Hey I'm a new member to ls1tech. I have a 5.7 2000 Trans am m6. No modifications yet except SLP loudmouth 1's and k&n air filter using the ram air setup. She has 170xxx miles. I would love to start putting some bolt ons and mods but am unsure where to start. Also was unsure as to what to do since the miles are higher. I'd like to produce more power and take it to the track more often while still able to enjoy cruising every once and a while. What do you guys suggest? I will be working to save money so on the cost effective side would be great

 

Fix any and all leaks you may have, do a compression test to get a decent idea of what kind of shape the engine is in, try to pinpoint any odd noises the engine may make and THEN start your modding. The last thing you want to do is put money into an engine thats on its way out.

The easiest place to start is exhaust. Assuming you only have a catback, Longtube headers, a more powerful rear-end ( since you have a M6 and those just love to grenade the stock 10 bolts ) and maybe a set of 3.73s or 4.10s ( if its only a weekend toy car ) will really wake the car up.

 

Welcome to LS1tech!

There's a bunch of little mods you can do, none which make any substantial power that you'll really feel.

The one bolt-on that'll add the most power is headers and a cat-back, along with a tune to take advantage of the newly free flowing exhaust.

Bypass the throttle body coolant, unless you live in Alaska, you don't need to heat the throttle body/intake air charge.

 

Thanks, ya I wanted to know what would be the best route would be in determining if mods would be doable to a high miles engine. Are leak tests usually expensive?
And I was also wondering if long tubes off of an older vehicle would work instead of buying brand new (given they are not rusted to hell).