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Help with Bolt-On Mods

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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 04:56 PM
  #1  
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Default Help with Bolt-On Mods

Hello,

I have a stock C6 (LS2) and am thinking about some basic mods to give it a little boost (i.e. more hp in the 0-100mph range). From related threds, it seems like an air intake upgrade and headers are the best bet, but I sure would appreciate your input on recommendations, brands, etc.

Note that I live in California, so I'm not sure if headers will pass smog. Any insights on this are definitely appreciated.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by ghjedi
Hello,

I have a stock C6 (LS2) and am thinking about some basic mods to give it a little boost (i.e. more hp in the 0-100mph range). From related threds, it seems like an air intake upgrade and headers are the best bet, but I sure would appreciate your input on recommendations, brands, etc.

Note that I live in California, so I'm not sure if headers will pass smog. Any insights on this are definitely appreciated.
I would go with a nice set of American Racing Headers with cats and a good CAI like the Callaway honker or vararam.
Then tune it to perfection and you should be good to go.
I would also invest in a good set of road race tires, like the nitto r2 tires at some point.
Goodluck with your car.

Last edited by robz; Jun 3, 2008 at 05:27 PM.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 05:38 PM
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move
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by blznsdl
move
I already did, hence my CA residence
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by ghjedi
I already did, hence my CA residence
From all the information that I have read headers in CA. will not pass smog test.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by ghjedi
Hello,

...(i.e. more hp in the 0-100mph range)...
GEAR IT!!!
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 06:02 PM
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410's!!!
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 05:18 AM
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Originally Posted by pc07vette
From all the information that I have read headers in CA. will not pass smog test.


As stated, that's false. If the tuner knows what he's doing, headers w/ cats will pass sniffer and basic smog test for the biannual certification. California Vette owners I've talked with all pass w/ headers.

What headers/cats will not pass in California is an under-the-car visual inspection for modified emissions control equipment, but this visual test is only warranted if other factors draw suspicion and some plain 'ol bad luck mixed in.


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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 05:52 AM
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Gears are the most noticable mod for SOTP difference. You feel like the car lost 500 lbs. No warranty or emission issues either. Satisfied my mod bug for almost a whole year!
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 07:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Joe_G
Gears are the most noticable mod for SOTP difference. You feel like the car lost 500 lbs. No warranty or emission issues either. Satisfied my mod bug for almost a whole year!
Get 4.10's unless you have severe OCD or plan on more mods to the point you will need higher than a 128 trap speed and then get 3.90's.

EDIT: If you have an A6 get 3.42's. I've tuned a bunch with 3.15's and 3.42's and the hands down winner is 3.42's.

Last edited by SpinMonster; Jun 4, 2008 at 07:31 AM.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 09:18 AM
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Default Options

- Vararam air intake (`40hp).
- Borla X-pipe (`10hp).
- Borla Stingers Aggressive muffler (`10hp).
- Predator Tune (`20hp).
Easy, bolt ons, least warranty risk, easy on wallet, enough for day-to-day.

Otherwise,

- ProCharger supercharger (`200hp).
- Kooks headers/x-pipe (`40hp).
- Borla Stingers Aggressive muffler (`10hp).
- Tune (`20-30hp).
Complex, professional installation, higher warranty risk, expensive, enough to match ZR1/track.

Good Luck

Last edited by obaidan; Jun 6, 2008 at 08:40 PM.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 04:17 PM
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Thanks for the help!
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by keyplyr


As stated, that's false. If the tuner knows what he's doing, headers w/ cats will pass sniffer and basic smog test for the biannual certification. California Vette owners I've talked with all pass w/ headers.

What headers/cats will not pass in California is an under-the-car visual inspection for modified emissions control equipment, but this visual test is only warranted if other factors draw suspicion and some plain 'ol bad luck mixed in.

Very good news and thanks for clarifying. Any recommendations for a good tuner in the SF Bay Area?
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 04:35 PM
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Under normal conditions you can pass the test. Very few testing stations get **** about bolt ons. My son's 2002 C5 has my modded LS2
motor in the car. It makes 461rwhp, with all the bolt ons plus 215 ET heads, a 224/228/581/588/114 cam and it passed the sniffer and passed smog. The testing station could have cared less about the visual. So there you go. He had no problems.
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