BlueSuperGoat

iTrader: (3)

I'm gonna be that guy. I have searched and read dozens of threads over the last few days. I have not really found the answer to what I am looking for, this forum has soooo much info that it gets a little overwelming. I just picked up a 2002 Z28 M6, bone stock. I'm formerly a 2004 GTO owner to which I did FULL bolt-ons and then some, along with a cam, had a lot of fun with it. I don't really want to go there with the Z28, I want to keep it simple, keep the installs simple, etc.

I don't really want to go through a lot of hassle and I don't want to spend too much money. But I would like to do some of the simple things that can make a decent impact on power and sound. The best way I know how to ask this question is: what are the most cost effective mods that I can do, that are basically "must do" mods? The stuff that you would be remiss not to do?

I know I should do a lid. Should I bother with a different filter? I'm not going to do the air delete, because it's just not worth the hassle to me. What else should I consider that will be worth it with a relatively easy install?

Sorry to ask such a newbie, bonehead question. But I would really appreciate some help and feedback along these lines to point me in the right direction. I'm not looking to have the fastest car out there, but I can't just leave it alone either.

I appreciate your time in reading and responding.

PontiacMC

Just my opinion, but think about starting with Lid, MAF, intake and exhaust. Something along the lines of a custom made catback with a nice muffler. All that can be done pretty cheap. Oh and since its M6 drop 4.10 ring and pinion in it. Good luck with it anyway you go.

BlueSuperGoat

iTrader: (3)

Thanks. I was thinking something along the lines of a slp lid, loudmouth cat-back and a hand held tuner. Worth it? Thoughts?

PontiacMC

Ya that sounds good. Its all a gateway drug anyways

SOM02WS6

Forget the MAF, and intake. Get a LID it will do just fine. Forget the hand held tuner that money could be better spent on a tune after you get headers.

I don't understand your coming out of a 2004 GTO which has the same motor as the Z-28 your now in you should have a basic clue. LID, Headers, Gears, Tune, Cat-back. Should get you around the 350rwhp mark...

KevinR

I agree with forgetting the intake. You already have a LS6 intake on there.

Get a lid, full exhaust, and a good tune for starters and go from there.

TheBlueKnight

iTrader: (4)

Wouldn't get an aftermarket maf or hand held tuner. From front to back...

-$200 Some kind of CAI. (Fast Toys, Chris1313, SLP w/ extension)
-Don't worry about the filter, whether you have a stock paper filter or a K&N just keep what you have
-$90 SLP Lid
-skip the maf
-skip the bellow, stock one is fine
-$65 to get your throttble body port and polished by a sponser on this site (damian, thesilverghost)
-$600 Pacesetter Coated Headers with ORY + shipping and all install accessories if you want to go with headers, if you don't want to skip it, but it's my favorite mod and pretty much the only mod I could actually feel.
-$450ish catback, check out the numerous threads to find out what you want to go with, Loud mouth, Magnaflow...ect...
-$125 Finally finish it all up with a mail order tune from the LS1tech member "frost". He does incredible work and can delete codes for you, get rid of skip shift, and will optimize your tune for your mods.

Should give you like the above guys said, around 345-355rwhp, will be dead reliable, shouldn't need to upgrade your clutch, and you'll still get great mpg. Full bolt ons and a tune and I get 31mpg all highway when I go to my parent's house 200 miles away.

BlueSuperGoat

iTrader: (3)

So basically, until I am ready to spend the money on headers and a real tune, I should just get a lid and be happy for now? I'd like a better sound and it seems the loudmouth is a good cost effective option. But when and if I add headers later I'm afraid I'll end up with too much volume, drone and rasp and have to change the cat-back again to something else. Should I just wait until I can spend the money on a different cat-back set up so I don't have to change it again after headers?

Yes, I had the same engine in the GTO, but the intake and exhaust set-up is entirely different than the f-bodys. I know where to get the most bang for the buck on the LS1 in general, but with different intake and exhaust lay-outs I am just making sure money is being spent in the most effective way from the start. I spent a lot of time and money changing and rechanging things on the GTO as I went, don't really want to go through that again. I want to do it the right way the first time, so I am erring on the side of caution.

Thanks for everyone's feedback. Anything else is much appreciate, thanks for you time.

KevinR

I guess it depends on how much money you are willing to spend. TheBlueKnight gave you a great "starter list", but if you are a little strapped, then it may be best to hold off on the mods for now, and save up. Don't rush it either. Do it little by little. Just my 2 cents.

BlueSuperGoat

iTrader: (3)

Understood and agreed. For now I am spending money on things like a new deck and or ipod hook up, tint, etc. And a buddy of mine is supposed to be sending me his old lid so that should save me some $$. Thanks for the feedback guys. I appreciate it.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

get a lid and eletric cutout for better sound and power. that way you can close it. thats a pretty simple start and go from there.

99FormulaM6r

iTrader: (2)

I'd stick with a lid/catback for now. There's other things that make these cars enjoyable too, such as decent shocks and a nice shifter. For me, it's not always just about going fast, it's about the total driving experience while you're doing it

redbird555

iTrader: (14)

What this guy said lol, its a great starter list you could also throw in an ud pulley as well good for abt another 10whp. And ya your right if you do the LM catback it will sound like *** with headers and no cats.... There are evn cheaper options than pacesetter slike my bbks are 365 shipped and they look/fit great then there are the ebay headers which are even cheaper whatever you do headers will be one of the best bang for the buck mod.

BlueSuperGoat

iTrader: (3)

What if I have to keep cats for emissions? Does the loadmouth sound good with LTs and Cats? If not, can you make another cost effective cat-back recommendation? I had a corsa on my GTO and loved it, but looks pretty expensive for the f-body. It was cheap on the GTO because it was a y-pipe single out system.

BlueSuperGoat

iTrader: (3)

Can anyone explain the SLP interchangable systems thing to me? So, I could get a loudmouth and later upgrade it to a powerflo? Or is it just the ability to switch between a LM1 and LM2? What the difference in volume with/without headers? Any help much appreciated.

desertLS1

iTrader: (8)

These threads crack me up, all the noobs give the other noobs usueless info lol
Pm me bro, I'm in town, I'll help you out.

BlueSuperGoat

iTrader: (3)

Car looks great man. Thanks! I'll hit you up later, heading out the door for the night.

99FormulaM6r

iTrader: (2)

I've only seen 1 really noob post (MAF and intake for an '02), but I do think there's information to gain from this thread. Lid/exhaust with somet other things thrown in there (suspension/shifter/tune, etc.) aren't necessarily bad advice....

EDIT: I should add...what do you suggest?

nolo200

iTrader: (3)

I'll have to keep these in mind.

KevinR

I'm with this guy ^^^^

The OP is asking for basic bolt on advice. So far, most people have given some pretty good input. How is that useless info?