I have a 15 C7 manual shift and I’m looking for suggestions for upgrading performance.Right now I have 2K that I could use and am looking for suggestions.Thanks in advance
Mrbirdog

 

Keep saving. I'm assuming you have an LT1 since you didn't mention a ZO6.

You're looking at $1800-2000 for a used set of headers. Labor to install them if you don't do it yourself. Then $600-800 for tuning on top of all that.

 

it is LT one I could go four or 5K but I don’t know if I should do a TwinTurbo or a supercharger. I’m looking for more quickness off the line not top end.Thanks for your reply.

 

The best performance upgrade you can make is good tires. And they are probably within your budget. Of course, this only applies if you are really looking for a performance improvement vs bragging rights.

 

interesting, I never would’ve guessed that, was lucky enough to purchase this car with 10,500 original miles. One owner, original tires they still seem very good shape.

 

You need to double your budget if you want boost. An A&A Corvette supercharger kit will be the cheapest option for you but you're looking at double your expanded budget if you're paying a shop to install it.

If you have any mechanical abilities it's possible to install yourself over a weekend but you'll need to get it tuned before you drive it.

 

If your tires are 9 years old, they might as well be made of stone. They are going to have very little grip. I bet you can spin them easily in first and probably 2nd gear as well. Right now your quickness off the line has got to be totally limited by wheel spin. Adding more power just means you will spin the tires even easier, and not launch any faster.

 

Like said, I think you should replace your tires.

 

If you just want quicker acceleration off the line, get a throttle controller. The cost is less than $300.

 

I will check into it thanks👍

 

A throttle controller will not actually make your car any quicker off the line. It can make the engine feel more responsive since it tricks the ECU into thinking you pressed the pedal more than you did, but it will not cause the throttle body to open further or faster than if you just stomped the pedal. Even the manufacturers such as Soler will tell you that throttle controllers will not actual improve 0 to 60 times.

 

Well, it does on mine. I have it set at Sport 7. It's like a jackrabbit out of the hole, instantaneous hard acceleration. The throttle response is very sensitive. I've never tried the ludicrous setting and don't intend to. Sport 7 is enough for me.

 

Old tires perform significantly worse than new. If you have only experienced your car with 9 year old tires, you have not yet experienced the full performance it has to offer.

New tires and alignment would be step one. Also, as the car is at least 9, if not 10 years old, brake and clutch fluid flush as well. These are all items that "age out". Rubber becomes hard and brittle, significantly less grippy than when new, and brake/clutch fluid (same fluid) will absorb moisture over time, even in a purportedly sealed system, and should be replaced periodically. With low mileage, it is likely that they have never been replaced.

 

Great suggestion and thanks👍

 

If your still on stock run flats. Get something non run flat & save weight. I shaved off 5.3lbs each rear & 4.6 each front going to Continental Sport 2's. That's rolling weight. The tires are now lighter to spin faster & thus less parasitic drag.

 

I have a used A &A supercharger kit for sale if your interested. I can make you a really good deal on it.

 

🤔 how much?

 

Sending you a PM

 

I found a used set of 2" Texas Speed headers and X pipe for $1k. Ported OEM intake from Edgy Vettes (~$330) and CAI with tune netted me an additional 40-45hp. If I did it over again, I'd spring for a set of 1 7/8" Kooks or American Racing. They cost more but my tuner said they'd be worth another 10hp or so. Plus TS headers hang low on the drivers side. I'd forego the CAI. I'm not convinced they are worth the $$ until you get into serious power adders. Just my opinion.

Next step would be flex fuel set up, that'll get you another 25-35hp. Then a cam set up or boost. Personally, I'm eventually going to go A&A. Huge bang for the buck.

I see zero reason to get a throttle controller. All it does is change your throttle ratio input. It tells your computer you are giving it more throttle than stock. It doesn't give you any more HP, it just gives you a higher ratio of throttle input. Case in point - I remember when my Dad bought a brand new Taurus. That thing felt incredibly fast off the line, spin the tires without effort. The thing only had 140hp. All because the manufacturers put a sharp throttle curve off idle instead of linear. Basically, a cam on the throttle linkage. Fooled the consumer into thinking the car was faster than it was. These controllers do the same thing, makes the car feel faster. If you want to go faster, just give it more throttle.

M opinion based on my experience is get a good set of headers and X pipe (if you don't spend the extra with catalytic converters expect your car to have the occasional smell of unburnt gas like old muscle cars). The Edgy ported intake is big bang for the buck. It doesn't give you greater top end power, but it fattens up your midrange quite a bit, which is what you want. Combined with good headers and a tune it will also raise your power back about 700-800rpm. A tuner can also disable the AFM system. Start with this. These things should be done prior to other mods anyway.

 

Yeah, $5K will not get you a boosted application if going new and would be a stretch even for a used one. The set of good LT headers may cost a bit more than $2K, but it would be a good start. And a tune after the install would be a good thing to do to get the most from the mod.