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Which Bigger First Mod

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Old 01-18-2006 | 08:46 PM
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Default Which Bigger First Mod

I have a lid, I have a cutout, I have DR's......

So now its time to drop some real dough. So do i go Full exhaust? (Pacesetter Headers,TSP ORY,Magnaflow Catback/TSP Rumbler Cat) = ~$900

or

Fuddle ~3000 TC, Transgo shift kit, Cooler ( 600 parts,400 labor)

Both are going to cost the same give or take, If i get one now, I'll have to save for a while to get the other one.

Last edited by Ls1Envy; 01-18-2006 at 08:57 PM.
Old 01-18-2006 | 08:47 PM
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Tc...
Old 01-18-2006 | 09:04 PM
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TC, and itll be cheaper if you just man up and get those hands dirty.
Old 01-18-2006 | 09:05 PM
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Like all the auto guys say, a TC will put a grin on your face! Just make sure you choose the right one. Search the forums I hear that Hughes is a good brand!
Old 01-18-2006 | 09:23 PM
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I'd say you should do both, but for now you already have the cheap exhaust solution (cut-out) and I'd let that hold me over till I do the stall and all supporting stuff. LTs and TDs can wait.
Old 01-18-2006 | 11:42 PM
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Definately get a converter. Much better bang for buck. Depending on your future mods, you may want to get bigger then a 3000. Make sure you talk to Fuddle Racing and be honest with yourself about what you plan to do. (I am on converter #2 - never thought I'd mod beyond the first converter )
Old 01-18-2006 | 11:52 PM
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Go for the TC, but not a 3000 stall speed if it's going to see the track often. Get at least a 3500 minimum if you plan to drag race on sticky tires, or you are very likely to regret it later.
Old 01-19-2006 | 05:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Ls1Envy
I have a lid, I have a cutout, I have DR's......

So now its time to drop some real dough. So do i go Full exhaust? (Pacesetter Headers,TSP ORY,Magnaflow Catback/TSP Rumbler Cat) = ~$900

or

Fuddle ~3000 TC, Transgo shift kit, Cooler ( 600 parts,400 labor)

Both are going to cost the same give or take, If i get one now, I'll have to save for a while to get the other one.
Niether option

I'd mix n' match them.

Get the torque convertor. But if you get the shift kit as well you'll probably need a tune, because the shift points probably won't be quite right, also you'll likely have issues with torque management. So a tune will cost money, and you'd probably want to buy some software like HPTuners/LS1Edit or the like so you can make future adjustments. - Basically it's gonna cost more.

So I say:
Get a lid (TSP/SLP)
Port your own TB (PM me if you want a guide how to)
Do the Free Ram Air Mod (FRA)
And the bump stop mod for the TB (again PM me if your not sure)
Get a nice cat back (for the noise and grin factor)
And a good Stall & cooler.

Once that's done, save up for some LT's and mid pipe, plus a LS6 intake if you're pre 2001 and a good rolling road tune. And some suspension/chassis stuff (no point in having all that power if you can't make proper use of it). Check out companies like Spohn and UMI for LCA's, SFC's, PHR, uprated sway bars, torque arm and so on.
Old 01-19-2006 | 05:36 AM
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A higher stall converter is a must. Definitly the best seat of the pants mod and it will help your times much more then the exhaust.
Old 01-19-2006 | 12:07 PM
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3500 fuddle
Old 01-19-2006 | 12:08 PM
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Converter...
Old 01-19-2006 | 05:13 PM
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So if i get a Converter can I wait on the shift kit? I dont have that kind of money to get tuning software and a dyno tune.
Old 01-19-2006 | 05:25 PM
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I'd get 'er tuned and do LT headers with True Duals dumped if you have a lot of mileage on the transmission and especially if it's a '98-'99. When my tranny grenaded, it took my $850 TC with it. At least with Exhaust, you don't have that risk factor and you gain some good power. That TC sure did wake my car up, though. It's a tough decision IMHO.

Trouble is, with full exhaust, you won't realize the power gains nearly as much until it's tuned 'cause it will run rich as hell.

Last edited by JEB99TA; 01-19-2006 at 05:36 PM. Reason: Added comment
Old 01-19-2006 | 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Ls1Envy
So if i get a Converter can I wait on the shift kit? I dont have that kind of money to get tuning software and a dyno tune.
yeah.

I too have been looking at the shiftkit and I so nearly ordered it. But I've read as many bad reports as I have good ones about so I'm still out on it.

The tranny shifts more than firm enough as it (well will light the rears up on the 1-2 shift and that's with 2.73 rear and STOCK power).

As soon I get the exhuast & lid on mine the torque converter will be next. If you need some advice have a word with the guys at Yank Converter (a couple of them post in the automatic forum).
Old 01-19-2006 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Ls1Envy
So now its time to drop some real dough.
Backhalf, 4-link, 33" 10.5W's, Twin 88's, 'glide.

Stick with the torque converter. That is an absolute must for
an A4 LS1...3500rpm would be nice.
Old 01-19-2006 | 06:11 PM
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I have a 00' Z28 w/2.73's so i don't need to delete Torque Management?

If i do get a verter im going to go with the fuddle 3500, probably a ~2.0 str w/the bigger clutch ,Im getting gears later 3.42's/3.73's so that's coming into play with my TC selection. Transgo does seem a bit complicated, but if i don't need it right away i wont get it. Shift points will have to be fixed in the meantime. sound on track?
Old 01-19-2006 | 06:25 PM
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TC fa sho
Old 01-19-2006 | 06:34 PM
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Most people will probaly disagree with me but a set of Qa1's and a new set of Nitto never hurt anyone. I bought my 98 after it had 80,000 miles on it and that is my best mods so far. You would not believe the difference that replacing those worn out shocks will make and the Nittos lets just say damn. If you can't hook up and get gone your going to see tail lites before long.
Old 01-20-2006 | 05:28 AM
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Just remember, if your tranny goes, with metal churning inside, most likely your converter will go with it, as well (IMO). Then, you'll have to replace both tranny AND converter. That's what happened to mine ... cost me a bundle.

Do you have a Series-4 carrier (rear)? If so, 3.73's and a 3600 verter are about the best all-around street-n-strip setup there is ... if you're absolutely sold on a TC. Looks like you are, so, that's the route I'd go.
Old 01-20-2006 | 07:45 AM
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Originally Posted by JEB99TA
Just remember, if your tranny goes, with metal churning inside, most likely your converter will go with it, as well (IMO). Then, you'll have to replace both tranny AND converter. That's what happened to mine ... cost me a bundle.

Do you have a Series-4 carrier (rear)? If so, 3.73's and a 3600 verter are about the best all-around street-n-strip setup there is ... if you're absolutely sold on a TC. Looks like you are, so, that's the route I'd go.
I think my tranny is in good shape. 60k exactly. Previous owner was an older lady going through a midlife crisis and owned a camaro when she was 16 so wanted another. So I think the car is descent. How many miles on your tranny when it went? I have a 2 series and 4 channel i believe.



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