$2000 or so for performance, what would YOU do?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 194
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$2000 or so for performance, what would YOU do?
Hey everyone, long time lurker, rare poster here.
I recently picked up a 1998 corvette c5 as a second choice to a z06 (I love the z06 performance, but that body style, I dunno, doesn't do it for me).
I'm basically trying to get into z06 performance territory and a >4.0 second 0 - 60. My tracking days are pretty much over, so I'm just looking for a decent street machine.
So, for $2000-3000, what would you do to make the car faster?
I'm going to stay away from gears, nitrous and forced induction.
The car is bone stock except from an aftermarket exhaust, although I'm not sure what it is.
I'm not looking for miracles, but another 100hp should be obtainable I think for this much.
My main concerns are daily drivability (IE, I don't want to be in the shop every week), and being able to pass emissions (not sure about the whole cat stuff, my previous car was old enough to be exempt in NY).
I also live near New Era performance in Rochester, and I've seen some sick cars come out of there, including my friends newer z06 (I believe he's on this forum as well, owns a GT-R), so I know they do a good job.
If anyone can point me in the right direction, that'd be awesome!
Thanks guys
I recently picked up a 1998 corvette c5 as a second choice to a z06 (I love the z06 performance, but that body style, I dunno, doesn't do it for me).
I'm basically trying to get into z06 performance territory and a >4.0 second 0 - 60. My tracking days are pretty much over, so I'm just looking for a decent street machine.
So, for $2000-3000, what would you do to make the car faster?
I'm going to stay away from gears, nitrous and forced induction.
The car is bone stock except from an aftermarket exhaust, although I'm not sure what it is.
I'm not looking for miracles, but another 100hp should be obtainable I think for this much.
My main concerns are daily drivability (IE, I don't want to be in the shop every week), and being able to pass emissions (not sure about the whole cat stuff, my previous car was old enough to be exempt in NY).
I also live near New Era performance in Rochester, and I've seen some sick cars come out of there, including my friends newer z06 (I believe he's on this forum as well, owns a GT-R), so I know they do a good job.
If anyone can point me in the right direction, that'd be awesome!
Thanks guys
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I'm assuming you're doing the work yourself, because for that kind of money you won't get near 100 hp otherwise. I'd go with long tube headers, high flow cats and an x pipe. Ported LS6 intake and ported throttle body with a CAI system. Larger injectors (no hp gain but the mods will max out your stock injectors). Last, a good tune. All that should get you about a 60 hp gain (at the rear wheels) for about $2700.
Last edited by Mark C5; May 28, 2009 at 12:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Thanks for the replies guys.
I know putting a heavy cam into my 400 csb yielded huge results.
Where can I learn more about head and cams for c5s? Do these generally not yield big power, or are they way out of my price range?
Just curious as to why no one has suggested that route. I've seen kits through performance shops for my price range, and they aren't too hard for a good shop to install.
I know putting a heavy cam into my 400 csb yielded huge results.
Where can I learn more about head and cams for c5s? Do these generally not yield big power, or are they way out of my price range?
Just curious as to why no one has suggested that route. I've seen kits through performance shops for my price range, and they aren't too hard for a good shop to install.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Hey everyone, long time lurker, rare poster here.
I recently picked up a 1998 corvette c5 as a second choice to a z06 (I love the z06 performance, but that body style, I dunno, doesn't do it for me).
I'm basically trying to get into z06 performance territory and a >4.0 second 0 - 60. My tracking days are pretty much over, so I'm just looking for a decent street machine.
So, for $2000-3000, what would you do to make the car faster?
I'm going to stay away from gears, nitrous and forced induction.
The car is bone stock except from an aftermarket exhaust, although I'm not sure what it is.
I'm not looking for miracles, but another 100hp should be obtainable I think for this much.
My main concerns are daily drivability (IE, I don't want to be in the shop every week), and being able to pass emissions (not sure about the whole cat stuff, my previous car was old enough to be exempt in NY).
I also live near New Era performance in Rochester, and I've seen some sick cars come out of there, including my friends newer z06 (I believe he's on this forum as well, owns a GT-R), so I know they do a good job.
