Next Set of Upgrades
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 270
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Next Set of Upgrades So I've got a M6 01' Trans AM with 75k miles that I've had for almost a year and I'm trying to figure out what the next logical set of upgrades would be. I've already done some bolt-on, suspension, and apperance mods but I'm not sure where to go next. Should I focus on the engine, suspension, or the rear-end? The car is almost completely street driven but I plan on making several trips to the drag strip later this year.
This is my current set of upgrades:
There are so many upgrades to choose from and I really have no idea where to go next. I really want to do heads and cam but I wasn't sure if I should finish the suspension upgrades or change out the rear-end next? Maybe I should even be focusing on the tranny, I'm not sure.
My goal is to spend around $3-5k every year for the next few years to get the car where I want it. So....help me spend my money, what upgrades should I do this year?
This is my current set of upgrades:
- Kooks 1-7/8" LT headers - no AIR system
- Kooks true duals - off-road
- SLP air lid
- poly motor mounts
- Strano lowering springs and Koni shocks
- Founders single adj. PHB and PHB reloc.
- Strano front and rear sway bars
- BMR DSL
- Drilled/slotted rotors (on car when I bought it)
There are so many upgrades to choose from and I really have no idea where to go next. I really want to do heads and cam but I wasn't sure if I should finish the suspension upgrades or change out the rear-end next? Maybe I should even be focusing on the tranny, I'm not sure.
My goal is to spend around $3-5k every year for the next few years to get the car where I want it. So....help me spend my money, what upgrades should I do this year?
Last edited by s7ven; Jan 14, 2014 at 08:50 PM.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
I'll look into the Chris1313 and I planned on sfcs but if I did that I'd probably go with LCA and torque arm as well. Is it good to get a new clutch before the rear?
Last edited by s7ven; Jan 14, 2014 at 10:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 270
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I know I should probably decide on a set of heads first. Are there any good sources of information on what to look at when choosing a set of heads or should I just keep reading the forums and make a decision from others experiences?
Last edited by s7ven; Jan 15, 2014 at 11:48 AM.
11 Second Club
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Middletown, DE
Personally if I had to do it all over again, I would get a 9 inch rear right from the start. Now that my car is making decent power, I would love nothing more than a 9 inch with 3.89 (most get 4.10s) gears to liven things up 
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Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2013
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This is what I was leaning towards but wasn't sure if I should just wait until my stock rear was toast.
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Middletown, DE
I would say go for it. Better to have a bullet proof rear rather than start modding your engine then bam your 10 bolt blows up. Plus I've seen some really fast bolt on only cars with gears!
Unless you are going with a sticky tire to the track then I would leave the stock rear in with a upgraded backing cover. If you are going to stay that route then a LS7 clutch will handle all the power a H/C setup will give you.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 270
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I plan on it once these these tires are done for. Got a friend with a c5 corvette that will probably buy them.
Think I'm going to go heads/cam then finish rear suspension upgrades. Deciding on heads is very challenging though...
Think I'm going to go heads/cam then finish rear suspension upgrades. Deciding on heads is very challenging though...
Do the rear end first, engine mods will be useless if the rear goes. 11 Second Club
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Middletown, DE
which is why I still have a stock 10 bolt lmao. Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
Well I guess I'm stuck at a point of indecision between a more conservative approach which is the rear or aggressive which would be engine mods. Guess I'll do my research and figure out which way to go. I think the engine mods would be more satisfying but rear would better prepare me by supporting future mods.
If you arent launching on sticky tires your rear should last a little while. IMO with your budget if you can wait a little while go with a procharger/meth. I went the supporting mods first route and Im glad I did, but now I want more power and I know the car can handle it.
Launching!
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 215
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From: Honey Brook, Pa.
Look for a used aftermarket rear on here or craig's list and install it yourself. You'll save enough money to do a cam upgrade with supporting hardware and a dyno tune!
Then next winter do the heads and the clutch, that way you're adding reliability and satifying your need for speed at the same time!! Good Luck with the mods!
Then next winter do the heads and the clutch, that way you're adding reliability and satifying your need for speed at the same time!! Good Luck with the mods!
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: St.Charles MO
Well I guess I'm stuck at a point of indecision between a more conservative approach which is the rear or aggressive which would be engine mods. Guess I'll do my research and figure out which way to go. I think the engine mods would be more satisfying but rear would better prepare me by supporting future mods.
Most aftermarket rears are going to hurt your handling, and seeing the suspension mods you have, the car is setup to turn. If you do get an aftermarket rear look for the lightest possible setup, and no locking diff.