Generation III External Engine LS1 | LS6 | Bolt-Ons | Intakes | Exhaust | Ignition | Accessories
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

FTRA Owners Come In

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 07:18 AM
  #1  
NIRVANA's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Petersburg, MI
Default FTRA Owners Come In

I made a similar post yesterday titled SSRA Owners Come In so if you think you're experiencing deja vu, don't worry. Here's my dilemma. I'm thinking of buying this product and was wondering what you think if you have it installed (or know someone who does). Also, I don't want to do any drilling to the car as I want to be able to put it back to stock condition anytime I want, so I was curious if anyone can tell me how this system is installed? Since I have to cut up the lower air box I'll probably just buy a new one from GM, so should I buy one made for a non-ram air car or one like what I already have? Also, I'm concerned with drilling extra or larger holes in the front air deflector. Is this required to make the system fit? If so I'll probably buy another one from GM also.
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 07:32 AM
  #2  
BoneSS's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 0
From: Ashland, KY
Default

I got it pretty recently. I had FRA before, and could notice a difference between the 2. I seem to feel it above 60+ mph. I ran to 120 the other day, and I could hear it a little over the cam and cutout, but when I have it capped up and am merging into Interstate traffic, I can hear and feel it. Was worth the money in my book. Now for the install. You do have to drill something like 2 3/16 holes in the metal underneath the airbox so that it will not slide around. It is no big deal and no one would ever see these. You do have to cut the box as you said, just like is done for FRA. I don't know which box to tell you to buy, you would only need the lower portion I would say, so I would get whatever is cheapest-I could be wrong here. You do have to take off the black plastic that covers your radiator and make a cut in it, but there is no other drilling. Here are the instructions that explain it alot better:

http://www.fasttoys.net/9398fbodyframes.html

I got it b/c of the SSRA b/c I found it used for 50 in the For Sale section. SO I can not really help you much there. From my research, the scoop on the Original SSRA may help out a little more, but I thought they did about the same thing in my book. Hope this helps somewhat!
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 08:06 AM
  #3  
NIRVANA's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Petersburg, MI
Default

Originally Posted by BoneSS
You do have to drill something like 2 3/16 holes in the metal underneath the airbox so that it will not slide around.
Are you saying these holes have to be drilled into the body of the car, or in the FTRA system? I'd hate to drill holes in the car if I don't have to. Do you think some good double sided tape would work instead of drilling if that's the case?
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 08:13 AM
  #4  
BoneSS's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 0
From: Ashland, KY
Default

That would probably work. Mine didn't seem to move around where it was before I drilled the holes. They holes are drilled underneath the filter tray, so there is no way anybody would ever see them. Look through the guide to see where I am talking about exactly.
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 08:18 AM
  #5  
TWS's Avatar
TWS
10 Second Club
iTrader: (63)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,095
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Default

The holes you need to drill are very small and are hidden under the lower airbox assembly. Don't worry about them, just do it.
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 08:23 AM
  #6  
NIRVANA's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Petersburg, MI
Default

Originally Posted by TWS
The holes you need to drill are very small and are hidden under the lower airbox assembly. Don't worry about them, just do it.
I would but I'm so **** about not doing anything to my car that isn't reversible .
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 09:05 AM
  #7  
boomcase's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 1
From: CT,
Default

Then dont do any mods , leave it alone, there is a right way to do things and a wrong way, do it right the first time and you will be happy , The FTRA is a good mod that is proven and doesnt looked hacked up when its installed.

If your that **** you could always sell your TA and buy a honda and rice it out and not go fast.
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 09:15 AM
  #8  
NIRVANA's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Petersburg, MI
Default

Originally Posted by boomcase
Then dont do any mods , leave it alone, there is a right way to do things and a wrong way, do it right the first time and you will be happy , The FTRA is a good mod that is proven and doesnt looked hacked up when its installed.

If your that **** you could always sell your TA and buy a honda and rice it out and not go fast.
There's plenty of mods I can do without hacking up the car, such as heads, cam, LSX, catback, etc. My goal is a low-mid 11 second car that is not hacked up and can be completely returned to stock form at any time. I plan to buy a stripper Z28 or Formula in a couple years that already has some miles on it so I won't mind welding in a roll cage and cutting it up if necessary to make it an all out dragster. But for this car I want to keep it pristine as I intend to keep it a long time.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 09:34 AM
  #9  
BoneSS's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 0
From: Ashland, KY
Default

You really don't hack up anything. The install is very clean. Go through the link I posted for the install guide. The airbox isn't reversible, but you can pick them cheap here used or even new at a dealership. You cut the radiator cover, but it is very clean looking, and another cheap replacement part. I am **** about installs too, but when it is clean and looks almost factory, it looks sick! I had to drill two 2 inch holes in the door panels for tweeters--that is hacking a car, but it was done right and looks like they are supposed to be there. It is all in how it is done. Trust me, this will be an easy, clean install.
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 09:52 AM
  #10  
NIRVANA's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Petersburg, MI
Default

Ok thanks for all the info. I'll probably go ahead and pick of the pieces that need to be cut then and order the system after I get those. Thanks for all your suggestions .
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 09:55 AM
  #11  
BoneSS's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 0
From: Ashland, KY
Default

No problem. Didn't mean to come across stern if I did. Hope you enjoy the mod!
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 10:34 AM
  #12  
TWS's Avatar
TWS
10 Second Club
iTrader: (63)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,095
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
Default

Originally Posted by TA_WS6
I would but I'm so **** about not doing anything to my car that isn't reversible .

Do you feel the need for speed? Then your aversion to mods will pass quickly.
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 11:35 AM
  #13  
FatZ28's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 2
From: Cleburne,Tx
Default

Originally Posted by TWS
Do you feel the need for speed? Then your aversion to mods will pass quickly.
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2004 | 11:14 PM
  #14  
skunk50's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: fairfax, va
Default

Originally Posted by TA_WS6
There's plenty of mods I can do without hacking up the car, such as heads, cam, LSX, catback, etc. My goal is a low-mid 11 second car that is not hacked up and can be completely returned to stock form at any time. .
man....returning to a stage 2 heads, cam, full exhaust car back to stock is going to cost you $800-1200 in labor alone and $120-180 in LS1 Edit w/dyno time.

cutting a few holes in that POS air deflector cannot be compared to the above....you're talking about a $10-30 piece in the forsale section and about $3 in plastic clips.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:46 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE