So, I have made my 2002 Camaro SS for about 8 years now and I love the car. It's a T-Top M6 35th Anniversary LE car. It was been my DD ever since I bought it and currently has about 100K miles on it.

I was considering purchasing a newer car (looked at a 2013 Camaro ZL1) but I decided I just didn't want to take on an $800 per month payment at the moment...still paying down student debt, mortgage and my second son just came into the world. As much as I'd like my 2002 Camaro to become a weekend/fun car...it's gonna remain my DD probably for at least another 5 years.

So, I began thinking that I want to do some modifications to my 2002 to make it a little more fun. It is gonna be a DD...so I don't want to go too crazy on it. Just a few changes that might push out the temptation to upgrade to a different car.

A little info about the car, like I said...it's an M6 T-Top car. It's an SLP car that came from the factory with all the SLP options except the suspension option. Unfortunately, a previous owner (not me) had the factory SLP exhaust (which I understand was a good system) and had it replaced with a Flowmaster that does not seem that great. Other than that and the K&N factory replacement air filter under the factory Blackwing lid...the car is bone stock.

So, I'm here to ask for some advice on upgrading the car's performance. I don't have any specific horsepower number or performance goal...I simply want to car to have a little revitalization and sound better. I don't have a huge budget (probably $5K or so)...and I need to do it in stages.

I was thinking at least a nice cat back exhaust and headers. Possibly doing something on the intake side. I don't know if that means a better filter situation (is the Blackwing still considered good?) or a throttle body upgrade or intake manifold. I don't want to do too much internally to the engine...I might be able to be talked into a mild cam upgrade...but I don't want to change heads or anything like that. Or anything else that I am missing.

Also, the area of Oregon that I live in does have emissions laws so I need to make sure the car remains emissions compliant.

So, I'm looking for advice and suggestions. Any opinions are welcome. Thanks.

 

224 cam an headers should be able to get that under 5k done. An pass emissions with cats of course. Make sure that what ever cats you buy are carb rated. When I bought mine they sold me on some high flow cats but with no carb number on it they failed my car. EVEN THOUGH IT PASSED THE SNIFFER! Yeah it pissed me off an I run out of state plates now.

 

The SLP Blackwing lid is a pretty good intake to start with, I'd even say it's better than most aftermarket lids out there simply due to the fitment of it. I'd dump the K&N filter and go to a quality paper filter (Wix will do). Since your car is an '02, you already have an LS6 intake manifold, so you're covered there... If you don't really want to dive into the internals (cam would net some nice gains if you take care of the intake/exhaust first), I'd say upgrade your exhaust system. Drop the flowmaster muffler and try to get your hands on a nice SLP dual/dual catback if you can find one. Some longtubes would be nice. I recommend the stainless 1 7/8" American Racing longtubes. The fitment is great and Y-pipe is pretty good. I have this system and it's actually quite tame until you open her up (without cats). After that, a nice tune and you'll have some gains there that should keep you happy for a while.
A cam would really wake up your car after you get her breathing better. Keeping up with maintenance? All fluids good? Let us know what you decide to do. It's an addictive hobby, so enter at your own risk (or your bank account's risk..).

 

Thank you for the information. Why should I dump the K&N filter? Are they more restrictive than a paper filter?

Also, with the Blackwing lid and apparently already having an LS6 intake...is there anything else I should consider on the front side of the motor to get better air flow in (throttlebody, ect) or is it all about getting it unplugged on the back end?

I'd love to do a cam...I was just worried about cost. But, it headers/exhaust is where to start and then a cam is what is the next logical step in my case...then that's what I should do.

Oh, I probably should have mentioned by car has factory 3.42 gears. I"m not sure if I should factor that in.

 

If you are interested in a cam, and feel mechanical enough to tackle it, it's a fairly simple process and could save you a bunch of money as well. Keep in mind that you will definitely be needing a tune with most cams, but the nuts to bolts installation is pretty straight forward.


Here is a link to a step by step if you do decide to go that route. Good luck!


http://www.ls1howto.com/?article=23


p.s. keep in mind that it's a good idea to upgrade your valve springs, pushrods, timing chain and oil pump once you are into the motor, as well as new gaskets for anything you take off that has one.

 

3.73, 3.90s or 4.10s are fun too!

I have 4.10s and they are steep ish in my M6. I'd go 3.90 if I had the choice.

Definitely get headers, best mod I've ever done. Awesome exhaust note, noticeable power increase.

Get from Speed Engineering, best bang for the buck, and stainless piping too!

 

leave the motor be until you get another car to daily drive. For bolt-on's...SLP Lid, Kooks Headers/Exhaust, Fast 92, 3.90 gears,Tic performance master cylinder, a good lightweight clutch(McLeod RST), and a Tune.

These mods will get you a high 11 sec daily driver but it comes at a cost. 5k should get it done.