Performane Mods
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
Performane Mods
I've read a few other threads about this, but still wanted to get a few "personal" comments (thanks in advance!)... 
I have a stock 04 Coupe LS1 with 24k miles. Want to do some mods to increase HP. Have a budget of around $2k. (more $$ available if it makes sense). I don't "track" or engage in competition--just want to have some FUN and "look good"/"Sound good"....
I'm thinking of 2 related items: new air intake and new exhaust. I want "steet legal" and must pass future CA smog. Does this really increase HP as "advertised"?
I see that Mid America Motorworks offers some "package" deals... Anyone have experience with their items?
Any other rec's or ideas?
Note: my next "move" will be rotors, but that can wait....
I have a stock 04 Coupe LS1 with 24k miles. Want to do some mods to increase HP. Have a budget of around $2k. (more $$ available if it makes sense). I don't "track" or engage in competition--just want to have some FUN and "look good"/"Sound good"....
I'm thinking of 2 related items: new air intake and new exhaust. I want "steet legal" and must pass future CA smog. Does this really increase HP as "advertised"?
I see that Mid America Motorworks offers some "package" deals... Anyone have experience with their items?
Any other rec's or ideas?
Note: my next "move" will be rotors, but that can wait....
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
You're in the same boat as me. I picked up a used Callaway Honker CAI and some used B&B shorty headers that I had ceramic coated locally. Both of these items are 50 state legal and have CARB EO#'s. I also picked up a used Bassani X-Pipe which is located behind the cats, so no worries there. I then sent out my TB to shaner for a port and polish (knowing this is more throttle response than actual HP). I took my car to Cunningham Motorsports in Lake Elisnore for a dyno tune and Ryne dialed my car in at 390.1 rwhp and 375.5 rwtq. I'm very pleased with my upgrades, and I'm also not concerned about smog tests. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,803
Likes: 205
From: Hillsboro OR
I've read a few other threads about this, but still wanted to get a few "personal" comments (thanks in advance!)...
I have a stock 04 Coupe LS1 with 24k miles. Want to do some mods to increase HP. Have a budget of around $2k. (more $$ available if it makes sense). I don't "track" or engage in competition--just want to have some FUN and "look good"/"Sound good"....
I'm thinking of 2 related items: new air intake and new exhaust. I want "steet legal" and must pass future CA smog. Does this really increase HP as "advertised"?
I see that Mid America Motorworks offers some "package" deals... Anyone have experience with their items?
Any other rec's or ideas?
Note: my next "move" will be rotors, but that can wait....
I have a stock 04 Coupe LS1 with 24k miles. Want to do some mods to increase HP. Have a budget of around $2k. (more $$ available if it makes sense). I don't "track" or engage in competition--just want to have some FUN and "look good"/"Sound good"....
I'm thinking of 2 related items: new air intake and new exhaust. I want "steet legal" and must pass future CA smog. Does this really increase HP as "advertised"?
I see that Mid America Motorworks offers some "package" deals... Anyone have experience with their items?
Any other rec's or ideas?
Note: my next "move" will be rotors, but that can wait....
and you will not recognize the car. 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 3
From: South al
I've read a few other threads about this, but still wanted to get a few "personal" comments (thanks in advance!)...
I have a stock 04 Coupe LS1 with 24k miles. Want to do some mods to increase HP. Have a budget of around $2k. (more $$ available if it makes sense). I don't "track" or engage in competition--just want to have some FUN and "look good"/"Sound good"....
I'm thinking of 2 related items: new air intake and new exhaust. I want "steet legal" and must pass future CA smog. Does this really increase HP as "advertised"?
I see that Mid America Motorworks offers some "package" deals... Anyone have experience with their items?
Any other rec's or ideas?
Note: my next "move" will be rotors, but that can wait....
I have a stock 04 Coupe LS1 with 24k miles. Want to do some mods to increase HP. Have a budget of around $2k. (more $$ available if it makes sense). I don't "track" or engage in competition--just want to have some FUN and "look good"/"Sound good"....
I'm thinking of 2 related items: new air intake and new exhaust. I want "steet legal" and must pass future CA smog. Does this really increase HP as "advertised"?
I see that Mid America Motorworks offers some "package" deals... Anyone have experience with their items?
Any other rec's or ideas?
Note: my next "move" will be rotors, but that can wait....
if ur running an 6 speed ,i would put a 150 shot on it & smile till the bottle ran out
Last edited by fsuforever; Dec 27, 2009 at 08:31 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
since u r in CA, Callaway honker intake is a must, this is a bad boy compared to vararam as well, and shorty headers and corsa or equivalent X-pipe.
Ofcourse gears and stall TC not less than 2500 rpm stall. 3.42 gears or at the most and not more than 3.73.
lastly get the tune.
Ofcourse gears and stall TC not less than 2500 rpm stall. 3.42 gears or at the most and not more than 3.73.
lastly get the tune.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 2
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
I just moved from Fallbrook so I know about the smog rules. First ride in a car that has the exhaust system you pick. Some have a resonance that you may not want to live with for a long drive. As far as performance, if you can do the work go to a 3:71 gear for an automatic and a 3:91 for a manual and you will feel the differance. You should be able to pick up a used set for $500-700.
