Maybe more zip?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Maybe more zip?
I have a 03 vert. 6spd, 32k, and was toying with the idea of keeping the stock air induction and exhaust but install LT headers and have a dyno tune done. No internals wanted just looking for a little more punch and would like to know if that setup would be a noticeable difference. Opinions appreciated .
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,753
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
I would say also add an intake a with LTs and a tune you'll pick up 30-40 rwhp...might as well get more air in to go with getting more air out...
I used a vararam and XSpower LTs w/ cats before my blower setup...and picked up about 40rwhp...
I used a vararam and XSpower LTs w/ cats before my blower setup...and picked up about 40rwhp...
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,439
Likes: 2,184
From: Buffalo Texas
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Would cats be a necessary add on in the 40hp scenario? The reason I ask this is I know how loud this vette is now being fully stock and adding cats with headers could be a gamble since I have to share this car with the better half.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,763
Likes: 24,683
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
with the above. I would go with a set of high flow cats on the car too - they will not make the car any louder, unless by cats you mean a catback exhaust system. If you mean the catback exhaust, then yes, a set of LT headers will make a difference in the noise level - it will be louder.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,753
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
Depending on the catback exhaust it will be loader but not that unbearable loud- I run magnaflow 15713s and can carry on a conversation in the car.
Not experience but cutbacks like borla Bullitts , almost straight through ate another story. Best bet go to a show and listen to a few setups
Not experience but cutbacks like borla Bullitts , almost straight through ate another story. Best bet go to a show and listen to a few setups
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 356
From: Northville, MI
With headers, you will need the rear O2 turned off, also, a good tune will not only give you the HP you have been looking for, you will really notice the low rpm acceleration. While the high flow cats will not make any HP it will help the car pass any current or future emission testing. If you are going with LT headers you should add a true cold air intake like the Veraram or Callaway and a street log tune, such as COW.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 255
From: Ossining New York
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'12-'13-'14
It's a VERY common build for us....
I have a 03 vert. 6spd, 32k, and was toying with the idea of keeping the stock air induction and exhaust but install LT headers and have a dyno tune done. No internals wanted just looking for a little more punch and would like to know if that setup would be a noticeable difference. Opinions appreciated .
best way to go.
Return to stock at any time, and FREE RE TUNES for down the road.
Check around on this forum for reviews on my tunes and our autocal.
Call any time if you have questions. 914-332-0049
Chuck CoW
Last edited by Chuck CoW; Mar 22, 2016 at 02:14 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 255
From: Ossining New York
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'12-'13-'14
Removing the cats....
to consider them a restriction. I have this conversation with MANY people..... "Don't REMOVE THE CATS.... It's not worth it."
OE or AFTERMARKET cats are always a good idea to keep on the car.
Without them, the cars stink, they are too raspy and YES the deep tone is gone, the exhaust smells more....IS unhealthy.....
Whenever possible, try to have cats in the car as these are not the old pancake cats from the old days that robbed power...
Current technology cats help more than they hinder.
I would leave them for almost every application.
Chuck CoW
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 524
Likes: 48
From: Allenspark Colorado
I have the same car (2003 6spd) except a coupe, and I would say YES!!! Headers and a tune (add a new intake also) make a wonderful addition in power and sound! Like they say above, get the catted x-pipe so you have high-flow cats (help keep sound and emissions acceptable).
I went a few steps further and added new heads and cam and supporting mods..... next will be the FAST 90/90 intake setup I just picked up..... it's an addiction ;-)
I went a few steps further and added new heads and cam and supporting mods..... next will be the FAST 90/90 intake setup I just picked up..... it's an addiction ;-)
That's the trouble I can see with starting with light mods. Eventually it leads to more SERIOUS ones. Thanks everyone for your input.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 141
From: Summerville South Carolina
My 02 has
I have a 03 vert. 6spd, 32k, and was toying with the idea of keeping the stock air induction and exhaust but install LT headers and have a dyno tune done. No internals wanted just looking for a little more punch and would like to know if that setup would be a noticeable difference. Opinions appreciated .