Best Bang for Buck under $500
09-19-2009, 12:12 PM
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09-19-2009, 07:31 PM
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Not sure where you get that done for $500 or less as the OP requested? I would say a Vararam or Callaway Honker which are both a true CAI. Those are both south of $500, and good for at least 15rwhp. If you already have that handled, I would say a good dyno tune. 
09-19-2009, 08:17 PM
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If you can do the work yourself I would go with 3.42 gears unless you already have 3.15 gears then it isn't worth the work, But if you have 2.73 gears the 3.42s with a tune will be the best bang for the buck.
Bill K
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09-21-2009, 07:39 AM
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vararam...period. I wouldnt suggest the predator unless you really plan on adding alot more to the car. Not that there is anything wrong with it. Im just trying to figure out your taste. $500 aint much to work with on a vette for mods....lol really not much of anything but 2 FRONT tires
09-21-2009, 01:47 PM
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if you could find an LS6 intake for under$500...which shouldnt be too hard to do but still...the stock airboxes in vettes are pretty restrictive. It may better suit you to go with some kind of CAI first.
09-28-2009, 10:24 AM
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Look for lightly used LS6 parts: intake/exhaust. Should be able to find them for cheap. If you were local in Kansas City I'd sell you my stock '02 Z06 exhaust manifolds, converters, "H" pipe back to where you attach the cat-back system for $150. Find a Z06 ti catback for $350-$400, maybe less. The Z06/LS6 MAF is larger and would require a tune, not sure if a tune would be necessary for a LS6 intake. I wouldn't waste money on a cold air intake when you could make one yourself. Search on Z06 Zip Tie mod for more information. You should be able to buy a Z06 stock air intake for $20-$25.
You can also look at the light weight stock Z06 wheels for some added fun. I've seen sets selling for $450-$550.
09-28-2009, 03:29 PM
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I am sorry but bang for the buck and modding a Corvette do not go together.
Either leave it stock or be prepared to spend a lot of money and possibly your first born.
BTW: My first mod was a Vararam. I have added a few other things since then.
Either leave it stock or be prepared to spend a lot of money and possibly your first born.
BTW: My first mod was a Vararam. I have added a few other things since then.
09-30-2009, 12:36 PM
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If you have a stock LS1 catback currently... Buy a used Ti catback (factory '01 ~ '04 Zo6) for $300+shipping
Weighs 17 pounds less than stainless, will last forever, sounds better, looks better, and will gain maybe 5 rwhp.
Or..... look for a used C5 aftermarket cat-back.
www.corvetteforum.com has an extensive Corvette classified section.
Weighs 17 pounds less than stainless, will last forever, sounds better, looks better, and will gain maybe 5 rwhp.
Or..... look for a used C5 aftermarket cat-back.
www.corvetteforum.com has an extensive Corvette classified section.
10-01-2009, 01:18 PM
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No doubt about it, your first mod should be a looser torque converter. I have previously purchased a new Yank SS3200 that was not used from two different forum members for $550. If you can change out the parts yourself then the only cost is the converter and fluids. Most shops charge around 350-400 to change this rear out. I would save my money and not buy a cold air intake, headers, or exhaust but buy the torque converter. None of the above mods will give you a legitimate .5-.7 lower ET like this converter will. Good luck.
10-01-2009, 04:53 PM
#20
Surely a nice extra 15 rwhp and better shifting are worth $375 for a Predator?
I also have to agree with the Vararam though...those things suck!!
