stock ls1
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: laredo tx
stock ls1
Hey guys , I have a stock 2001 corvette with an ls1 and auto trans. I wanted to start upgrading to the engine but don't know what to start with . i only have about $3,000 to start for now but wanted to get the most bang for the buck.
i was thinking some where around 450+hp. i wanted to start with what i got now and add on as i save up. I have though about supercharging but i think i may need to save up for quite a while.
i was thinking some where around 450+hp. i wanted to start with what i got now and add on as i save up. I have though about supercharging but i think i may need to save up for quite a while.
Last edited by corvette2nv; Mar 17, 2009 at 12:05 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
From: H-Town Texas
Do a search first of all...
My opinion would either be Gears (4:10 for MN6 or 3:90 for A4) or Headers (LG, Kooks, ARH), cam, intake, and possibly a set of Z06 heads.
There are many different directions you can go with your build. Perhaps a supercharger might be the ticket. Just remember whatever route you go, make sure you purchase the supporting mods to back it up and make her run right A.K.A. NEW CLUTCH!!!!
Other than that have fun and welcome to the forum! =)
My opinion would either be Gears (4:10 for MN6 or 3:90 for A4) or Headers (LG, Kooks, ARH), cam, intake, and possibly a set of Z06 heads.
There are many different directions you can go with your build. Perhaps a supercharger might be the ticket. Just remember whatever route you go, make sure you purchase the supporting mods to back it up and make her run right A.K.A. NEW CLUTCH!!!!
Other than that have fun and welcome to the forum! =)
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
not to sure if mr. 1slowfrc read your post but it says auto. so with that said READ the post first.
anyway i researched and priced out parts for about 2 years and then finally after reading what mods are the best bang for the buck and not lossing driveablity i ended up spending a little over 2000 bucks. vararam, tc and gears. i found the sites that were the cheapest with no shipping and ended up putting it all in myself. but if engine is the way you would want to go then patriot performance heads come complete without a core. you get what you pay for.. as in they make ok power. im personally saving for a supercharger and staying away from the engine for a while. but to each his own, im trying to pass california smog.
do you have a goal that you are trying to reach?
anyway i researched and priced out parts for about 2 years and then finally after reading what mods are the best bang for the buck and not lossing driveablity i ended up spending a little over 2000 bucks. vararam, tc and gears. i found the sites that were the cheapest with no shipping and ended up putting it all in myself. but if engine is the way you would want to go then patriot performance heads come complete without a core. you get what you pay for.. as in they make ok power. im personally saving for a supercharger and staying away from the engine for a while. but to each his own, im trying to pass california smog.
do you have a goal that you are trying to reach?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
Many CF members start with a CAI (vararam) and cat back (corsa pace car) and maybe throw in a ported TB and Predator tune. If you do all the work your self you looking at $1800 - $2000 (and have fun doing it). None of these mods are hard to do.
You many not end up with a ton of HP like a super charger but you will save some $$ and it will sound great and you will feel the difference. Then as time goes you can always add gears or NOS.
Do extensive research on any mod before you drop the dough. I am glad I took my mods slowly that way I didn't waste any money and I am happy with the results. You may find that all you needed was a few mods and you will be happy. Or you will be addicted like most here on the CF and you will have to take out a second mortgage to feed you HP addiction. Either way you will be happy.
You many not end up with a ton of HP like a super charger but you will save some $$ and it will sound great and you will feel the difference. Then as time goes you can always add gears or NOS.
Do extensive research on any mod before you drop the dough. I am glad I took my mods slowly that way I didn't waste any money and I am happy with the results. You may find that all you needed was a few mods and you will be happy. Or you will be addicted like most here on the CF and you will have to take out a second mortgage to feed you HP addiction. Either way you will be happy.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
I like the idea of CAI, tc, and gears. Ifthe budget allows I would add a set of headers and a tune. You should be very happy with those mods as a start, and they should prove to be an excellent foundation for any further work you may do. Good luck, and remember this can become quite addictive 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 10
From: New Smyrna Beach Florida
I' d go with one of the following:
1) gears, vararam or honker and tune as stated earlier
2) long tube headers, CAI and tuning
3) high stall converter and gears, might be close on dollars
1) gears, vararam or honker and tune as stated earlier
2) long tube headers, CAI and tuning
3) high stall converter and gears, might be close on dollars
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: Milford DE
my 01 A4 stock made 309rwhp I got a steal on an intake volant CAI but I wouldn't recommend it the blackwing or vararam are much better. then I put TSP long tubes on with B&B bullets. I got the car dyno tuned and made 342rwhp. I like my Texas speed headers some people don't but I didn't feel like paying all that money for american racing or LG's I got a good header for about halp the price. these little mods made the car feel completely different. good luck with your modding!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,802
Likes: 205
From: Hillsboro OR
I did all of the bolt-ons to my 03 A4.
The most "seat of the pants, bang for your buck" mod you can do for a A4 Coupe is gears and a stall convertor. I went from 2:73 to 3:42 with a 2800 stall and it feels like a completely different vehicle.
So my order of importance is:
1.) Gears and a stall (~$2000).
Stall is only needed if you drag race, or if you like a big kick.
2.) Headers (~$1800) I went with AR Headers (included hi-flow cats and X-pipe).
3.) Catback ($50 - $1500) Varies wildly
These prices are without labor.
HTH
The most "seat of the pants, bang for your buck" mod you can do for a A4 Coupe is gears and a stall convertor. I went from 2:73 to 3:42 with a 2800 stall and it feels like a completely different vehicle.
So my order of importance is:
1.) Gears and a stall (~$2000).
Stall is only needed if you drag race, or if you like a big kick.
2.) Headers (~$1800) I went with AR Headers (included hi-flow cats and X-pipe).
3.) Catback ($50 - $1500) Varies wildly
These prices are without labor.
HTH