HP Mods vs longevity and reliabilty
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 3
From: Sarasota Florida
HP Mods vs longevity and reliabilty
I’ve been thinking long and hard about installing some mods on my 02 C5 M6 to boost the HP, torque and fun factor. However, I LOVE this car and plan on driving it for many more years and many more miles (I have 50K on the engine and it is 100% stock). My question is this. What are some good cost effective upgrades that will increase the HP, torque and quickness but not decrease the engine's life or reliability?
P.S. This Vette is my daily driver……
P.S. This Vette is my daily driver……
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 0
From: Havelock, NC ( NJ Resident )
Originally Posted by stormrider
I’ve been thinking long and hard about installing some mods on my 02 C5 M6 to boost the HP, torque and fun factor. However, I LOVE this car and plan on driving it for many more years and many more miles (I have 50K on the engine and it is 100% stock). My question is this. What are some good cost effective upgrades that will increase the HP, torque and quickness but not decrease the engine's life or reliability?
P.S. This Vette is my daily driver……
P.S. This Vette is my daily driver……
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,752
Likes: 3
From: Bethlehem PA
Mine is a daily driver as well, but bear a couple things in mind.
Problems are typically proportionate to more power.
A lot depends on the way you drive it. If you're going to track it at all, you'll need to replace clutch, brake and tranny fluids.
If its just extra bang for the street, it'll last longer.
There is no formula that will guarantee your car will last "x" time with "y" power. I wish there was so I could budget for it...
I just cut the side of my oil pump from a double roller timing chain that stretched.
I shut it off in time, but now I'm doing a full engine rebuild just to be sure all is well.
Scott
Problems are typically proportionate to more power.
A lot depends on the way you drive it. If you're going to track it at all, you'll need to replace clutch, brake and tranny fluids.
If its just extra bang for the street, it'll last longer.
There is no formula that will guarantee your car will last "x" time with "y" power. I wish there was so I could budget for it...
I just cut the side of my oil pump from a double roller timing chain that stretched.
I shut it off in time, but now I'm doing a full engine rebuild just to be sure all is well.
Scott
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 0
From: Havelock, NC ( NJ Resident )
Originally Posted by simpleman68
Mine is a daily driver as well, but bear a couple things in mind.
Problems are typically proportionate to more power.
A lot depends on the way you drive it. If you're going to track it at all, you'll need to replace clutch, brake and tranny fluids.
If its just extra bang for the street, it'll last longer.
There is no formula that will guarantee your car will last "x" time with "y" power. I wish there was so I could budget for it...
I just cut the side of my oil pump from a double roller timing chain that stretched.
I shut it off in time, but now I'm doing a full engine rebuild just to be sure all is well.
Scott
Problems are typically proportionate to more power.
A lot depends on the way you drive it. If you're going to track it at all, you'll need to replace clutch, brake and tranny fluids.
If its just extra bang for the street, it'll last longer.
There is no formula that will guarantee your car will last "x" time with "y" power. I wish there was so I could budget for it...
I just cut the side of my oil pump from a double roller timing chain that stretched.
I shut it off in time, but now I'm doing a full engine rebuild just to be sure all is well.
Scott
You know you are right I have mine for the fun they are made for. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 46
From: winter haven florida
St. Jude Donor '12
many times more prower = more problems.
get 3.90 gears for your mn6. you will love it!
just did 3.90 gears on my mn12 and it is great. i do turn more rpms but not enough to hurt engine life. 2200 to 2300 rpms at 75 to 80 mph. with your gearing in the mn6 the 3.90 would be great and you will more tham likely be around 2000 to 2100 rpms out on the highway. you will get a nice sotp feel with the gears.
get 3.90 gears for your mn6. you will love it!
just did 3.90 gears on my mn12 and it is great. i do turn more rpms but not enough to hurt engine life. 2200 to 2300 rpms at 75 to 80 mph. with your gearing in the mn6 the 3.90 would be great and you will more tham likely be around 2000 to 2100 rpms out on the highway. you will get a nice sotp feel with the gears.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by 2000FRCZ19
get 3.90 gears for your mn6. you will love it!
Gears +h/c will be tons of fun and highly reliable (with a good tune). Just be aware that all of these mods will make your car louder.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 3
From: Sarasota Florida
I am enjoying reading everyone’s input. Here is what I am thinking about as far as mods:
1. Callaway Honker
2. Longtubes with high flow cats (I want to hear how that sounds before upgrading the exhaust)
3. Z06 sway bars front and back
4. 1" lowering kit
My goal isn't to drag or be able to fly down the road at 160 MPH, HP is worthless if you loose your drivers license. I am just looking for a little more punch in the 1-80, okay maybe 100
, MPH range along with better handling in the curves.
Upgrading the rear end sounds intriguing, what does the 02 C5 M6 come stock with?
