Need your expert advice on HP
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Need your expert advice on HP
I am trying to do some research on the most cost effective ways to increase overall horse power, I.E. "biggest bang for the buck". I have a stock 97 automatic. From what I have read so far it seems that the Vararam air intake, headers and a tune is probably the best first start.
But I am not sure of the most recommended brand/style of headers and most recommended place to get a tune close to me or if a mail in would be better. I live in St. Charles Missouri (Just outside of St. Louis). And please inform me of other HP increasing tips that would be the next step(s) in line of cost effectiveness that you would recommend I would much appreciate some of the expert advice this site has to offer. Thanks for your help!
But I am not sure of the most recommended brand/style of headers and most recommended place to get a tune close to me or if a mail in would be better. I live in St. Charles Missouri (Just outside of St. Louis). And please inform me of other HP increasing tips that would be the next step(s) in line of cost effectiveness that you would recommend I would much appreciate some of the expert advice this site has to offer. Thanks for your help!
Last edited by Derek97C5; Jul 25, 2011 at 07:47 PM. Reason: Wrong year stated
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,220
Likes: 17
From: San Diego California
I would take a serious look at American Racing Headers (ARH). Excellent quality, hp gains, and made in America.
I would also look into a ported throttlebody, and ported intake. They won't give you the gains that headers will, but they aren't as much of a monetary expenditure.
Edit: Opps, 06 C6? Above still applies.
I would also look into a ported throttlebody, and ported intake. They won't give you the gains that headers will, but they aren't as much of a monetary expenditure.
Edit: Opps, 06 C6? Above still applies.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 4
From: Freeport, FL
For the price of long tube headers, you should do a cam swap first. Cam alone can get you 35+hp easy. And it isn't just higher rpm horsepower, it will be an increase throughout the rpm range. Something around 220-228 @ .050" Springs, pushrods, and gaskets are all you really need to finish the job.
If you do an exhaust, don't mess with shorty headers, go with full length. And make sure it is a quality set with a nicely designed collector. Collectors should really be about 12" long and allow for a smooth blend/transition of exhaust gases from the primary tubes. Most collectors are too short and then the advantage of the header is merely that they full slightly more, rather than having the added benefit of a scavenging effect. Also, GenIII/IV engines LOVE to breath and enjoy 1 7/8" primary tubes as opposed to 1 3/4". (claims of 30+hp on headers alone are simply unrealistic, but they certainly help with other mods).
On the other side of headers, you could also upgrade to an LS6 (or 2001-up LS1) intake manifold.
If you do an exhaust, don't mess with shorty headers, go with full length. And make sure it is a quality set with a nicely designed collector. Collectors should really be about 12" long and allow for a smooth blend/transition of exhaust gases from the primary tubes. Most collectors are too short and then the advantage of the header is merely that they full slightly more, rather than having the added benefit of a scavenging effect. Also, GenIII/IV engines LOVE to breath and enjoy 1 7/8" primary tubes as opposed to 1 3/4". (claims of 30+hp on headers alone are simply unrealistic, but they certainly help with other mods).
On the other side of headers, you could also upgrade to an LS6 (or 2001-up LS1) intake manifold.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
You may want to consider upgrading the rear gears. If you have the 2.73, a jump to 3.15 or 3.42 will make a world of difference.
Otherwise, CAI, headers and a tune. I have American Racing Headers and they have been great.
Otherwise, CAI, headers and a tune. I have American Racing Headers and they have been great.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
I am trying to do some research on the most cost effective ways to increase overall horse power, I.E. "biggest bang for the buck". I have a stock 97 automatic. From what I have read so far it seems that the Vararam air intake, headers and a tune is probably the best first start.
But I am not sure of the most recommended brand/style of headers and most recommended place to get a tune close to me or if a mail in would be better. I live in St. Charles Missouri (Just outside of St. Louis). And please inform me of other HP increasing tips that would be the next step(s) in line of cost effectiveness that you would recommend I would much appreciate some of the expert advice this site has to offer. Thanks for your help!
But I am not sure of the most recommended brand/style of headers and most recommended place to get a tune close to me or if a mail in would be better. I live in St. Charles Missouri (Just outside of St. Louis). And please inform me of other HP increasing tips that would be the next step(s) in line of cost effectiveness that you would recommend I would much appreciate some of the expert advice this site has to offer. Thanks for your help!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Yorktown Virginia
FWIW vararam has some fitment issues on the earlier year c5's, nothing too bad and they have excellent customer service so its not all that bad. It has something to do with different engine mounts or something like that.