me and GM part ways on the warranty.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 24,921
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03 thru '26
Originally Posted by AFVETTE
For about $1000 I'd do the following:
1. Blackwing air filter assembly
2. A great sounding cat-back exhaust
You may have added 10 to 15 RWHP and improved the sound of your car greatly. You are also ready for any more aggressive mods like LT headers.
Tom
1. Blackwing air filter assembly
2. A great sounding cat-back exhaust
You may have added 10 to 15 RWHP and improved the sound of your car greatly. You are also ready for any more aggressive mods like LT headers.
Tom
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I agree with these guys - intake and exhaust will give you a lot of satisfaction. Also - can't tell if you have an MN6 in either car - if so, I'd go with either a Hurst or B & M Ripper shifter.
If you lean more towards appearance - then you might consider letter inserts of some sort for the rear bumper (SS Inserts are a good choice for both of your cars), window tinting, and last but certainly not least - A Top Down Technologies Window Valet! It's a great convenience item that Chevrolet should have provided stock on these cars.
After these basics - decide where you want to go - handling, braking, more HP, etc. Lay out your step by step plan and go from there.
Personally - it could take a year or more until you acquire all of the funds to make your dream car better. And just when you think you're done - some new doodad comes along that you "gotta have!"
Personally I prefer to think of the car as a "work in progress"!
If you lean more towards appearance - then you might consider letter inserts of some sort for the rear bumper (SS Inserts are a good choice for both of your cars), window tinting, and last but certainly not least - A Top Down Technologies Window Valet! It's a great convenience item that Chevrolet should have provided stock on these cars.
After these basics - decide where you want to go - handling, braking, more HP, etc. Lay out your step by step plan and go from there.
Personally - it could take a year or more until you acquire all of the funds to make your dream car better. And just when you think you're done - some new doodad comes along that you "gotta have!"
Personally I prefer to think of the car as a "work in progress"!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by my50thvette
There are so many mods I want for my 03 coupe. But I don't know were to start. Air intake or headers or different gears? Money is the reason I don't do it all at once.
Anyway, my question to you is this....
What mod should I do first and why? Halltech Stinger-R intake system, which includes a huge air filter, larger than stock airbridge, and a smooth throttle body coupler, all for less money than a Blackwing (comes with filter only). This combo will net you 10+ RWHP for less than $250. Add my cold air mod for $30 and you've got a really nice boost in HP.
What mod did you do first and why? I did the Borla Stinger cat-back mod first, but at $550, it's best attribute is incredible sound for the dollar, unmatched by any other exhaust system, IMO. However, this mod won't boost power much unless it is replacing a stock cat-backs on an artificially-aspirated vehicle.
What mod did you like best? I would say that for power and torque - the Halltech Stinger-R intake and cold air mod and for sound of power, the Borla Stingers. Both compliment each other nicely.
Thanks alot!
Anyway, my question to you is this....
What mod should I do first and why? Halltech Stinger-R intake system, which includes a huge air filter, larger than stock airbridge, and a smooth throttle body coupler, all for less money than a Blackwing (comes with filter only). This combo will net you 10+ RWHP for less than $250. Add my cold air mod for $30 and you've got a really nice boost in HP.
What mod did you do first and why? I did the Borla Stinger cat-back mod first, but at $550, it's best attribute is incredible sound for the dollar, unmatched by any other exhaust system, IMO. However, this mod won't boost power much unless it is replacing a stock cat-backs on an artificially-aspirated vehicle.
What mod did you like best? I would say that for power and torque - the Halltech Stinger-R intake and cold air mod and for sound of power, the Borla Stingers. Both compliment each other nicely.
Thanks alot!
1) Intake: Halltech Stinger-R
2) Exhaust: Borla Stingers
3) Column lock bypass for piece of mind
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 0
From: Stop staring at my azz!!!! IL.
Originally Posted by AFVETTE
For about $1000 I'd do the following:
1. Blackwing air filter assembly
2. A great sounding cat-back exhaust
You may have added 10 to 15 RWHP and improved the sound of your car greatly. You are also ready for any more aggressive mods like LT headers.
Tom
1. Blackwing air filter assembly
2. A great sounding cat-back exhaust
You may have added 10 to 15 RWHP and improved the sound of your car greatly. You are also ready for any more aggressive mods like LT headers.
Tom
GHL bullets and in the future a halltech stinger
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: Northern NJ nj
Beware of mod!
BEWARE...Many mods can void warranties!
I did just a cat-back system since everything I've read on the forum tells me that GM doesn't give you any warranty problems with cat back systems. Just my .02.
I did just a cat-back system since everything I've read on the forum tells me that GM doesn't give you any warranty problems with cat back systems. Just my .02.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,536
Likes: 24,827
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
My first mod was a cat back exhaust and then a new set of wheels and an air intake.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: NW Suburban Chicago IL
I picked her up exactly three-years ago today and put the following on in the order listed.
V1, Hurst Shifter, Bassani X-Pipe, Borla Stingers - w/ Quad Round Tips, VaraRam, Zaino Brothers, FlameBall, PVC Mod, Painted Brake Calipers (G2), Lowered with Stock Bolts, Z06 Screens, Alpine CD Changer, Red Top, '04 Z06 Shocks, Z06 Sway Bars, A&A Frame and Rocker Panel Savers, Kook's 1-3/4" LT's, high flow cats, and 3"x2-1/2" x-pipe, MSD 8.5 Ignition Wries, Alpine Amp w/ full range MTX box speakers, and a Column Lock By-pass.
Have fun spending lots of $!
V1, Hurst Shifter, Bassani X-Pipe, Borla Stingers - w/ Quad Round Tips, VaraRam, Zaino Brothers, FlameBall, PVC Mod, Painted Brake Calipers (G2), Lowered with Stock Bolts, Z06 Screens, Alpine CD Changer, Red Top, '04 Z06 Shocks, Z06 Sway Bars, A&A Frame and Rocker Panel Savers, Kook's 1-3/4" LT's, high flow cats, and 3"x2-1/2" x-pipe, MSD 8.5 Ignition Wries, Alpine Amp w/ full range MTX box speakers, and a Column Lock By-pass.
Have fun spending lots of $!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Az
I have had my car for just over two months and my mods include window tint (already done) , Z06 exhaust, Halltech Stinger intake, lowered on stock bolts, SS rear inserts and the big polished exhaust plate. Next will be a shifter and then wheels & tires. A long list follows these mods and I have really started liking the idea of a set of black stripes.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 34,299
Likes: 1
From: [Enter Unoffensive Comment Here]
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by Kirik
Why ruin a near-perfect car with stuff like exhaust and gears? Only do stuff that won't affect drivability or will make it better, like a shifter, pulleys, air intake etc.
What you do for mods or spend on mods depends on your budget & goals. Most mods work off each other, so sometimes gains from one won't be seen w/o the other. If you don't mind blowing the wad at once, set a performance/appearance goal & do it. Otherwise start with the easy, inexpensive stuff & work up. Geez, when I joined the forum I was staying bone stock...
