Ok, so I've been away from the hobby for a few years and would like to pick up where I left off. I have a 99 with z06 air box, smooth air bridge, slp maf, Borla x-pipe and stinger exhaust. I'm thinking my next mods are Z06 exhaust manifolds and the LS6 intake. Are these worth the effort and cost or should I look at other header options? Z06 manifolds are about 125 whereas the hooker intermediate headers and high flow cats are 1600. what about the SLP package that includes the valve rocker option? Thanks.

 

Definitely the LS6 intake. Many people (including myself) do not believe in the Z06 manifolds/ mid-pipe etc. The Intake is a proven performance upgrade though.

 

Thanks. Anyone do the kooks intermediate length headers with cats? I've also been looking into the SLP rocker arm/valve spring upgrade but haven't heard anything about these. Thx

 

Bump. Looking for experience with kooks headers or SLP rocker arms?

 

Myself and most others would recommend doing a camshaft rather than rockers if you are going for more lift. If you are just doing them to have rollers and a stock ratio, its not really worth it.
As for Kooks exhaust, I dont hear good things about installation and fitment. But the performance is good from them.

 

Thanks. Any recommendations on headers then? Would like to keep my Borla cat backs.

 

Kooks headers: I think the best way to install them is with the engine out. Otherwise, you might have to remove the intake manifold, loosen one of the motor mounts and jack the engine up a little bit. I have Kooks headers on mine, but they were bolted on before the front cradle was put back in place. I tried removing them on my own, and couldn't...of course at the time I didn't want to remove my intake manifold (which isn't difficult IMHO).

That being said, as part of my "complete" package, I am quite pleased with the Kooks headers. I have the headers and x-pipe...3" collector and pipe. The outlet of the x-pipe necks down to a 2.5" connection so it should be compatible with any of the cat-backs on the market.

I'm sure that there are people on here that have done a DIY install of the kooks...hopefully they'll chime in with some tips. Just looking at everything, it should be do-able with the intake removed and the motor mounts loose. Be careful around your AC lines.

If you are going to go with a new cam, take some time and research it thoroughly. Make sure your valve springs will hold up. By that I mean the ramp rate and lift of the cam...and whether or not it will wear out the springs prematurely. A good engine builder should be able to assist you with that. Comp Cams can probably offer some advice, too. At that point, changing out your rockers might be beneficial.

Hope my rambling has been somewhat helpful...

 

NOS and forgetaboutit.

 

Don't do anything. First decide what final hp you want then develope
a program to meet your requirements. You can save up and find all
the parts you need at a good price and you will only need one tune.
I think you need more reserch.
A side note there is nothing wrong staying stock.

 

I would definitely do the LS6 intake. Those have always been a solid upgrade of the stock LS1s that the earlier cars came with. I would next look at some longtube headers. Here in about a month or so we are hoping to offering our in house TSP C5 headers in stainless steel for a price of right around $750. We have sold a ton of these in a coated aluminized steel and are now changing to stainless. They bolt right on and are good for a 25-35rwhp pick up. If you can wait a month or so I think these will be well worth it.

 

Thanks for the recs. Anyone recommend any shops in western PA?

 

I installed the OBX headers fit up was spot on, cost $650, I had the heads off relpaced with highly modified LS6 heads, LS6 ported intake, Cam, high volume oil pump, underdrive pullies, etc etc collected my stuff over about 2 years and did all at once, did a maf less tune pulls 463rwhp but will drive around all day as quitely as I please but still amazes me when I jump on it.