Looking for next mod, suggestions?
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Joined: Mar 2015
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Looking for next mod, suggestions?
I have cut open the foglight shrouds and done the zip tie mod, so that covers the 'cold air intake', I also have a catback installed as well as a diablosport custom tune.
I live in California, so long tubes are not an options, and I read short tubes (after installation cost) are a relative waste of money, as are x-pipes (which I'm told are pretty much just for sound).
Other than a gear swap, which looks to cost (parts+labor) around $1200, what is the next logical performance step. A mild cam? Ported heads? Im open to suggestions, just has to be CA legal (or undectectable) and I'm looking to spend under a $1k. ...and please don't just say do do the gears, I know they make the biggest seat of the pants improvement, but I dont want to alter them.
I live in California, so long tubes are not an options, and I read short tubes (after installation cost) are a relative waste of money, as are x-pipes (which I'm told are pretty much just for sound).
Other than a gear swap, which looks to cost (parts+labor) around $1200, what is the next logical performance step. A mild cam? Ported heads? Im open to suggestions, just has to be CA legal (or undectectable) and I'm looking to spend under a $1k. ...and please don't just say do do the gears, I know they make the biggest seat of the pants improvement, but I dont want to alter them.
Last edited by 2001 C5ster; Jul 27, 2015 at 08:31 AM. Reason: grammar
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
It ALL depends on what you really want out of the engine. I couldn't live in CA cause I wanted a LOT out of mine.. 
Some relatively cost free mods that all add up are:
Add some LS7 exhaust manifolds and while there OFF,, port them for better flow. The uninformed will never know the difference as they are Cast Iron. There's a post on exactly what it takes and what you will gain in tech some where...
Port your intake manifold and TB for a few more HP.
When its all modded, get it tuned for best optimized efficiency.
A good set of heads and a nice mild cam will do a LOT more but cost a LOT more. With heads and cam, you should easily be in the 420 RWHP area.
Some relatively cost free mods that all add up are:
Add some LS7 exhaust manifolds and while there OFF,, port them for better flow. The uninformed will never know the difference as they are Cast Iron. There's a post on exactly what it takes and what you will gain in tech some where...
Port your intake manifold and TB for a few more HP.
When its all modded, get it tuned for best optimized efficiency.
A good set of heads and a nice mild cam will do a LOT more but cost a LOT more. With heads and cam, you should easily be in the 420 RWHP area.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 296
Likes: 6
From: Valencia CA
I'm in So Cal as well and can relate. Unfortunately, our cars aren't old enough to avoid smog inspections. I recently got my Vet, but the only mod I'm looking at is changing the exhaust for now. Don't want to break into the engine although hp is always a nice option. I've the brakes done with drilled rotors and lowered the car as well. The air ****'s probably don't like that either.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 118
From: San Gabriel Valley California
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
Save your money for a while.
Call Andy or Josh at A&A Corvette in Oxnard
SuperCharge it!!!
100% CARB smog legal.
Drives like stock, until you nail it, then ..........
Don
Call Andy or Josh at A&A Corvette in Oxnard
SuperCharge it!!!
100% CARB smog legal.
Drives like stock, until you nail it, then ..........
Don
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Oviedo Florida
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2016 C5 of Year Finalist
spend a lot of money on a SC or turbo and all of the extra's.
The OP wanted to spend 1k not 10k.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 11
From: Clovis CA
I'm in CA too.....it does make a difference where you're at. Certain areas are exempt from smog checks. Population and altitude are the main factors.
The car itself isn't exempt, it just doesn't have to do the bi-annual smog check.
The car itself isn't exempt, it just doesn't have to do the bi-annual smog check.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 296
Likes: 6
From: Valencia CA
Where did you get this information? The smog checks are regulated by the State of California and Department of Motor Vehicles. They regulate any city/area within the State of California. I've never heard of any area being exempt from smog checks, especially as strict of laws we have in California? What areas are you referring to that are exempt?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 118
From: San Gabriel Valley California
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
That, is why I wrote to the OP to 'save your money'!
Sometimes, something worth having, is worth waiting for; and in this case, saving for.
