I will be purchasing a c5 frc relatively soon and need some advice on mods. Ultimately I want an excellent handling car with a good amount of streetable power on tap while not going to extreme.
-Suspensionwise I would like to have a pretty stiff ride with little body roll. I have been looking at the DRM coilover kit and t1 sways. Would this be a good combo for street and the occasional track day and trip to the drag strip? Is there anything better for the money? I dont mind a bit of harshness.
-I will be aiming for around 450whp. Could you guys tell me the best way to produce those numbers and still retain reliability and the drivability as this will be my DD. Would it be better to do a H/C swap or buy a blower? I have seen used prochager and maggie blower setups for 3.5k and could install myself. Heads and a cam would cost close to this.
Assuming I have 4k to work with:
What mods would I need to produce a solid 450 whp if I went the NA route?(what cam?, what heads?, headers?, other necessary upgrades?)
What would I need if I went with FI? (blower recommendations, what do I need other than the supercharger kit?(headers, etc))
I apologize for being long winded but I am trying to get some knowledge on these cars as I will own one soon. Dont feel one person has to answer every question I asked. Any input about any topic helps. I am new to the american car world. My last car was a 2500lb 300whp turbo BMW e30. Thanks in advance. -Colin

 

anybody?

 

I don't think anyone here on the Forum wants to scare you!
Buy the car first, then we will chat!

Buy the way, Welcome and Pre-Congratulations!!!

Bob

 

It sounds like you’re on the right track with the type of mods you need (or want). Others can let you know what works best for them. I have been looking at Pro charger or some other type of SC for mine. If you want 450 hp to the rear wheels you may have to combind heads/cam/ sc/headers to get the results you want. I dont have any major mods so others can let you know what they have done. I am also looking at the Z06 suspension mods. I like the fact it is very street friendly but will offer a definite improvement over my base suspension AND is reasonably priced. I don’t plan on doing any type of track/racing so here again others can let you know what may work better for them. Read all of the old threads that you can, I have and gained a vast knowledge of my C5 over 8 mo I have been on the forum. Reading them answers many of my questions so I don’t have to post the same ones on the formum.

Good luck.

 

Hi Colin and welcome to the forum.. I would be happy to give you some ideas and get you started in the right direction. Feel free to call me anytime.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Go ahead and scare me. I need to know some things good or bad.

 

I think you realize you can get to 450 either way, H/C or FI. If going the FI route, I am fond of the Maggie because of the available torque down low in the RPM curve and power on demand when driving normal on the street. With the H/C route, to get the 450 your cam in my estimation would be a little more radical and you may sacrifice some of your low end torque making street driving a little less rewarding. This is just my opinion. You may also want to set your HP goals a little less and alter the powerband of the selected parts to provide more power in street driving then on the track. That is currently how I am approaching things as my cam selection will be based upon broadening the low and mid RPM range understanding that I may be giving up HP on the upper RPM where I personally ever drive. I would contact Phil at DTE and see what he has to offer as well as Chris above who has already made contact.

One thing I think you will find is we have many outstanding vendors here on CF who will provide quality products and work. Welcome to the forum.

PS: Not quite as radical, but my wife has a E46 3 sereis with all the factory goodies and that car is simply a ball to drive. Handles well with the sports package.

 

Hey Colin, Welcome to the forum!

Sounds like you have big plans here
As far as the suspension goes, I am an avid autocrosser,not much roadracing, and have had the occasion to meet some national level drivers, And I don't know any of them that have gone DRM coil and eliminated the leaf springs. I am in no way an expert nor have I spoke to all the pro drivers or teams, just my .02.
T1 bars are super, some guys notice some understeer with those and have gone to Hotchkis bars, and Vett Brakes and Products have great springs, I think up to #1200. They also sell packages. I would go with Koni adjustable shock and lower the car stock bolt rear and cut 1/2 front bushing in the front. I will poke around and ask about the DRM coils. Also tires are key. Runflats are good security, bad performance. I would look at Kuhmo, BFG, Yoko, also Tire Rack has a super great compressor/fixaflat unit for $75 which will not damage sensors or affect warranties.

450 at the wheels, huh.

H/C with headers and a good tune will most likely do it, I would talk with a REPUTABLE tuner either in person or telephone and see what they say. also with all the guys in here, I am sure every combo and method has been tried at least once. I talk with Jeff Creech at Carolina Auto Masters in NC. One of the best vette guys on the East coast.
But if you are going H/C and the such..Procharger twin seems like the next step to me. You will need to get headers with FI, gotta let the car exhale .

$4000 might do it.. depends on the H/C package you go with Headers about 800-1200 used. up to 1800 new (LG with cats). H/C can go beyond 4000 easy. I would look at Thunder Racing or Texas speed. Both are on the left margin under tuners.

Go for it and let us know how things work out.