I am a new owner so I am looking for help in performance, what are some of the first modifications one would make with a 2008 3LT Coupe. I look forward to hearing from people for suggestions.

 

Budget, goals, any limitations on things you won't accept?

 

Money is not the issue for me. The advise is what I need.

 

What is your end goal....

I started with 4.10 gears and went from there. Based on what I wound up with, I probably would have been happier with 3.90s since I have the MZ6 (Z51) trans. That said, my 4.10s are fine. My end goal changed.

 

There's a lot you can do if money is no object. Just need to know goals and how you plan to use the car. Also, what transmission do you have?

 

I'm game to take my shot at this:

Well, back to basics. Your engine is basically an air pump. Pumping air in and out. So most all performance gains are realized by improving those systems. More air in from Cold Air Intakes, ported throttle body, ported intake manifolds, is basic. Also basic is more air out such as improved exhuast manifolds (ie. headers), higher flowing catalytic convertors and less restrictive exhaust mufflers (cat back systems).

Those are certainly the basics and most all you do in addition to those basics fall into those categories. More advanced mods such as forced induction (ie, blower or turbo), change of cam and heads are designed to improve both. Lengthen the stroke, same thing. It all basically revolves around the basics of more air in and more air out.

Most folks who do basic bolt on mods start with CAI and exhaust. Most CAIs and basic cat back exhaust systems will also not impact warranty. Once you get into it further you certainly run the risk of voiding the factory warranties.

Finally, with these high tech cars totally controlled by computer, all of these mods will be excentuated with having the PCM retuned. With the more advanced mods, the PCM must be retuned for the engine to run properly.

Whereas gears will certainly be a SOP improvement (and track times if that's what you're into) they are not changing the engines output just how that output behaves.

Good luck and getting a plan, reviewing what others have done, where they succeeded and failed, is an excellant start.

BTW, this is the way I approached my car and am totally satisfied with the results. I did not want to break into the engine at all or add FI. My car, with just this simple bolt-on plan, is a totally different running car than a stock LS2. With your LS3, you will be amazed at the improvement over an already awesome stock platform.

 

Being my first Vette I went with the Automatic which I know in hind site was a mistake. My goal is to personalize it more. I have did nothing yet. Air intake? Is this a change needed. Exhaust, I have the upgraded version, would you get any better HP adding headers and exhaust? My end result is getting more HP. I will not be on the track with it so suspention is not needed. Anything more would be great to know.

 

Thanks, I was thinking along the same lines as air intake and exhaust to start with. I have been looking at exhaust but there are many different ones all saying they are the best. I know they are all good in a sence but some must react better to certain cars, would this be fair to say?

 

Headers +30hp
Exhaust +15 to 20hp

Why do you feel getting an automatic was a mistake? Are you actually regretting it or are people making you feel like crap because you got an A6? I'm very pleased with my A6.

 

Yeah, you got it. And to a greater extent, exhaust mods are more about personal preference. I thought somewhere above you mentioned you have the factory "peformance exhaust"? I don't know if you will get any improvement over that at this point unless you're looking for more sound and that's a slippery slope. You need to be hanging around with vette owners and listening to their cars before you buy. man there's nothing worse than adding an exhaust that's too loud or not loud enough. Cat backs are just NOT going to give you much if any additional power. They're part of an overall system and mostly for sound.

 

I have not seen any independent dyno that shows any aftermarket exhaust (i.e. Catback) provides any gain over NPP. No aftermarket catback has shown any consistent gains over the stock C6 catback, at least at typical NA levels.

If you have an automatic and want basic mods, the biggest gain will be from a torque converter and a tune. Conventional engine mods such as a cold air intake, 160 T-Stat, and headers produce good results when tuned. If money is no object, a supercharger and headers can add as much HP as the A6 can safely handle.

 

If I had a product to sell, I would shamelessly plug it in now

Unfortunately, I have no such product. Those are the numbers that I've seen float, so I'm passing them on down the river

 

I have an auto as well and its no mistake my friend. You wont regret it. Gears are a good option but most choose to start with intake, exhuast, headers due to the fact it is less intrusive for the car. You dont have to break anything open. If you drive this car a lot a torque converter will affect your city driveability but will also make the car a monster off the line. I dont mind my driveability being affected by my torque converter because of its benefits. Its just a little annoying when it locks up at around 40mph but you get used to it. After that its heads and cam or supercharger. Then you have to make the decision to stay n/a or go FI.

 

I guess I should reword my thoughts on the automatic it is great for city traffic and that is a big reason why I chose it, I also like the paddle shift.Well guys thanks for all the input now I just need to find the right shop in the Houston area. I was told when perchasing the car that the NPP adds 6 hp this being the case I think your right in saying that a big gain will not be seen with headers and exhaust. I really think I need to get out and join a club and see what others are doing. Supercharger sounds interesting but also scary. Warranty would be n/a and I would hate to blow an engine, I could not immagine the cost to replace it. Again thanks all for the much needed info.

 

Just to be clear: Headers add a lot, changing the catback does not.

Enjoy your new car!