02 Z28 - Basic Mod Questions
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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.
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.
![Chug! Chug! Chug!](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_chug.gif)
#2
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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.
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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.
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...
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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.
-$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.
Last edited by TheBlueKnight; 09-24-2010 at 04:43 PM.
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#8
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
#10
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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.
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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.
-$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.
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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.
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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.
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EDIT: I should add...what do you suggest?
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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?
EDIT: I should add...what do you suggest?
The OP is asking for basic bolt on advice. So far, most people have given some pretty good input. How is that useless info?