Don
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 278
Likes: 17
From: Auburn/Dacula/Lawrenceville Georgia
Why wouldn't a set of longtubes pass smog as long as they're ran in conjunction with a ceramic style catalytic converter & all the AIR stuff still hooked up? I'm pretty sure that style setup would pass smog no problem and you'd stand to gain 30rwhp in conjunction with a good PCM tune.
The very first thing anyone with a C5 needs to do is throw a colder thermostat in there & have someone turn the fans down some. Those cars run WAY too hot from the factory. I've actually fixed overheating problems (while sitting in traffic) simply by adding a 160 stat & kicking the fans on around 190. Makes a big difference and the car will thank you.
The very first thing anyone with a C5 needs to do is throw a colder thermostat in there & have someone turn the fans down some. Those cars run WAY too hot from the factory. I've actually fixed overheating problems (while sitting in traffic) simply by adding a 160 stat & kicking the fans on around 190. Makes a big difference and the car will thank you.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 431
Likes: 13
From: Sherman Oaks CA
^ Josh - two things:
* I am no expert, but I believe the CA law states you cannot have the collectors past the bell housing (or back of the block) which is why LTs are a no go.
* second point, although I agree with you about running hot in traffic I read somewhere on this site that GM feels these LS1 / LS6 motors were designed to run a bit hot to last longer. Goes against conventional wisdom I know, but for certain the oil temp needs to get above 212 to burn off moisture.
Don't take that the wrong way, just posting what I read and interested in your feedback. Sounds like you're a tuner with a bit of experience
* I am no expert, but I believe the CA law states you cannot have the collectors past the bell housing (or back of the block) which is why LTs are a no go.
* second point, although I agree with you about running hot in traffic I read somewhere on this site that GM feels these LS1 / LS6 motors were designed to run a bit hot to last longer. Goes against conventional wisdom I know, but for certain the oil temp needs to get above 212 to burn off moisture.
Don't take that the wrong way, just posting what I read and interested in your feedback. Sounds like you're a tuner with a bit of experience
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2015
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Thank you for the feedback everyone,
So it sounds like my options in CA are either gears or forced induction, neither or which I was too hot on the idea of, since gears will run around $1200 and a super/turbo is $5k+
What about something like boring out/replacing cylinder liners, stroker kit, or new valves or springs? Are those all very expensive as well, say, over $1000-1300?
It seems like those would be hard to detect by the air *****...
So it sounds like my options in CA are either gears or forced induction, neither or which I was too hot on the idea of, since gears will run around $1200 and a super/turbo is $5k+
What about something like boring out/replacing cylinder liners, stroker kit, or new valves or springs? Are those all very expensive as well, say, over $1000-1300?
It seems like those would be hard to detect by the air *****...
Racer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 296
Likes: 6
From: Valencia CA
Thank you for the feedback everyone,
So it sounds like my options in CA are either gears or forced induction, neither or which I was too hot on the idea of, since gears will run around $1200 and a super/turbo is $5k+
What about something like boring out/replacing cylinder liners, stroker kit, or new valves or springs? Are those all very expensive as well, say, over $1000-1300?
It seems like those would be hard to detect by the air *****...
So it sounds like my options in CA are either gears or forced induction, neither or which I was too hot on the idea of, since gears will run around $1200 and a super/turbo is $5k+
What about something like boring out/replacing cylinder liners, stroker kit, or new valves or springs? Are those all very expensive as well, say, over $1000-1300?
It seems like those would be hard to detect by the air *****...
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
Sounds like you dont really want your car to be fast, so might as well do things to it to make you feel like its faster. Get the concept. Add a nice short shifter or maybe even some nice seats and steering wheel. IDK
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 14
From: Honolulu, HI
Engine wise, nothing under 1k. Except an under drive pulley, which isn't worth the hassle to do by itself IMO.
Do you have a performance tune? I'd suggest that or do some suspension mods.
I still have my z06 sway bars and springs I'd sell for cheap in the garage if you want to take a drive and get a&a install and tune.
Do you have a performance tune? I'd suggest that or do some suspension mods.
I still have my z06 sway bars and springs I'd sell for cheap in the garage if you want to take a drive and get a&a install and tune.