i have a 99 vert a4 3:15 axle its stock except the exhaust system the previous owner added. I have a list of afew mods i want to do. its in order that i want to do them. I need feedback on this list even some suggestions. My goal is to make an already fun DD Into A blast to drive lol (nothing outrageous) Btw I live in CA so no longtubes for me.Anyway here is my list.

1.Callaway honker Cai(Probably the best out there. Quality/performance/Smog Legal.
2.some good shory headers(if there are any)
3.ls6 intake manifold(Is it worth doing?)
4.Converter(I like the astro van converter idea mike mercury did a thread on:inexpensive,its a gm part,easier on Rf tires,Better than stock)
5:Msd plugs/wires
6:Other bolt ons:ud pulley/electric water pump/ thermostat
7: dyno tune or preditor 91 octane tune

Is this a good order to do these mods in? Thank You For replying to this thread.

 

The LS6 intake is a great choice. It wont add a whole lot at first but each mod after that is enhanced by the extra flow it allows. The MSD wires wont gain any performance but plugs and wires are always a good tune up idea IMO. As far as tuning. You could send your PCM to ECS for a flash tune. For your mods they have a canned tune that will do wonders for the car already. Then once you actually get into the engine you could do dyno tuning.

 

Gears are fun!

 

Wait and do the tune LAST.

You must consider the oder of operations if you want to minimize cost and maximize efficiency.

Here are the mods I've done so far:
-Ported/Polished Throttlebody (cheap mod, minimal gains but has better throttle response)
-VaraRam Intake
-VaraRam air duct
-Borla Straight pipe Catback
-Borla X-pipe
-TB coolant bypass ($12)
-160 degree thermostat (insignificant without a tune)
-Oil pressure sensor relocation kit (mine went bad)

I'm waiting to install headers before I finally get a tune.

While the headers are going in, I'm going to have a thicker tunnel plate installed. The tunnel plate supposedly stiffens the chassis and ties the car together better. It also reduces heat inside the cabin which I've complained about for some time. Again this is why you should do certain things together. It wouldn't make sense to install the tunnel plate after a header install. Once the exhaust is removed the tunnel plate is right there. It'd take another 10 minutes to swap it out with the aftermarket one.

As far as the tune goes, save your money and take it to a reputable performance shop. The mail order tunes are okay but won't be as accurate as a dyno tune. The mail order tunes are really only for when you're in between mods and need a quick fix.

Forget the predator and other programmers as well...they're extremely limited in their abilities to "add performance". It doesn't make sense to keep buying tunes--it's a waste of money. Pile your parts up, find a good shop that's willing to negotiate the price for the labor and dump it all on them at once.

MSD coil packs are a waste I've been told, unless you're highly modified. Same with the aftermarket MAFs which are reportedly very tempermental yet offer trivial gains.

Start with the small stuff first. Personally I'd leave your intake manifold alone. You're only going to gain a maximum of 5 measily HP. You might as well save your money for a heads/cam/LSX intake install unless you or your friends can install a used LS6 intake yourself.

If you're going to proceed with this mod, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and get the oil pressure sensor relocation kit and install it while you have the manifold off. These sensors are known to go bad and are a PITA to get to. My raceshop removed my manifold to replace mine so I had them install a relocation kit for when the sensor fails again so it'll be easier to replace. I can probably do it myself now.

You should also consider suspension/sway bars/lowering on stock or aftermarket bolts for handling characteristics.

Since you've got an auto, also consider getting gears (as mentioned) like 4.11's/4.10's or 3.73's depending on where/how you drive. You'll also want an aftermarket stall converter to wake the car up.

 

I have done my share of modding so here is my take. If you want a fun to drive street car for the least amount of money.

1. Gears - 3.42 are a must, 3.73s are really fun
2. Converter - definitely worth it, just get a proper sized one
3. Air intake - honker is a good choice
4. LS6 intake - nice addition and easy swap
5. Good tune - get a dyno tune by a good shop. Predator is waste of money
6. other stuff: ported throttle body, thermostat, UD pulley will give a minimal gain and not worth the $$ unless you are building an all out NA motor. Catback and coolant bypass also fall into this group.

Do the first 5 and you will have a fun car to drive around. After that you need to decide NA or blown. If NA then do heads and cam.

Have fun and enjoy the car.