If anyone can point me in the right direction, that'd be awesome!
Thanks guys
I recently picked up a 1998 corvette c5 as a second choice to a z06 (I love the z06 performance, but that body style, I dunno, doesn't do it for me).
I'm basically trying to get into z06 performance territory and a >4.0 second 0 - 60. My tracking days are pretty much over, so I'm just looking for a decent street machine.
So, for $2000-3000, what would you do to make the car faster?
I'm going to stay away from gears, nitrous and forced induction.
The car is bone stock except from an aftermarket exhaust, although I'm not sure what it is.
I'm not looking for miracles, but another 100hp should be obtainable I think for this much.
My main concerns are daily drivability (IE, I don't want to be in the shop every week), and being able to pass emissions (not sure about the whole cat stuff, my previous car was old enough to be exempt in NY).
I also live near New Era performance in Rochester, and I've seen some sick cars come out of there, including my friends newer z06 (I believe he's on this forum as well, owns a GT-R), so I know they do a good job.
If anyone can point me in the right direction, that'd be awesome!
Thanks guys
Assuming its an MN6.. why in the world would you discount Gears as a mod? Gears are the single BIGGEST seat of the pants improvement for performance you can get..
They will bring your performance right into the Z06 performance when it comes to acceleration.. If drivability is your concern then, Gears are the simple and smart choice..
even if you went nuts.. (like I did) and got 4.10's.. The car still behaves normally.. in fact in the highway at 80mph in 6th gear the car turns 2100 rpms.. this is still lower than a standard A4.
I'd trade EVERY BOLT on I have just to keep my 4.10's.. that includes, my Vararam, LS6 Intake, Long tube Headers and Tune! the Gear ratio is a multiplier that is good across the entire RPM range.. In fact the car will pull like you added 75 to 100 more HP across the board..Just because you cannot measure it on a dyno does not mean its not realy there...
My car is a very low 12's car.. Without the gears. I'd easily be back to 12.8
Reevaluate your decision on gears..
If your car is an A4.. then go a Medum Torque converter. and maybe 3.42's
Last edited by chuckster; May 28, 2009 at 12:46 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 3
From: Winter Park FL
Thanks for the replies guys.
I know putting a heavy cam into my 400 csb yielded huge results.
Where can I learn more about head and cams for c5s? Do these generally not yield big power, or are they way out of my price range?
Just curious as to why no one has suggested that route. I've seen kits through performance shops for my price range, and they aren't too hard for a good shop to install.
I know putting a heavy cam into my 400 csb yielded huge results.
Where can I learn more about head and cams for c5s? Do these generally not yield big power, or are they way out of my price range?
Just curious as to why no one has suggested that route. I've seen kits through performance shops for my price range, and they aren't too hard for a good shop to install.
I'd look for a good used set of headers, ls6 intake, and CAI. You can probably pick all that stuff up used for around $1300 or so. They are straight forward so you can do the install on that stuff yourself. After that look into what budget you have for a small cam. That will get you around 100hp and if you are itching for more you can see what kind of heads you can fit into your budget.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 194
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Are the gears honestly that streetable? Anyone have experience with 3.90s?
My 1980 camaro (without going into details, it was around 520rwhp), with a 4 speed muncie, was way too hard to drive with 4.10s.
Yeah, when the christmas tree lit up it was fun, but past that it was too annoying to drive. Seemed to put way too much torque down low with posi, and absolutely screamed past 60mph.
What am I looking at for 3.90 (I was told 3.73s wouldn't be too noticable from stock) gears installed? (I'd probably go new on something like this)
Also, thanks for the response Nickolbag, that's more or less what I was thinking.
My 1980 camaro (without going into details, it was around 520rwhp), with a 4 speed muncie, was way too hard to drive with 4.10s.
Yeah, when the christmas tree lit up it was fun, but past that it was too annoying to drive. Seemed to put way too much torque down low with posi, and absolutely screamed past 60mph.
What am I looking at for 3.90 (I was told 3.73s wouldn't be too noticable from stock) gears installed? (I'd probably go new on something like this)
Also, thanks for the response Nickolbag, that's more or less what I was thinking.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Are the gears honestly that streetable? Anyone have experience with 3.90s?
