needhlp

Hey,I have a '98 hatchback and after deciding that a new exhaust would only minimaly increase HP, I have decided to go for some light mods. I have between $400-$600 to spend. I was thinking maybe a Hurst shifter w/ a Blackwing or a Vortex Rammer (are these good?). What's the HP increase on that 20HP? And torque? I have heard very good thing about the Hurst, any suggestions on that?

Thanks!


[Modified by needhlp, 2:25 PM 8/3/2002]

NassBlue

Your on the right track... An intake or exhaust would provide you some quick noticeable gains. Have you looks into the VaraRam intake yet, you would not have to cut your shroud at all. You can read about it on my site, Hope this helps.

Good luck to you :)

ledfoot

Hello-

The best bang for your buck would be an intake system....halltech, vortec...there's so many.

You should gain 10-20 rear wheel horsepower.

These cars are like Christmas trees. They start off naked and before you know it, it's got your personality all over it.

Good luck!

David In Indy :seeya
----------------
2000 NBM M6-Coupe
All Options minus F45
Euros/Lloyd Mats/Chrome Shifter/Ripper/Halltech tric/T-bypass/Taylor
Wires/TTS Headers/High Flow Cats/X-pipe/Indy Corsas/Baers/Z06
Calipers/Russell ss brake lines/Hawk Pads/Lowered/Yokohama Avs Sports/Porsche DOT4 Hi-Performance Brake fluid/Redline oils/Zaino/Engine Dress by Auto Buffs and Design Specialties

Mikegotool

Does anyone in here own the VaraRam? If so, what kind of performance gains are there over say a blackwing?
Why would I have to cut a shroud? Aren't these bolt-on systems?

BTW- my other name is needhlp, I should probably start only using one screename...........

Excuse my ignorance.....


[Modified by Mikegotool, 4:35 PM 8/3/2002]

Mikegotool

Also, if it's raining out wouldn't water get into the Vararam sysem?

ZippoMan

Supposedly the VaraRam was tested using very strenuous rain / water tests and had no troubles.

The gain from a VaraRam will not be much different from any other cold air intake on the dyno - but will have more kick at high speed (from what I have heard several forum members say).

Mikegotool

40HP seems like a really good gain, whereas others claim 16-22HP.....
Maybe I'll add a vortex power duct to that and get a 45-50HP increase
:cool: :eek: :D
Man 395HP from just replace intake and associated parts........

needhlp

Can someone back me up on this? Would 380-395HP/360-375ft/lbs be a good estimation?

Crushinator

I'm seriously considering the Vararam to replace my RM Racing twin flow intake. Everything I've heard on this system is good. I think I'd have to see a 4/10ths and 4 or 5 MPH improvement in the quarter to believe it, but from what everyone else is saying, there's definitely an improvement over the other aftermarket systems. Then again, for twice the price, there should be!

Would a stock LS1 go from 345 to 380/395 horse? Good question. But I doubt it.

rrobert22

First of all, NEVER believe their horsepower gains, I guess you are talking about the gain with just an intake system, so your car is a 98, it is weaker than the new ones to begin with, you might be on track with torque, but way off on hp. 2001 z06 made only385 hp, you might get 365 out of it if you were VERY lucky. probably more like 355 to 360. The shifter is always a good idea for manuals, makes them much more fun to drive, and isnt that afterall what were after? :yesnod: :cheers:

Xssesive

I agree with rrobert22, posted claims are just that. If you have a 98, you are 10-15HP down from a 99 Vette.(They run very rich stock)My advice on your budget is get a Blackwing Intake($200) and spend the other on a PCM reprogram, I think your close to the Vette Doctors, they are highly recommended on this forum. :smash:

needhlp

Just out of curiosity, 10-20 RWHP is equal to how much a the fly wheel??

ZippoMan

Assuming 15% drive train loss it would be 11.76 - 23.53hp

needhlp

10 HP gain for $500 is good but I could spend my $$$ on another part of the car. I was thinking of eventually getting some chrome wheels.....
Now, 20-25HP hrmmm.....I would buy the Vararam or Vortex Rammer...

needhlp

That is a good gain....methinks......

Xssesive

Also if you still have stock spark plugs and wires, you need to replace them. I only had 37K on my 98 and the plugs had all lost their pucks and the wires were causing mis-fires on an Autotap read. :yesnod:

C5King

I'm in the same situation with my 02 coupe. I'm leaning toward getting the veraram but I just don't know yet. It always takes me forever to choose exactly what I want to put on my car and truck.


[Modified by C5King, 11:09 PM 8/3/2002]

needhlp

So, should I ditch the vararam and get a blackwing w/ a hood seal?
If I did get the vararam, I would not be able to purschase the shifter........

needhlp

"This system is intended to enhance your vehicle and in no way is it to be used for illegal racing on public streets or highways. This system is to be used on a racetrack or other controlled closed course environment only.
No true ram air system to date can keep water out completely as its job is to ram all things, not just air, into your intake system. All we can do is to try and dissipate what it does get in to the system w/ out negating the performance enhancement of the system.
You may drill the water trough holes larger if you wish, as these are only there to help dissipate some of the water. Larger holes may effect performance, but they will also allow more water to drain out of the system. If water enters your intake engine damage may occur."

Hrmm, sounds like they are pretty uptight about water damage, I really like the design of this system, however, this makes me think twice.


[Modified by needhlp, 9:06 PM 8/4/2002]

Xssesive

Blackwing, Magnecor wires and TR 55's spark plugs! :yesnod: