I'm planning on getting my C5 over the next couple of months and have been thinking about the modifications I will want to do. I know everyone has their own personal opinions, but from a general stand point, have I made any BAD choices? I want to do as much as possible right the first time.

Intake: Vara Ram
Exhaust: SLP Loud Mouth
(want a deep, loud, musclecar-like exhaust sound)
Headers: SLP Long Tube Tuned Length
H-Pipe: SLP Balance Tube
(with SLP High-Flow Cats)
Gears: 3.73 (A4), 4.09 (M6)
Converter: SY3500 (A4)

Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure I spend my money right.

Thanks!

 

From what I have read the Vararam is a good choice. Not necessarily the easiest install though. I like my Blackwing. If you want a deep, loud, musclecar-like exhaust sound, the Loudmouth is definitely the right choice. The Borla XR1 is almost the same, a bit quieter, and only has the 2 tips - that's a matter of personal choice vs. the 4 ovals for the LM.
I don't know anything about headers, h-pipe, converter, or gears, sorry. :seeya

 

Can't comment on the A4 related mods except that the 3.73 seems right on target. Here is the only things that I might add:

- spark plugs & wires
- LS6 intake
- Tuning tuning tuning!! Dyno tuned with LS1 Edit with a skilled shop after mods are done

My mod want list looks about the same. I'm reading up on an underdrive pulley and it seems like an extra 8hp or so, typically another .1 in the 1/4 mi. Seems like labor is a killer getting it put in since a mechanic would have to remove the steering rack. You'd have to have tuning after installing an UDP as well.

I'm glad to see someone else didn't bite for the air bridge, coupler, TB Bypass, etc. mods since they don't do much for real HP. Good job! Looks like both of us might be on the right track (no pun intended)!! :lol:

EDIT: Sorry I forgot to comment on what you already had. I'd go with a Vararam since alot of the drag guys are making the switch after they've tested it on their cars. SLP headers or TPIS is a good choice. From what I've read, SLP makes more useable power across the power band where TPIS would give you more peak. It will probably come down to price difference for me since SLPs are more expensive. I've read that a Magnaflow XPipe is the best on the market and will give you the most gains. Most cat-back exhausts perform about the same, with the borla stingers rumored to perform a smidget (1-3rwhp) better than other cat-backs on the market. I hope I'm just about right with my opinions... I've spent enough time on the forum!!!


[Modified by FroDaddy, 12:09 AM 10/16/2002]

 

Sounds good to me except the SLP Loudmouths with the LT headers. It might be too loud. The headers mod will make any exhaust fuller/louder esp. at WOT. You still want to carry a normal conversation in the car, dont you.

My car still sounds tame awaiting my headers install. I will decide after that if I like the sound or go with another exhaust system. An X-pipe wont hurt either to minimize on the popping/gurgling.

Goodluck on your C5. Good mods choices.