george.collins4

Hi everybody,

I just bought a dream car and am thinking about spending a couple thousand on making it mine (faster).

I was wondering what the best specific modifications i could make to gain horsepower for around $2000 were.

It's a beautiful black 1997 corvette with a 6 spd.

SCM_Crash

iTrader: (2)

Is it currently stock? What's done to it if not?

george.collins4

The only thing done to it is Borla exhaust, i think from the headers back.

SCM_Crash

iTrader: (2)

OK, and do you have any special purposes for the car or is this a daily driver?

For a daily driver, I'd say CAI and a tune. Save the rest for when you want to do big mods.

If you want something with some extra kick, I'd do the above + NOS and/or gears.

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

CAI, Headers (*I am assuming you have a catback from the stock Manifolds) and a tune. Should add a solid 40+ rwhp and about the same torque. Should make the car a lot more fun too. Plus add a more aggressive sound.

Vengeance Racing has very good deals on whatever header you are looking for. ARH is probably the best. I've had a couple brands now, but I have to give the thumbs up to the ARH.

Give Vengeance a call and tell them Doug sent ya. The number is in my avatar.

mchdg86

iTrader: (3)

Get some ARH headers and a tune. Might as well throw an LS6 intake in there if you have enough left over.

SCM_Crash

iTrader: (2)

He says he has headers. Or am I misunderstanding him?

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

I think he's calling the stock exhaust manifolds headers, unless I have it twisted ?

streetassasin

iTrader: (30)

Headers, cai and nitrous

01sscam

LG headers, LG x pipe, vararam, and a ls6 intake manifold. Then save for a tune.

SCM_Crash

iTrader: (2)

Oh! Well, if that's the case, then yeah, headers! LOL

I think it's a unanimous vote for CAI, headers and tune.

bgblockelcamino

iTrader: (9)

headers and gears.

Rossi396

iTrader: (1)

Totally agree with headers and CAI. However, I'd pass on the tune. That $500.00 could be spent elsewhere (like gears as bgblock stated...and he does a lot of work on the LS's). If you cam the car down the road then yes, you'll need the tune. I didn't need the tune when I installed my Kooks contrary to what everyone was telling me about the oxygen sensors and check engine lights. Also, if you do get lights, pull your computer and send it to ECS in NJ. For $149.00 Doug can tune out the O2's, CAGS, change fan settings and generally make the car run better!

Regards,

Rossi

SCM_Crash

iTrader: (2)

I kind of agree with Rossi... Except you can get so much out of tuning after putting on headers and CIA. It definitely wakes up the car. If you don't want to do internal modding or you don't plan to do a cam anytime soon, there's a lot of lost potential there.

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

I agree ^^^^

I say get her tuned if you don't plan on doing any other mods for a good while. Talk to your tuner too see if they are willing to cut you a break on a retune ..... Vengeance is a good place to start.

~JOSHUA

iTrader: (92)

Name brand headers and a tune will wipe out your 2 grand and laugh as it burps...

There are a few free mods you can do... Like removing the screen from your mass air meter, coolant bypass, with about $20 in supplies from Home Depot you can port your own throttle body. There is a sticky in the "C5 Tech" section of corvetteforum.com with tons of documented projects/repairs.

Spend the cash on a Vararam intake... it's the king of C5 cold air inductions...
Then get a tune.

You can do headers, they will help.... but with what I've said above, you have a nice gain, and money in the bank to aim higher...

Look in the sale section of this forum and also www.corvetteforum.com

I recommend the corvette forum... much more action compared to ls1tech when it comes to 'Vettes.

Rossi396

iTrader: (1)

allngn:

The exact reason you say to get it tuned (no additional supporting mods) can also be a reason NOT to go with a full dyno tune. I say don't go for a dyno tune until you put a cam in it (or heads, etc.). ECS can do a hell of a tune for $149.00. And the OP doesn't have to travel somewhere with his car. Remember, these guys do literally hundreds of tunes. Is it going to be better than a dyno? NO. But will it make a difference and also take care of SES lights, CAGS, while also increasing performance? Absolutley. I have one and I'm here to tell you, it makes a difference.

Nice car you have there by the way...

Rossi

V-seriesTech

iTrader: (5)

Scan the forums for used parts. You'll save alot if you can find the parts you need in great shape. These types of parts you need, typically don't wear too bad. SO, buying used, can work.


I would:
pkugs/wires
Vararam ram air,...nothing else. 400 or less
LS6 intake, 300 used
Long tubes,....your pick,...1000.00 or less used.
fuel filter
Find a handheld programmer, or do a mail order tune if this is the end for the mod list and don't have a nearby tuner.

Thats your best bet,..unless your talking about adding straiht up power,...in that case, a WET nitrous kit, window switch, plugs, wires,tune, and pilled for 200hp.

SCM_Crash

iTrader: (2)

IMO, hand held programmers are pointless.

TransAmcoupe98

iTrader: (10)

[QUOTE]LG headers, LG x pipe, vararam, and a ls6 intake manifold. Then save for a tune.[QUOTE]

I agree. With a good tune, I say you will pick up 30-35 whp.