Im finally ready to start modding my first LS1 F-body and I plan on making it a capable auto-x/road race car. Before owning this car, i was really into street racing (on private roads in Mexico, of course ) but seeing as there was no real rules, i wanted to get into something more rewarding.

Right now it is bone stock except for a lid and filter . Its a '99 M6 Z28. But my main question is, what do you guys have done to your motors? I know its a broad question, but I have no idea the mods involved with auto-x and road race cars. Are they stock except for lid and exhaust and just have tons of $$$ put into suspension and brakes? or do they have a combination of both like in drag racing (suspension to match the HP numbers)? I still want to be able to drag this car, but obviously not primarily. I just dont want this to be a pig with stiff suspension. My original motor plans were Stg 2 heads, custom cam, S2 TB, LS6 intake, LT's (undecided brand) and duals. Unfortunately right now going to start taking lessons to finish my Private Pilot Licence so money will be somewhat tight since after i finish that, i want to get into college. If i had all of that on my motor, i would have very little budget left for suspension, wheels, brakes, etc. Would it be a good idea just to have a mildly modded motor (intake, exhaust) and have the bottle on it for drag racing when i felt like it and spend the saved money on suspension and other parts to help my car corner and stop? Lastly, this is my daily driver, so no gutting the interior, A/C deletes, and so on.

im asking alot out of my car, but im confident the LS1 and the F-body can handle it. let me know your suggestions

 

Well all the motor in the world the car its not going to be fun if you cant stop or turn. If you are going to spend money before you even attend an event. I vote for suspension/brake/ tires. These car are plenty fast without engine work. Or you could just put an upgraded pads and run the car at a couple driver Ed track days and see what you can do with the car stock and then mod from there.

Most want more power, me included but until you can use the power effectively you are NOT going to be any faster. Here's an example, lets say you make 420rwhp and dont do anything else to the car. Well first you will go really fast down the straight-away but have to brake sooner because stock brakes, then going through the coner the pushes really bad because the suspension and tire are stock, and you start loosing more time,then you loose more mph down the straight(you have to get the car through the coner before getting back on the gas) then it starts all over again at the next coner. Then you get passed by a Mini!!! See my point. Like I said I think you should swap around your mod list and do the engine last. John

 

so you think it would be good just to maybe do a couple minor things like catback or full exhaust to wake it up a little and then from there on out work on suspension and brakes?

 

Yes if you want to spend some money, you could do some small stuff. Then go from there. I have a bolt on car, check my sig and it goes great. I've had enough track time now that more power is in order. Good luck John

 

Well put.