1. Callaway Honker
2. Longtubes with high flow cats (I want to hear how that sounds before upgrading the exhaust)
3. Z06 sway bars front and back
4. 1" lowering kit
My goal isn't to drag or be able to fly down the road at 160 MPH, HP is worthless if you loose your drivers license. I am just looking for a little more punch in the 1-80, okay maybe 100
, MPH range along with better handling in the curves.Upgrading the rear end sounds intriguing, what does the 02 C5 M6 come stock with?
Last edited by stormrider; Jul 16, 2006 at 12:23 PM.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,597
Likes: 1,714
From: Converse TX
Originally Posted by stormrider
I am enjoying reading everyone’s input. Here is what I am thinking about as far as mods:
1. Callaway Honker
2. Longtubes with high flow cats (I want to hear hoe that sounds before upgrading the exhaust)
3. Z06 sway bars front and back
4. 1" lowering kit
My goal isn't to drag or be able to fly down the road at 160 MPH, HP is worthless if you loose your drivers license. I am just looking for a little more punch in the 1-80, okay maybe 100 , MPH range along with better handling in the curves.
Upgrading the rear end sounds intriguing, what does the 02 C5 M6 come stock with?
1. Callaway Honker
2. Longtubes with high flow cats (I want to hear hoe that sounds before upgrading the exhaust)
3. Z06 sway bars front and back
4. 1" lowering kit
My goal isn't to drag or be able to fly down the road at 160 MPH, HP is worthless if you loose your drivers license. I am just looking for a little more punch in the 1-80, okay maybe 100
, MPH range along with better handling in the curves.Upgrading the rear end sounds intriguing, what does the 02 C5 M6 come stock with?
Those are some great mods that should not hurt the daily driving and reliability of your car unless your right foot is always in it. You will love the Z06 Sways I know I have them
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,752
Likes: 3
From: Bethlehem PA
Originally Posted by peter pan
Those are some great mods that should not hurt the daily driving and reliability of your car unless your right foot is always in it. You will love the Z06 Sways I know I have them
I would also consider the Z springs as well. A firmer ride, but still acceptable to me as a daily driver.They are designed to work with the sways etc. and they do a nice job of damping in the twisties and keep you well planted under harder acceleration.
After the headers, a great tune will make all the difference in your investment.
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
This is on my '97 C5 with 60K on the clock. Take a look at my sig. It's a DD. Labor was pricey but HP=$$$$.
I love it..upgrading to ZO6 front and rear sway bars and tranny cooler.
SleeperC5
I love it..upgrading to ZO6 front and rear sway bars and tranny cooler.
SleeperC5
Last edited by SLPRC5; Jul 16, 2006 at 03:29 PM.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,597
Likes: 1,714
From: Converse TX
Originally Posted by stormrider
Yea, I left getting a good tune off my list 
; thanks for bring that to my attention. How much does a top notch professional tune cost these days?
; thanks for bring that to my attention. How much does a top notch professional tune cost these days?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 46
From: winter haven florida
St. Jude Donor '12
Originally Posted by stormrider
I am enjoying reading everyone’s input. Here is what I am thinking about as far as mods:
1. Callaway Honker
2. Longtubes with high flow cats (I want to hear how that sounds before upgrading the exhaust)
3. Z06 sway bars front and back
4. 1" lowering kit
My goal isn't to drag or be able to fly down the road at 160 MPH, HP is worthless if you loose your drivers license. I am just looking for a little more punch in the 1-80, okay maybe 100 , MPH range along with better handling in the curves.
Upgrading the rear end sounds intriguing, what does the 02 C5 M6 come stock with?
1. Callaway Honker
2. Longtubes with high flow cats (I want to hear how that sounds before upgrading the exhaust)
3. Z06 sway bars front and back
4. 1" lowering kit
My goal isn't to drag or be able to fly down the road at 160 MPH, HP is worthless if you loose your drivers license. I am just looking for a little more punch in the 1-80, okay maybe 100
, MPH range along with better handling in the curves.Upgrading the rear end sounds intriguing, what does the 02 C5 M6 come stock with?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 253
Likes: 1
From: Bossier city, Louisiana
If your staying close to stock or mild cam/headers, then go with a 4.10. I have that and can tell you it's the best mod I did. I still get 18-19 in town and 28-29 interstate. Be sure to upgrade the clutch while your there and it wouldn't hurt to get a hardened output shaft just for insurance. 3.43 to 4.10 felt like an extra 30 hp!
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
Rear Gears
Originally Posted by peter pan
Those are some great mods that should not hurt the daily driving and reliability of your car unless your right foot is always in it. You will love the Z06 Sways I know I have them
USMC (retired)
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 7
From: Wimauma FL
Originally Posted by stormrider
I’ve been thinking long and hard about installing some mods on my 02 C5 M6 to boost the HP, torque and fun factor. However, I LOVE this car and plan on driving it for many more years and many more miles (I have 50K on the engine and it is 100% stock). My question is this. What are some good cost effective upgrades that will increase the HP, torque and quickness but not decrease the engine's life or reliability?
P.S. This Vette is my daily driver……
P.S. This Vette is my daily driver……