"Must Have" Mods???
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
"Must Have" Mods???
So....I've ordered the easy stuff, a Vararam and Borla Stingers. 4.10's are also on my list, probably have them in the next month....
So....what other "easy" and "bang for the buck" mods are there that should be next for me? I'm not talking headers or internals, I'm well aware therin lies the secret to REAL power without going FI. I'm just asking if there's anything else I should be looking at to add another 10 or so hp? Also, with the Vararam and the Stingers is 375hp (motor) a reasonable expectation (on an otherwise stock 345hp '99), or is that a bit optomistic?
One last thing....please don't turn this into a Borla vs "other" and a Vararam vs "other" debate, I've already ordered them so I'm living with my decision. Not to mention there are already many other intake and exhaust debate threads out there. Or a 4.10 vs other ratios debate, I've seen those too. I'm just looking for suggestions for what "easy" mods are left (if any).
Thanks!
So....what other "easy" and "bang for the buck" mods are there that should be next for me? I'm not talking headers or internals, I'm well aware therin lies the secret to REAL power without going FI. I'm just asking if there's anything else I should be looking at to add another 10 or so hp? Also, with the Vararam and the Stingers is 375hp (motor) a reasonable expectation (on an otherwise stock 345hp '99), or is that a bit optomistic?
One last thing....please don't turn this into a Borla vs "other" and a Vararam vs "other" debate, I've already ordered them so I'm living with my decision. Not to mention there are already many other intake and exhaust debate threads out there. Or a 4.10 vs other ratios debate, I've seen those too. I'm just looking for suggestions for what "easy" mods are left (if any).
Thanks!
Last edited by 84zz4vette; Oct 31, 2004 at 10:50 AM.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Originally Posted by Grumpy
floor mats.... and them door lock cover thingies 
Go back to PR&C where you're appreciated.....
Come on guys, is there nothing else????
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You might look into LS1 Edit session with your favorite local tuner. Also, can't tell if you have an A4 or an MN6 - if you have an MN6, you might think about an aftermarket shifter like a Hurst or a B&M. It won't add HP - but it will give better shifter feel.
You can always add a couple of "Type R" decals, they're good for another 10HP by themselves!
You can always add a couple of "Type R" decals, they're good for another 10HP by themselves!
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Might as well plan on the headers next to add some more kick and get rid of the cats if possible. This would really compliment your exhaust mod.
Then you'll be all set for the internal mods when the time comes.
Then you'll be all set for the internal mods when the time comes.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
You might look into LS1 Edit session with your favorite local tuner. Also, can't tell if you have an A4 or an MN6 - if you have an MN6, you might think about an aftermarket shifter like a Hurst or a B&M. It won't add HP - but it will give better shifter feel.
You can always add a couple of "Type R" decals, they're good for another 10HP by themselves!
You can always add a couple of "Type R" decals, they're good for another 10HP by themselves!
I don't have any "Type R" decals, but I do have some Autometer and MSD decals that came with stuf I bought for my GTP....will those work for 10hp?
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Originally Posted by Z06-JIM
Might as well plan on the headers next to add some more kick and get rid of the cats if possible. This would really compliment your exhaust mod.
Then you'll be all set for the internal mods when the time comes.
Then you'll be all set for the internal mods when the time comes.
But I guess maybe headers are the way to go instead of messing around with more bolt ons that may or may not add any real performance......
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
I think at that point, I'd be looking at a predator.
Those familar with both....why would I want a Predator over an AutoTap, or would I? And why?
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From: Roswell Ga
But do you have the ultimate? A high-performance hood seal?
Seriously, I'd also be adding a lower temp thermostat, maybe smaller drive pulleys and the hot water bypass. That's probably good for 5 hp.
Seriously, I'd also be adding a lower temp thermostat, maybe smaller drive pulleys and the hot water bypass. That's probably good for 5 hp.
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An LS6 Intake is an easy mod...install should take under an hour...good for 5-10hp maybe...used around $250, new $375. As mentioned, you're going to want headers if you are looking for power...and a dyno tune (~$400) should be good for 10-15hp.
Since you've not yet bought the 4.10's, I might add a suggestion you hadn't thought of...replace the transmission with an MN12 for better gearing instead of the 4:10's. Or do the MN12 with 3.73's for about the same performance. If you get a good buy on one used, it won't cost much by the time you sell your old one...and you can likely get a lower mileage pc in. The install is pretty much the same as it has to come down with the rearend anyway...
Many people say that the aggressive gearing gives the equivalent of 50hp in a 1/4 mile. Plus, your taller gears wouldn't be as aggressive, leaving your highway cruising speeds more tolerable...
Since you've not yet bought the 4.10's, I might add a suggestion you hadn't thought of...replace the transmission with an MN12 for better gearing instead of the 4:10's. Or do the MN12 with 3.73's for about the same performance. If you get a good buy on one used, it won't cost much by the time you sell your old one...and you can likely get a lower mileage pc in. The install is pretty much the same as it has to come down with the rearend anyway...
