I recently just bought my C-5 and I'm wondering what the cheapest but most effective mods are recommended? Thanks

 

Mods to make it look pretty, or go fast mods? Objective of mods? Straight line, road course? light to light? autocross?

Remember, the more you mod it, the less street-worthy it becomes.

Since C5's are getting long in the tooth, drive it a while, it will tell you what mods it wants.

 

Im looking to add power... So basically go fast mods...

Just not sure where to start with a smaller budget, i was told new intake and exhaust would be a good start.. Your opinion?

 

There is only about a ZILLION threads on this, try SEARCH.

 

Depending on the budget of course, a heads and cam swap is a good way to go. But bolt ons are a good place to start. Long tube headers give the most bang for the buck along with some intake work.

 

Thats what i been reading that intake an lt headers would be good? Any suggestion on brands of cai and LT headers?

Thanks for the reply as well.

 

After all the countless discussions on these two mods, heres my opinion. The Callaway honker seems to have the best design of the out of the box intake systems. Easy instillation and a true cold air design. I run a K&N, which I like allot, but if I did it over, the Callaway system is more of a true cold air intake. The Vararam has a big following on here, but Im not much of a fan. Too many complaints of how rickety the final product is after a tough installation. Plus I do not believe the ram air effect makes a difference at any speeds below 80+ mph. I think the system actually impedes air flow unless going high speeds.

(Thats my opinion) thats all.

For headers. There are a number of good brands out there. Your main decision is going to be on the size of the primaries, and catted or catless, and whether or not an x-pipe is incorporated into the system. American racing headers take my fancy, but I do not have personal experience with them yet. For the vast majority of bolt on cars, and even medium heads/cam cars, 1 and 3/4" is the size you want to go. Allot of people get the 1 and 7/8" because they assume bigger is better. Not the case unless the car is FI or making insane NA power.
I also recommend catted for a number of reasons that are infinitely arguable and will likely come up. I'd get a system that incorporates the x-pipe at the front. Check out American racing headers to see what Im talking about. Very nice design.

Brands to stay away from, Kooks for fitment issues (Just from what I see allot of on here). SLP for their ever overprice for crappy product. Any shorty header from any brand... Ill think of more as this thread unfolds.

 

It depends on you budget as far as headers. All the major brands are good systems.

Start with an axle back exhaust, it's not required to tune after this swap.

Long tubes and CAI will need a tune since you are changing the airflow needs of the engine, and in some header instances deleting the upstream O2 sensors.

If you have a six speed I would suggest a short throw shifter.

My car has LG Super Pro long tube headers, Billy Boat Bullets, Halltech Stinger CAI, and MGW short throw with the AntiVenom mod. Great combination.

 

I really appreciate it! Youbeen big help

 

So if i get a cai and lt header ill need a tune?

 

What are the miles and year of the car? Also, not sure where you live because your profile is empty but a CA car may need stricter upgrades to keep emission inspection in check.

 

Definitely.

 

73000 miles, i live in PA.

 

You can get away without a tune with just the intake. So if you do that first, dont worry about running it un-tuned until you get the headers and whatever else done. Then you pay for one tune. Headers are pretty much a must tune right away bolt on. So plan to do them last or all at once and go in for a tune.

 

I plan on doing exhaust and intake. So if i go with the axle back exhaust and intake I wont need a tune?

 

Nope, I ran around with just a CAI and an axle back with no problems and no codes.

 

Ok good! What axle back you suggest?

 

I've had Corsas and Billy Boat Bullets on my car. I liked both but the Corsas were too quiet for me at cruise and idle, they did have a nice sporty sound at WOT.
The Bullets were the perfect amount of bark for my taste. But I'm a younger guy and live in an area with no noise ordinances, so they are a perfect for for me.

 

Consider the following as the foundation for future mods: LG's ($1600), GMPP or MSD wires ($60-$80), Vararam ($300), Corsa -optional and dyno tune - necessary ($4-$500). You should also check plugs. Negotiate all of the above with a good local speed shop for an all-in-one-shot to get the price down. If you go this route, make sure they throw in a base-line dyno run.

If you decide cam, heads and/or forced induction in the future you will need these basics.

Let us know how it goes.

 

These LS motors absolutely love a Cam/Headers/Cold Air Intake. The stock heads flow really well so there isn't much to worry about there. We will be releasing some C5 headers this summer that have been making great power for the C6 guys. With a good cam/header/CAI you can bump up 100HP