Camaro SS ideas?

Question

I own a 99 camaro SS and wanted to know what modifications would be the best with a budget of $1200-$1500 dollars. After doing alot of research Ive decided to go with the SLP loudmouth series 1 exhaust, any other ideas or tips would be appreciated, Thanks!

Answer 1

Ah, this is right up my alley!

I have a '99 Camaro Z28, and just spent that amount on a few things for it, so let me fill you in on some options.

1. Air Lid - Improves air flow. This is a do-it-yourself piece, and is known to add about 10-15 hp to the car by allowing the air to enter the intake more freely. Pricing varies by design/manufacturer, but should average around $100.

2. Exhaust (headers, Y-pipe, cat back, exhaust cutout) - This could be a do-it-yourself, if you like a challenge. If not, muffler shop should do it for you for a fee (of course). This setup will also add about 10-20 hp to your vehicle by allowing it to breathe more freely. This also is a huge setup for getting the most out of future mods (air flow is critical, and is the only difference between the version of the LS1 in the Camaro and the one in the Vette). All told, this setup will run about $1,000+, depending on where you buy and the brand you buy.

3. Camshaft - This will really open up your car, and show some power numbers. Most people do cam swaps with head swaps, but you can do one at a time if you like (you wouldn't be the first). It is also recommended to have headers on first, as they help the car breathe better, but that is also up to you. All told, the Cam will run about 300-500, and should be around $1500 after labor and tuning. The power gains are dependent on how aggressive the cam is, but can produce a solid 75-100+ hp.

I could go on forever, but I'll stop at that and point you to the message boards. These are very valuable tools. You can learn some of the shortcuts to the do-it-yourself tasks, and learn about what parts work better (and which are absolute junk).

www.ls1tech.com

Just click on the sub-forums and read some of the stickied items. VERY good info there from many people who have been there/done that with about every mod you can think up.

If you want to know anything else, email me. I'd be happy to help out with anything I know.

PS - The tuners (Hypertech, and the so-called "Performance Chips") won't do anything to help your car, so save your money. (I own a Hypertech for my '94 Z28, and I've used it once. The car is over 700 hp, and the Hypertech did nothing to help that number.

Answer 2

I'm assuming you have an LS1 under the hood. The SS already comes from the factory with an upgraded air intake and exhaust, so you won't see much gain from an aftermarket setup.

You could add a Hypertech - HyperPack for about $800. This will give you about 26 HP and 54 ft lbs torque @ 5000 rpm. You can adjust your rev limiter and speed limiter. ( A new muffler and air cleaner alone won't make your car go any faster than the factory set limit in the computer ). You can also adjust your transmission shift points and firmness. Look for HyperTech part number 83006. It can be purchased through the Summit Racing web site. Look for Summit item number HYP-83006

With the money you have left over, you could add a dry nitrous system. They sell for from $300 - $500. This will give you from 50 - 100 additional HP.

They can both be installed in a weekend and keep you within your budget.

Answer 3

Since $1200-$1500 probably isn't enough for a true supercharger or turbo kit, visit http://www.electricsupercharger.com/index.html
They sell 1-1.7psi electric superchargers that fit almost any vehicle and cost about $300-$600 and boost up to 15% overall HP. I believe your Camaro has about 310HP, which means you could expect to see up to about a 46 HP gain. Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

Answer 4

For the most amount of added hp. add a performance chip. They run around $450.00. Add a K&N air cleaner and go get em.

Answer 5

in that price range, intake and exhaust would be the best bang for your buck. perhaps a superchip.

pretty fast car already too. thats a great car to make even faster.

Answer 6

IF YOUR UPGRADING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM YOU SHOULD ALSO UPGRADE THE AIR FILTER SYTEM TO A LESS RESTRICTIVE SYSTEM IN ADDITION LOOK AT CHIPS FOR THE COMPUTER YOU SHOULD SEE SOME HORSEPOWER GAIN WITH JUST THE EXHAUST BUT TO REALLY SEE MORE YOU NEED TO UPGRADE THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM YOU'LL SEE BETTER THROTTLE RESPONSE

Answer 7

How 'bout underdrive pulleys to free-up another 15 hp.