Beginning Upgrades
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Beginning Upgrades
I've recently aquired my first corvette. A stock '04 coupe, and would like to install some upgrades for around $3500 to start out. Does anyone have some suggestions as to what direction to start with. (Corsa exhaust, x-pipe, high flow cats, cold air induction, etc.)
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 0
Agreed 
DO you do your own work? If so for that amount could get cam/ heads/headers if you get the budget versions of them.. otherwise, a nice set of LT's with high flow cats your choice of catback based on sound, a nice CAI and a good tune, it'll be a whole new animal.
DO you do your own work? If so for that amount could get cam/ heads/headers if you get the budget versions of them.. otherwise, a nice set of LT's with high flow cats your choice of catback based on sound, a nice CAI and a good tune, it'll be a whole new animal.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
Leave it stock --- otherwise you're headed down headache alley, unless you are a mechanic and trying to build a race car. 350 HP is plenty for the average driver --- or go buy a Z06. Just spend a few hours reading this forum to get an idea of all the mods that went sour. These are very complex cars and best left stock.
Just my 2 cents
Just my 2 cents
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park KS
Just try not to waste your money....countless threads of people installing cat-back systems and LATER going to headers and then the cat-back is too loud etc. etc. etc.... A great plan will save you lots of $$$$$$$$$
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,188
Likes: 10
From: New Smyrna Beach Florida
Read through mod posts on CF and determine your goal with the car to save dollars. With an A4, the route to a quick car is different than A 6 speed car. I would recommend LT headers, 3.42 gears and a 2800 to 3200 stall converter based on my experience. If you change the cam for a heads and cam car, you will probably want a stall converter, I know I do. Take some time to sort out your mods. If you want a quicker car, check out the 1/4 mile times in the performance section. Also consider that is is possible to put too much cam and too much stall in the car and have a car the sucks to drive. Research is your friend.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,939
Likes: 7
From: Simpsonville SC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
I agree with the other posts... DON'T DO ANY MODS! This is a slippery slope! I bought my 99 vert 16 months ago, and have now spent over $20,000 on mods, and I can't stop! Stay away!!!
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Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks for the tips! I would like to keep it reliable and not have to spend my free time tinkering on it.
I've been thinking of doing LT headers, High flow cats, corsa exhaust, CAI, and a predator programmer. Something like the WCC Stage II setup. Just something to give it a little more pop. I had a Magna-charger that I installed in my '04 Silverado SS. Great driver and very freindly maintenance wise. Woke it up some but I don't think it was worth the $$$$ .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
Addiction, plain and simple. I put a set of flowmasters on my first car, an old chevy pickup, when I was 16. Tens of thousands of dollars and many cars later, I am in a stroked C5 with every possible non-FI upgrade under the sun. AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT! I just bought a new fuel system for my C5 too... Do I *need* it? No, but it sure will be fun to put on!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Leave it stock --- otherwise you're headed down headache alley, unless you are a mechanic and trying to build a race car. 350 HP is plenty for the average driver --- or go buy a Z06. Just spend a few hours reading this forum to get an idea of all the mods that went sour. These are very complex cars and best left stock.
Just my 2 cents
Just my 2 cents
What he said, NOT!!!!!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, Alberta
Also once you start to mod, there is never an end!!!! 