Simple mods for moderate gains?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Simple mods for moderate gains?
Since I just got my first stock C5 this past week, I am wondering what
can I first do to get a little more aggressive exhaust sound and maybe a small gain in power without getting to crazy. Since I'm not a mechanic, I will be learning as I go and probably enlist some help in my local New Mexico town/area if possible. Most of my questions are probably basic to most of you motor tech guys but like I said....it's all new to me but I'm looking forward to the adventure.
I am wondering also if getting rid of my catalytic converters would be a major hassle? Or, should I just do a Cat-back exhaust system?
Would I need to reprogram the computer if I did remove the catalytic converters, and who does this kind of programming? (In New Mexico, we don't have to get emission inspections).
Anybody every try these GF performance chips?:
http://www.gfchips.com/chevroletcorvette.aspx
So yeah, looking for moderate changes and power upgrades without spending a ton of money at this point. Any help would be great! I'll take notes.
Thanks,
Pintoblades
2000 C5 Ls1 Convertible (All stock).
can I first do to get a little more aggressive exhaust sound and maybe a small gain in power without getting to crazy. Since I'm not a mechanic, I will be learning as I go and probably enlist some help in my local New Mexico town/area if possible. Most of my questions are probably basic to most of you motor tech guys but like I said....it's all new to me but I'm looking forward to the adventure.
I am wondering also if getting rid of my catalytic converters would be a major hassle? Or, should I just do a Cat-back exhaust system?
Would I need to reprogram the computer if I did remove the catalytic converters, and who does this kind of programming? (In New Mexico, we don't have to get emission inspections).
Anybody every try these GF performance chips?:
http://www.gfchips.com/chevroletcorvette.aspx
So yeah, looking for moderate changes and power upgrades without spending a ton of money at this point. Any help would be great! I'll take notes.
Thanks,
Pintoblades
2000 C5 Ls1 Convertible (All stock).
Last edited by Pintoblades; Nov 2, 2013 at 10:59 PM. Reason: adding link
Pro
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Whitesboro Texas
I would try and check out cars that have the same set-up as yourself, either in person or searching videos. There are many different options out there, and they each sound a little different. I don't think there is anything to gain by removing the cats, other than you will smell the exhaust fumes.
Personally, I have the Borla stingers with a manual tranny and stock engine. I love the way it sounds, very aggressive at WOT, and quiet while cruising.
Check out the sale section and craigslist, there can be good deals on there without breaking the bank!
Personally, I have the Borla stingers with a manual tranny and stock engine. I love the way it sounds, very aggressive at WOT, and quiet while cruising.
Check out the sale section and craigslist, there can be good deals on there without breaking the bank!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
I would try and check out cars that have the same set-up as yourself, either in person or searching videos. There are many different options out there, and they each sound a little different. I don't think there is anything to gain by removing the cats, other than you will smell the exhaust fumes.
Personally, I have the Borla stingers with a manual tranny and stock engine. I love the way it sounds, very aggressive at WOT, and quiet while cruising.
Check out the sale section and craigslist, there can be good deals on there without breaking the bank!
Personally, I have the Borla stingers with a manual tranny and stock engine. I love the way it sounds, very aggressive at WOT, and quiet while cruising.
Check out the sale section and craigslist, there can be good deals on there without breaking the bank!
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,099
Likes: 1,270
From: Harbor City California
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
I guess after I take out the Cats and replace with a straight pipe and mufflers, I'll have to get the computer reprogrammed?
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Cool....I'll check out the Vararam intake. Just posted a link to one I saw on Ebay. Not sure if it's very good or not. CorvetteGuys.com have some too with pretty good prices. I'll Google Vararam. Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Just remember that on these cars a cat back exhaust (really axle back) does nothing for performance. Your best best is to put on a used z06 titanium system. They are extremely lightweight compared to the coupe C5 exhaust and will support a ton of hp. They sound mellow at idle and great at rpm. It also looks like you have a 00. Find an intake off of a 01+ and install it as well for some top end gains. Once you are done, remove your ECM and mail it to ECS supercharging for a flash tune. Before my head/cam swap I had a blackwing intake and TSP longtubes into a Z06 axleback and did 330rwhp on the dyno after ECS sent back the computer. Removing the cats wont really help you either. There has never been posted that I have seen here more than a 5 hp difference between cats and no cats on the otherwise same system.
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo NM
If you would like to see the Vararam and other intakes on the cars I can show you a few. I have a Halltech on my Z06 and would be glad to show you a few cars as I also live in Alamogordo. Let me know.....Frank
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Is the car an auto or a 6-speed?
If it's an auto, then changing to a higher stall converter, 3.42 rear gears and/or getting the shifting tuned will wake it up more then any of the things mentioned so far.
Removing the cats gains very little and just pollutes the environment more.
A catback system might gain you 10hp.
A CAI might gain you a few HP.
Overall, you'd be hard pressed to even feel those 3 are done. I've got long tubes as well as a Vararam and I can tell it's got a bit more power, but it's certainly not a "Wow, this thing flies now" change.
If it's an auto, then changing to a higher stall converter, 3.42 rear gears and/or getting the shifting tuned will wake it up more then any of the things mentioned so far.
Removing the cats gains very little and just pollutes the environment more.
A catback system might gain you 10hp.
A CAI might gain you a few HP.
Overall, you'd be hard pressed to even feel those 3 are done. I've got long tubes as well as a Vararam and I can tell it's got a bit more power, but it's certainly not a "Wow, this thing flies now" change.
