Are these mods really worth it?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 637
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From: Laurel MD
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Are these mods really worth it?
Okay, I'm thinking about getting this intake "package" from West Coast Corvettes, but I have some questions. The main components are a Vortex intake and a high flow duct (I know those are worth the $). My big question is with the 172* Thermostat, and the Throttle body bypass (also included is a Hypertech Power Programmer 3, and a 1000CFM Mass Air Sensor). What am I really getting from a change in thermostats? Will the Hypertech programmer allow me to change my fan settings (this is necessary for the thermostat to really have any effect right)? Is there a power benefit, or does it just help keep the engine running cooler for longevity etc. Same with the by-pass and air sensor, are these just gimmicks, or are they legit power producers? I know these are probably dumb questions for some of you, but this is my first attempt at modifying any car I've owned so I'm learning (in other words, easy on the flames man). :lol: Thanks for the help :flag
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,176
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From: highland village texas
Re: Are these mods really worth it? (ryanc440)
i think the air intake and 172 therm. are good adds, but much better options available over hypertech. go for LT headers and tuning (LS1-edit).
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 3,514
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Re: Are these mods really worth it? (ryanc440)
The main components are a Vortex intake and a high flow duct (I know those are worth the $). My big question is with the 172* Thermostat, and the Throttle body bypass (also included is a Hypertech Power Programmer 3, and a 1000CFM Mass Air Sensor).
THe Vortex is a good add on while the air duct is just for looks. I bough tone of the carbon fiber models and it does look good. The 172 Thermostat is a good idea. Remember the cooler the better. The Hypertech and the Airflow sensor are junk IMHO. Save your hard earned money for something else.
Joe
THe Vortex is a good add on while the air duct is just for looks. I bough tone of the carbon fiber models and it does look good. The 172 Thermostat is a good idea. Remember the cooler the better. The Hypertech and the Airflow sensor are junk IMHO. Save your hard earned money for something else.
Joe
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 569
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From: Foresthill CA
Re: Are these mods really worth it? (CRUZMISL)
Been there, fell for ALL that. Had all that stuff. Luckily, the Hypertech seemed to work for my A4 rearend swap until I upgraded to LS1 Edit, but didn't work for everyone.
IMHO, the Vortex is overpriced and under flows with greater mods and there is the risk of hydrolock, get a Blackwing for around $200 and do a cold air box yourself if you want, do the TB bypass if you really want it by buying some hose and clamps (do a search for info) for $2, modify the thermostat yourself for free (shim it), and hook up with a club for two or three other members to go in on the group LS1 Edit purchase and it'll be around $200 for your share.
The OEM accordion boot looks funky but works better than anything else, because it flexes, as designed.
GM puts the Blackwing on its museum edition C5's, and Edit will keep you learning for years and will allow you flexibility for future mods, like heads/cam/LT's, etc. (Had all that stuff too.)
A good scanner program like EASE will add to your Edit experience, because you will be able to measure the effect of your changes.
em for specifics if you like
IMHO, the Vortex is overpriced and under flows with greater mods and there is the risk of hydrolock, get a Blackwing for around $200 and do a cold air box yourself if you want, do the TB bypass if you really want it by buying some hose and clamps (do a search for info) for $2, modify the thermostat yourself for free (shim it), and hook up with a club for two or three other members to go in on the group LS1 Edit purchase and it'll be around $200 for your share.
The OEM accordion boot looks funky but works better than anything else, because it flexes, as designed.
GM puts the Blackwing on its museum edition C5's, and Edit will keep you learning for years and will allow you flexibility for future mods, like heads/cam/LT's, etc. (Had all that stuff too.)
A good scanner program like EASE will add to your Edit experience, because you will be able to measure the effect of your changes.
em for specifics if you like
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 637
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From: Laurel MD
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Re: Are these mods really worth it? (Stu in CA)
Thanks for the input guys, what you have said is about what I expected so I think I am just going to get a new intake and hold off on the other stuff. Now I just have to decide between the Blackwing or the Halltech :banghead:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Re: Are these mods really worth it? (Stu in CA)
Been there, fell for ALL that. Had all that stuff. Luckily, the Hypertech seemed to work for my A4 rearend swap until I upgraded to LS1 Edit, but didn't work for everyone.
IMHO, the Vortex is overpriced and under flows with greater mods and there is the risk of hydrolock, get a Blackwing for around $200 and do a cold air box yourself if you want, do the TB bypass if you really want it by buying some hose and clamps (do a search for info) for $2, modify the thermostat yourself for free (shim it), and hook up with a club for two or three other members to go in on the group LS1 Edit purchase and it'll be around $200 for your share.
The OEM accordion boot looks funky but works better than anything else, because it flexes, as designed.
GM puts the Blackwing on its museum edition C5's, and Edit will keep you learning for years and will allow you flexibility for future mods, like heads/cam/LT's, etc. (Had all that stuff too.)
A good scanner program like EASE will add to your Edit experience, because you will be able to measure the effect of your changes.
em for specifics if you like
IMHO, the Vortex is overpriced and under flows with greater mods and there is the risk of hydrolock, get a Blackwing for around $200 and do a cold air box yourself if you want, do the TB bypass if you really want it by buying some hose and clamps (do a search for info) for $2, modify the thermostat yourself for free (shim it), and hook up with a club for two or three other members to go in on the group LS1 Edit purchase and it'll be around $200 for your share.
The OEM accordion boot looks funky but works better than anything else, because it flexes, as designed.
GM puts the Blackwing on its museum edition C5's, and Edit will keep you learning for years and will allow you flexibility for future mods, like heads/cam/LT's, etc. (Had all that stuff too.)
A good scanner program like EASE will add to your Edit experience, because you will be able to measure the effect of your changes.
em for specifics if you like
:iagree:
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Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: CT
Re: Are these mods really worth it? (ryanc440)
The aftermarket air intake ducts do absolutly nothing, don't waste ur money, spend it on another item. They don't make any gains on a dyno.
Get the Donaldson Blackwing Filter.
[Modified by Mallett zo6, 1:29 AM 5/24/2003]
Get the Donaldson Blackwing Filter.
[Modified by Mallett zo6, 1:29 AM 5/24/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,799
Likes: 10
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Are these mods really worth it? (Mallett zo6)
The aftermarket air intake ducts do absolutly nothing, don't waste ur money, spend it on another item. They don't make any gains on a dyno.
Get the Donaldson Blackwing Filter.
[Modified by Mallett zo6, 1:29 AM 5/24/2003]
Get the Donaldson Blackwing Filter.
[Modified by Mallett zo6, 1:29 AM 5/24/2003]
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 645
Likes: 34
From: Andover KS
Re: Are these mods really worth it? (CorvetteSS)
rancy440,
If you want the coupler and the Throttle bypass, save some $$$ go to Lowes or Home Depot in the plumbing department. They have the same rubber hose for the coupler $3.00 bypass tube $1.00.
v/r
THE YAV :chevy
If you want the coupler and the Throttle bypass, save some $$$ go to Lowes or Home Depot in the plumbing department. They have the same rubber hose for the coupler $3.00 bypass tube $1.00.
v/r
THE YAV :chevy