Basic Performance Modifications...suggestions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 750
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From: Nutley New Jersey
Basic Performance Modifications...suggestions
I am currently the owner of a 2002 Corvette Coupe, which is 100% stock (six speed, 9000 miles). I am interested in having some basic modifications, which will yield me a bit better performance (ideas: exhaust, air intake, computer reprogramming etc...).
I am looking for suggestions for any "entry level" upgrade ideas / packages and what would it consist of? Since the car is still under the extended warrantee, would these upgrade void the warrantee?
Thank you
David Delasala
I am looking for suggestions for any "entry level" upgrade ideas / packages and what would it consist of? Since the car is still under the extended warrantee, would these upgrade void the warrantee?
Thank you
David Delasala
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,524
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From: Burbs Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06
Hey David!
I would first start off with an intake (Blackwing, Stinger, Vararam are most popular) and an exhaust (Borla, B&B, Corsa, etc.). It would also be benificial to get a tune if you have an Automatic. Getting a tune with a manual just doesn't yeild much if anything without major mods (heads, cam, headers, etc.)
If you would like to take it a step further, you can get a set of gears (again, depending on your transmission anywhere from a 3.42 - 4.10). A lot of people also go with new sway bars(z06, T1, etc.) and shocks (Bilsteins, 04 Z06, etc.) for that "riding on rails" feel.
Hope some of this helps!
I would first start off with an intake (Blackwing, Stinger, Vararam are most popular) and an exhaust (Borla, B&B, Corsa, etc.). It would also be benificial to get a tune if you have an Automatic. Getting a tune with a manual just doesn't yeild much if anything without major mods (heads, cam, headers, etc.)
If you would like to take it a step further, you can get a set of gears (again, depending on your transmission anywhere from a 3.42 - 4.10). A lot of people also go with new sway bars(z06, T1, etc.) and shocks (Bilsteins, 04 Z06, etc.) for that "riding on rails" feel.
Hope some of this helps!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,613
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From: Spring Tx
It would be most helpful to know how much you were willing to spend.For $1000 and under, a cold air intake, a used ZO6 catback is the bargain of the century,most selling for less than $500 and no headache from unwanted drone[pun intended] A lower temp t-stat, doesn't gain hp but will keep you from losing it due to heat soak. A dyno tune is basically worthless , unless you have at least upgraded the cam and at an average of $500 is an expensive proposition.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Intake mods will help it breathe better, exhaust mods will give it a much better sound, but in your price range nothing will give a more noticeable ooomph to your butt than changing the rear gears. My personal experience, your's may differ.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Tx
Originally Posted by arcom
Intake mods will help it breathe better, exhaust mods will give it a much better sound, but in your price range nothing will give a more noticeable ooomph to your butt than changing the rear gears. My personal experience, your's may differ.
with ARCOM. For $2000 I would reccommend these mods.1. Vararam- $300
2. Z06 Ti catback -$400
3. Gears - $1200
I have the vararam and Z06 catback. The sound is great, but not over the top and the gears are next
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,524
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From: Burbs Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by oak3x
Any thoughts on changing / programming the computer chip?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 482
Likes: 1
From: Waveland MS
I agree with holding off on the tune for a while. Also, I would start to really think hard on what you will ultimately want to do with the car. I know right now, you probably don't plan to do anything major to it, but once you start modding, and $2,000 puts you right in mix of it, you will certainly want to do more.
So, with that said, I would think about the rethink the gears and tuning, and start thinking about LT headers. The headers are a must do for any setup unless you want to go a turbo route (big bucks). I thought long and hard about changing the gears out before I added the Procharger. Now, the 3.42's I have need to be babied to keep the car planted. Changing the gears would just make it worse. You would need to get a tune after any major work, so you would save by not having to do it twice.
I would recommend headers and the cold air intake for starters. You should be right around $2,000 installed for that setup. As for catbacks, the Z06 takeoffs are really nice, but choosing which exhaust to go with can be a whole new discussion in itself. Best of luck.
So, with that said, I would think about the rethink the gears and tuning, and start thinking about LT headers. The headers are a must do for any setup unless you want to go a turbo route (big bucks). I thought long and hard about changing the gears out before I added the Procharger. Now, the 3.42's I have need to be babied to keep the car planted. Changing the gears would just make it worse. You would need to get a tune after any major work, so you would save by not having to do it twice.
I would recommend headers and the cold air intake for starters. You should be right around $2,000 installed for that setup. As for catbacks, the Z06 takeoffs are really nice, but choosing which exhaust to go with can be a whole new discussion in itself. Best of luck.