Last edited by lionelhutz; Nov 3, 2013 at 11:22 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Yes, I sure would Frank...good to meet someone with some "local know how" so close by. Send me your phone and we can set up a time.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Just remember that on these cars a cat back exhaust (really axle back) does nothing for performance. Your best best is to put on a used z06 titanium system. They are extremely lightweight compared to the coupe C5 exhaust and will support a ton of hp. They sound mellow at idle and great at rpm. It also looks like you have a 00. Find an intake off of a 01+ and install it as well for some top end gains. Once you are done, remove your ECM and mail it to ECS supercharging for a flash tune. Before my head/cam swap I had a blackwing intake and TSP longtubes into a Z06 axleback and did 330rwhp on the dyno after ECS sent back the computer. Removing the cats wont really help you either. There has never been posted that I have seen here more than a 5 hp difference between cats and no cats on the otherwise same system.
I'll check around to see if I can get the z06 system used. Great info and I appreciate you sharing! Does ECS supercharging need to know what brand of mods you do?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
Get a blower the nickel and dime mods leave you wanting a lot more and you will want more trust me. I'm installing a blower on my car as we speak...http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...pics-soon.html
If your ever in Abq or Rio Rancho hit me up we can go for a ride. if I could do it all over that is what I would of done first.
If your ever in Abq or Rio Rancho hit me up we can go for a ride. if I could do it all over that is what I would of done first.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Well,,,, Having been introduced to C5 from early 98,,, Here are some SEASONED recommendations:
VARARAM VB2 is excellent!
Most any Long Tube SS Header, CATTED Midpipe and NON DRONING exhaust will make you happy
If you have a 97-2000,, A 2001+ intake manifold will add 5- 7 HP.
EXPENSIVE Plug Wires and PLUGS WILL NOT add additional HP/Tq!!!!!! PERIOD!
GM Performance Red Wires is about as good as it gets! Excellent quality wires at a good price.
Our LS Engines DO NOT USE CHIPS~~~
SNAKE OIL!!!!
Headers and the VARARAM are the best bet!
Get all your up-grades and have your car professionally TUNED!
BC
VARARAM VB2 is excellent!
Most any Long Tube SS Header, CATTED Midpipe and NON DRONING exhaust will make you happy
If you have a 97-2000,, A 2001+ intake manifold will add 5- 7 HP.
EXPENSIVE Plug Wires and PLUGS WILL NOT add additional HP/Tq!!!!!! PERIOD!
GM Performance Red Wires is about as good as it gets! Excellent quality wires at a good price.
Our LS Engines DO NOT USE CHIPS~~~
SNAKE OIL!!!!Headers and the VARARAM are the best bet!
Get all your up-grades and have your car professionally TUNED!
BC
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Well,,,, Having been introduced to C5 from early 98,,, Here are some SEASONED recommendations:
VARARAM VB2 is excellent!
Most any Long Tube SS Header, CATTED Midpipe and NON DRONING exhaust will make you happy
If you have a 97-2000,, A 2001+ intake manifold will add 5- 7 HP.
EXPENSIVE Plug Wires and PLUGS WILL NOT add additional HP/Tq!!!!!! PERIOD!
GM Performance Red Wires is about as good as it gets! Excellent quality wires at a good price.
Our LS Engines DO NOT USE CHIPS~~~ SNAKE OIL!!!!
Headers and the VARARAM are the best bet!
Get all your up-grades and have your car professionally TUNED!
BC
VARARAM VB2 is excellent!
Most any Long Tube SS Header, CATTED Midpipe and NON DRONING exhaust will make you happy
If you have a 97-2000,, A 2001+ intake manifold will add 5- 7 HP.
EXPENSIVE Plug Wires and PLUGS WILL NOT add additional HP/Tq!!!!!! PERIOD!
GM Performance Red Wires is about as good as it gets! Excellent quality wires at a good price.
Our LS Engines DO NOT USE CHIPS~~~
SNAKE OIL!!!!Headers and the VARARAM are the best bet!
Get all your up-grades and have your car professionally TUNED!
BC
Going to meet one of the members (gnfan) that lives in my town in just a few minutes...he offered to help so I'm very pleased.
Last edited by Pintoblades; Nov 3, 2013 at 12:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Get a blower the nickel and dime mods leave you wanting a lot more and you will want more trust me. I'm installing a blower on my car as we speak...http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...pics-soon.html
If your ever in Abq or Rio Rancho hit me up we can go for a ride. if I could do it all over that is what I would of done first.
If your ever in Abq or Rio Rancho hit me up we can go for a ride. if I could do it all over that is what I would of done first.
I will definitely send a msg when I head up to ABQ! Always good to meet the members!
Thanks for the info. Everyone had a great response.
Best
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Alamogordo New Mexico
Is the car an auto or a 6-speed?
If it's an auto, then changing to a higher stall converter, 3.42 rear gears and/or getting the shifting tuned will wake it up more then any of the things mentioned so far.
Removing the cats gains very little and just pollutes the environment more.
A catback system might gain you 10hp.
A CAI might gain you a few HP.
Overall, you'd be hard pressed to even feel those 3 are done. I've got long tubes as well as a Vararam and I can tell it's got a bit more power, but it's certainly not a "Wow, this thing flies now" change.
If it's an auto, then changing to a higher stall converter, 3.42 rear gears and/or getting the shifting tuned will wake it up more then any of the things mentioned so far.
Removing the cats gains very little and just pollutes the environment more.
A catback system might gain you 10hp.
A CAI might gain you a few HP.
Overall, you'd be hard pressed to even feel those 3 are done. I've got long tubes as well as a Vararam and I can tell it's got a bit more power, but it's certainly not a "Wow, this thing flies now" change.