MY C5:
I found this Torch Red 97 C5 in October of 1999 with 105 miles on it. (The how it came to be is an interesting story for another time).

Anyway by Feb 1 2000 I had it in my driveway with 222 miles on it and it was all mine!
I put a Flowmaster exhaust on it for a little better sound and a Hypertech Power Program III on it for a little more lower RPM response, which it did nicely. Then I bought a house in CA. Here I am 18 mo's later and I finally have a little money I can devote to the car again.

I put 22,000 miles on it the first year, it just turned over 70,000 this month. (Did I mention I took a job with a 190 mi R/T?). I just read that. WOW 48,000 in 11 Mo's. Good thing I love to drive this car.

Here is my present thinking.
Breathless has a 394 kit w/:
C5-Vortex Ram Induction Clear Box
LS-1 Mat Sensor
New LS1-Maf housing w/air foil - upgraded version
Vortex Power duct.

The 415 kit also has
LS1-X street pipe
LS1 Coolant bypass kit
Cool thermostat
Corsa Pro Exhaust.
I intend to get the 394 kit then add the hypertech 160 deg. thermostat, coolant bypass kit, and of course new plug wires, plugs and any other wearable ignition parts.

I have been lerking around the various C5 and LS1 bulletin boards for the past couple of months getting some good insights and information. I need to find a place to settle and make a few knowledgeable friends. This looked like a fine place to hang my hat.
I would appreciate any thoughts and or suggestions. I have some where in the neighbor hood or $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 for this round. I’m not looking to be the hottest rod on the commute, but when you drive a C5 as much as I do, there is occasionally the need to “put someone in the rear view mirror”. Indeed almost daily J

Thanks for any help and or comments you might have. ( Did I mention I Love this car? I just think it needs a little shot of testosterone )

 

JohnL,

I'll throw my two cents in here...

For $1K-1.5K:
1) Definitely "cold-air". The Vortex is fine.

2) Consider headers. xpipe optional <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> If you hunt around you can get resonable pricing.

3) ATAP and a MAFT are a must.

4) MAF ends could be OK but you will need to make sure you don't start leaning out too much.

5) Forget the MAT sensor. I've had nothing but aggravation when I had mine on.

6) Careful with the 160 thermostat - it may be a little too low. Many here in our area go with 178.

7) Start saving again. Heads & cam, stroker, S/C TT's aren't cheap. The more HP you have - the more you need. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

If you really hunt around for pricing you can get alot done...

FRPTech

 

Thanks for the input, Looks like I stil have a lot of research to do.

 

Thank you for the input. I'm still very much in the learning stage.
Looks to me like the headers and pipe to the Flowmasters is going to be as important as the intake.
With 70,000+ and 4000+ miles/mo I'l probably blow it up before long and have to have it rebult. Then a cam and heads <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
I do intend to get a MAFT and Autotap. I have several oldlaptops that should work well with'em.
I think watching what is going on with the data for a while under different engine load conditions,"before" I start tinkering is a very prudent thing.
I hang around a few BB's and follow a lot of threads. You guys do good work, and have some great ideas.
Thanks
John

 

Stay away from those "kits".

My $.02 worth on first mods ($1k-$1.5k)is:

Cold air intake - MTI True Ram Air
Headers - TPIS or TTS

This is a good foundation for future mods and should bump you up 25-30 HP

Good luck,

 

TTS Longtubes
Vortex ram air
MAF Ends
ASP Crank pulley

I think you will be happy with the results.

John <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[Burnout]" />