What can I expect from an aftermarket lid vs. a stock air box? Will it increase wear on the engine, transmission, etc? That is my main concern as the car already has 104,000 miles on it and I would like to keep it for a while.

 

I don't see how that could hurt your car, it simply makes it breath better. Just make sure it seals good and tight and you could expect 10rwhp increase from ANY aftermarket lid. If you want to ensure good breathing get a new air filter along with it. I went with a K&N (which a lot of folks would call a waste of money) since I've always used them and think they are a great way to keep your car's "inhaling" clean. Lid is a first must do mod on fbody cars.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am a complete n00b at the LS1. I just recently got a 2000 formula to replace my 1996 Firebird 3800 V6.

So it won't over-torque the transmission or driveline or reduce the lifespan of the engine? I am hopefully going to do that mod at some point. It has a K&N filter in there now, which looks like it has seen better days. I will probably do that mod next time I change the oil.

Also, will it make the computer throw a code?

 

Well the good thing about the K&N is that you can clean it, oil it and re use it. I think you have to use the K&N cleaning kit though Not a lot of gains with this filter from what I hear but I'm sure it helps. Also I'm 99 percent sure that no codes will be thrown, someone else can better tell you that though since I have mine on order still lol. But I wouldn't think that would do it. Just make sure when you install the lid that the car is off, and that both sensors are unplugged from the factory airbox AND plugged back in to the NEW lid before you start the car. If you forget and start the car before re inserting the sensors it may throw a code, but it's no big deal to clear it. There are instrucions on how to install one here on ls1tech under the noob section under "what will I run" sticky I believe. Hope this helps dude.

To answer the other part, no way is a lid going to over torque the tranny or driveline. There's guys on here with a LOT more mods than that on stock driveline. I was wondering those same questions about the tune I'm getting, I don't want a tired old engine or broken tranny either. But from what I have read on here (still pretty new myself) we have nothing to worry about with mild bolt on cars.

Congrats on your ride. You'll appreciate it after going from a six cylinder bird. Hell I appreciate mine and I had a 95 m6 with the lt1. Ls1 is GREAT fun

 

You are looking way too much into this. It's just a lid, not like you're throwing a 200 shot or something on the car. People put full bolt ons, cams, etc on thier cars and worry less than you do about a lid

Just find a lid that you like the best in terms of looks, and go with that. They will all give you the same benefits, which will be around 10 horsepower to the wheels. I wouldn't buy some overpriced K&N air filter to go with either. I'd just get a $10 paper one and be done with it

 

Wow, are you serious?

 

He already has the filter so he's good to go, can't beat that price.

 

OK. I will definitely put the lid on! It looks like an easy way for horsepower gain. As I said before, I am a bit of a newbie at these engines.

 

Sounds like he is, but hey not all of us are gear heads here man.

 

"But from what I have read on here (still pretty new myself) we have nothing to worry about with mild bolt on cars."

not true....you always have to worry about it.

guys have broken things with bone stock setups, and some guys run 450hp without a problem for 20,30, 50K miles...

there is ALWAYS a chance something will break. nature of the beast when you have a powerful engine and a driver who likes to use it.



"I'd just get a $10 paper one and be done with it"

and after changing it 3-4 times...you could have just spent the money on one that's reusable.

 

Hey Man,
Just as a rule of thumb, bolt-on modifications won't shorten the
life of your drivetrain. After you do the lid you should look next
at replacing the stock cat-back exhaust. Go to LS1sounds.com
& pick which one you like best.

 

OK. Thanks a lot for all your help. Looking forward to the new lid!

 

i have 125XXX miles on mine and half of those are easy miles either and i have had a lid and headers and ls6 intake since i got it and have had no problems... my clutch is starting to wear out but its the clutch that came with the car so i dont blame it...

 

I would rather buy a new $10 paper filter each year than to have a K&N in my car. I made the mistake of buying one back when I first bought the car, and when I had it on there the car would "hiccup" a bunch at idle. I then put a paper filter in, haven't had the problem since then

 

+1 for paper filter. Super cheap and work just as good.

 

Well I guess it's something to be aware of (there's a difference between driving the **** outta something and shitty driving imo) but worry about? Really? Because I bought mine to enjoy, not lose sleep over.

 

Well you can clean them and re-treat them and your good to go again for another few years (unless of course you have the ftra or similar-then more often I suppose).