My 1980 camaro (without going into details, it was around 520rwhp), with a 4 speed muncie, was way too hard to drive with 4.10s.
Yeah, when the christmas tree lit up it was fun, but past that it was too annoying to drive. Seemed to put way too much torque down low with posi, and absolutely screamed past 60mph.
What am I looking at for 3.90 (I was told 3.73s wouldn't be too noticable from stock) gears installed? (I'd probably go new on something like this)
Also, thanks for the response Nickolbag, that's more or less what I was thinking.
My 1980 camaro (without going into details, it was around 520rwhp), with a 4 speed muncie, was way too hard to drive with 4.10s.
Yeah, when the christmas tree lit up it was fun, but past that it was too annoying to drive. Seemed to put way too much torque down low with posi, and absolutely screamed past 60mph.
What am I looking at for 3.90 (I was told 3.73s wouldn't be too noticable from stock) gears installed? (I'd probably go new on something like this)
Also, thanks for the response Nickolbag, that's more or less what I was thinking.
Streetable is an UNDERSTATEMENT... I have 4.10's and my car is perfectly streetable.. in fact just casually driving all you will notice is that the car rolls out easier from a light..
When mashing it.. all you notice is going through gears a bit faster..
sometimes If I am really chillin whil driving.. I will go from 1st to 3rd or to 4th... no lugging..
A side benefit of the 4.10's is that it completely disables the silly 1st to 4th.. It puts all the parameters out of range and it never engages again..
If you plan to drag the car AND add significantly more HP.. I'd do the 3.90's. If you want to just get the biggest bang for the buck and just leave the motor with bolt ons... go 4.10's
EDIT... Gear whine is ABNORMAL and only happens if a bad job was done when rebuilding the pumpkin.. Early 2000's people did a bad job and were new at the gear swaps.. These days they have perfected it..
Last edited by chuckster; May 28, 2009 at 12:55 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 3
From: Winter Park FL
Those f-body rears like to whine. Gears in your car should not whine at all. I have 4.10s and it doesn't bother me at all on the street but thats a personal opinion. Most people are fine with 4.10s in a manual for street use. Gears will eat up a big part of your budget though. It will give you a good performance improvement but if power is what you are looking for I'd look into a cam. For spirited blasts on the street or fun from a roll the cam might be my chioce.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
and you will NEVER look back... you will say.. why the hell was this not the factory Gear from the start...
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Here is a VERY Broad way to look at the gain.. Its a Multiplier.. from 0 rpm to infinity..
Lets say you applyt 100ft/lbs to the differential with either gear..
3.42 x 100 = 342ft/lbs
3.90 x 100 = 390ft/lbs
you can clearly see there will be a very noticeable increase.. this does not Rise Slow, Peak or Fall Off..
Lets say you applyt 100ft/lbs to the differential with either gear..
3.42 x 100 = 342ft/lbs
3.90 x 100 = 390ft/lbs
you can clearly see there will be a very noticeable increase.. this does not Rise Slow, Peak or Fall Off..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Farmington CT
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Thread Starter
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That's what I was thinking Steve. I've seen small block 350s gain over 100rwhp at the wheels from a $700 cam, I know it's possible, I was just asking around since I have absolutely no experience buying it myself. My previous car was purchased with the extensive mods it came with.
Are there any issues with a cam install I should be worried about? No internals to replace (I'm not looking to get some kind of monster or anything!), just an install and tune?
At this point I think the gear guys have me convinced.
So 3.90s, then american racing headers, ls6 intake, CAI would probably get me to the same area as a z06 acceleration wise?
Are there any issues with a cam install I should be worried about? No internals to replace (I'm not looking to get some kind of monster or anything!), just an install and tune?
At this point I think the gear guys have me convinced.
So 3.90s, then american racing headers, ls6 intake, CAI would probably get me to the same area as a z06 acceleration wise?
Race Director
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From: Whippany NJ
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09
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Your T56 has 2 of them.
And the 2nd one is REALLY freaking tall. If anything I'd say streetability might be slightly better because 6th gear becomes useable at city speeds. 