Note that you will have to go and have the ecu changed for the gear swap.
Good luck
Mike V
Note that you will have to go and have the ecu changed for the gear swap.
Good luck
Mike V
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
I've read a few other threads about this, but still wanted to get a few "personal" comments (thanks in advance!)...
I have a stock 04 Coupe LS1 with 24k miles. Want to do some mods to increase HP. Have a budget of around $2k. (more $$ available if it makes sense). I don't "track" or engage in competition--just want to have some FUN and "look good"/"Sound good"....
I'm thinking of 2 related items: new air intake and new exhaust. I want "steet legal" and must pass future CA smog. Does this really increase HP as "advertised"?
I see that Mid America Motorworks offers some "package" deals... Anyone have experience with their items?
Any other rec's or ideas?
Note: my next "move" will be rotors, but that can wait....
I have a stock 04 Coupe LS1 with 24k miles. Want to do some mods to increase HP. Have a budget of around $2k. (more $$ available if it makes sense). I don't "track" or engage in competition--just want to have some FUN and "look good"/"Sound good"....
I'm thinking of 2 related items: new air intake and new exhaust. I want "steet legal" and must pass future CA smog. Does this really increase HP as "advertised"?
I see that Mid America Motorworks offers some "package" deals... Anyone have experience with their items?
Any other rec's or ideas?
Note: my next "move" will be rotors, but that can wait....
P.S.... did you notice the trend I highlighted above?
It reads easier w/o all of them. 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
I just moved from Fallbrook so I know about the smog rules. First ride in a car that has the exhaust system you pick. Some have a resonance that you may not want to live with for a long drive. As far as performance, if you can do the work go to a 3:71 gear for an automatic and a 3:91 for a manual and you will feel the differance. You should be able to pick up a used set for $500-700.
Note that you will have to go and have the ecu changed for the gear swap.
Good luck
Mike V
Note that you will have to go and have the ecu changed for the gear swap.
Good luck
Mike V
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside CA
You're in the same boat as me. I picked up a used Callaway Honker CAI and some used B&B shorty headers that I had ceramic coated locally. Both of these items are 50 state legal and have CARB EO#'s. I also picked up a used Bassani X-Pipe which is located behind the cats, so no worries there. I then sent out my TB to shaner for a port and polish (knowing this is more throttle response than actual HP). I took my car to Cunningham Motorsports in Lake Elisnore for a dyno tune and Ryne dialed my car in at 390.1 rwhp and 375.5 rwtq. I'm very pleased with my upgrades, and I'm also not concerned about smog tests.
Corvette Cowboy
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 23
From: Cen-Cal Broke A$$ Kalifornia
if you want Cal legal motor dont spend a dime on anything there are 2 ways to dod this trust me.
1.) save ur money and buy a create LS376/480 Motor from the dealer and have all the power you need
OR
2.) I would suggest saving your money about 6500.00 and go with a S/C From TPS Motorsports
you will not have smog issues like I do dont waste money on snake oil stuff to get power you could spend 6-7 k on that LS1 and only get 430 RWHP Max or spend it on the 2 things I suggested and with the first one you will have 480 hp at the crank around 430RWHP or do the S/C and get around 500 RWHP and be the talk of the town Just my .02 for you
1.) save ur money and buy a create LS376/480 Motor from the dealer and have all the power you need
OR
2.) I would suggest saving your money about 6500.00 and go with a S/C From TPS Motorsports
you will not have smog issues like I do dont waste money on snake oil stuff to get power you could spend 6-7 k on that LS1 and only get 430 RWHP Max or spend it on the 2 things I suggested and with the first one you will have 480 hp at the crank around 430RWHP or do the S/C and get around 500 RWHP and be the talk of the town Just my .02 for you
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
if you want Cal legal motor dont spend a dime on anything there are 2 ways to dod this trust me.
1.) save ur money and buy a create LS376/480 Motor from the dealer and have all the power you need
OR
2.) I would suggest saving your money about 6500.00 and go with a S/C From TPS Motorsports
you will not have smog issues like I do dont waste money on snake oil stuff to get power you could spend 6-7 k on that LS1 and only get 430 RWHP Max or spend it on the 2 things I suggested and with the first one you will have 480 hp at the crank around 430RWHP or do the S/C and get around 500 RWHP and be the talk of the town Just my .02 for you
1.) save ur money and buy a create LS376/480 Motor from the dealer and have all the power you need
OR
2.) I would suggest saving your money about 6500.00 and go with a S/C From TPS Motorsports
you will not have smog issues like I do dont waste money on snake oil stuff to get power you could spend 6-7 k on that LS1 and only get 430 RWHP Max or spend it on the 2 things I suggested and with the first one you will have 480 hp at the crank around 430RWHP or do the S/C and get around 500 RWHP and be the talk of the town Just my .02 for you
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