Many people say that the aggressive gearing gives the equivalent of 50hp in a 1/4 mile. Plus, your taller gears wouldn't be as aggressive, leaving your highway cruising speeds more tolerable...
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Highway cruising speeds? In SoCal? You mean like 40mph?
Seriously though , I drove the thing on the freeway yesterday, and it's barely above idle at 70 in 6th. A & A Corvette tells me it will only be at 2200 at 80 in 6th with the 4.10's. That's absolutely fine with me.
I saw other threads about the MN12. Sounds like a good idea to me. However, I don't think I'd consider it unless my MN6 breaks. Not to mention the car came with a 100,000 mile (from the time I purchased it
) warranty on catostrophic engine or tranny failure. And yes, I asked if that is still valid with mods and the answer was "yep, nothing but a turbo or supercharger will void it". 
Seriously though , I drove the thing on the freeway yesterday, and it's barely above idle at 70 in 6th. A & A Corvette tells me it will only be at 2200 at 80 in 6th with the 4.10's. That's absolutely fine with me.
I saw other threads about the MN12. Sounds like a good idea to me. However, I don't think I'd consider it unless my MN6 breaks. Not to mention the car came with a 100,000 mile (from the time I purchased it
) warranty on catostrophic engine or tranny failure. And yes, I asked if that is still valid with mods and the answer was "yep, nothing but a turbo or supercharger will void it".
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Borla Stingers, 4:10 gears, and a VaraRam are all the bolt-ons you need. Get a tune and call it quits untill your ready to spend another couple grand on headers or cam. Or, skip the headers and go twin turbos.
Cheers,
Mark
Cheers,
Mark
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How about some headers for the car? Would give you some HP. Also, consider an LS1 edit tune once you get anything else on the car. It can add a few horses.
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From: Madison Alabama
Bolt On's ~ “Over Optimistic”
84zz4Vette,
Just my opinion, but I think you’re being a little “Over Optimistic” with the HP gains (375 hp) you are expecting with 4:10 gears, “Stingers”, and VarRam Air Intake. I would put the hp plus-up in the neighborhood of a 10 – 15 max.
Tuning would help to maximize the hp your engine can produce without any additional MODs, but realistically the MODs you’re adding I would say you can expect your hp gain (up from the stock 345 hp) to be around 355 hp to 360 hp ballpark (max).
You said you didn’t want to hear about “headers”, "Heads", “cams”, or any of that other stuff, but without them you aren’t gonna get the “HP's” you’re talking about.
Now, the 4:10 gears will give you that “neck snapping” feel going through the gears, but again the hp gain you’re looking at won’t be much more than 10 or 15 max.
Anyway, hope everything works out ! Get that "tuning job" to real find out what the HP gains are.
Later,
Cecil
German American Corvette Club
Of Baden-Wurttemberg
Heidelberg / Mannheim, Germany
Hometown: Boren ~ Alex. Virginina ~
But call Fort Laurdale, Florida home these days. 
Just my opinion, but I think you’re being a little “Over Optimistic” with the HP gains (375 hp) you are expecting with 4:10 gears, “Stingers”, and VarRam Air Intake. I would put the hp plus-up in the neighborhood of a 10 – 15 max.
Tuning would help to maximize the hp your engine can produce without any additional MODs, but realistically the MODs you’re adding I would say you can expect your hp gain (up from the stock 345 hp) to be around 355 hp to 360 hp ballpark (max).
You said you didn’t want to hear about “headers”, "Heads", “cams”, or any of that other stuff, but without them you aren’t gonna get the “HP's” you’re talking about.
Now, the 4:10 gears will give you that “neck snapping” feel going through the gears, but again the hp gain you’re looking at won’t be much more than 10 or 15 max.
Anyway, hope everything works out ! Get that "tuning job" to real find out what the HP gains are.
Later,
Cecil
German American Corvette Club
Of Baden-Wurttemberg
Heidelberg / Mannheim, Germany
Hometown: Boren ~ Alex. Virginina ~
But call Fort Laurdale, Florida home these days.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Guys......I KNOW gears don't add HP.
I also know what gears can do for perfomance. I may be new to C5's, but I'm not new to cars, plenty of good old fashioned hot rodding experience here.
And like I said, I KNOW headers and internals are the key to REAL HP.....
The purpose of my question was to find out if there's any other "easy" mods I'm missing. And with the exception of a tune, it looks like the answer is probably "no". Time to start saving for headers........
I also know what gears can do for perfomance. I may be new to C5's, but I'm not new to cars, plenty of good old fashioned hot rodding experience here.And like I said, I KNOW headers and internals are the key to REAL HP.....
The purpose of my question was to find out if there's any other "easy" mods I'm missing. And with the exception of a tune, it looks like the answer is probably "no". Time to start saving for headers........