Which aftermarket products are really "worth it" for my Automatic 02 Camaro Z28?

Question

Whats your opinion of:
Reprogrammers? Exhaust? K&N intakes and such?
Do you have to use certain products in conjunction with others to get real gains?
If you had a $1000-$1500 budget, where would you put your money?

Answer 1

what ever you do, do up grades the enhance each other, a good starting point would be the exhaust and intake. $1500 should get most of the exhaust done, but it all depends on what you by.

Answer 2

Don't waste your money on the programmers. No one uses them anymore, as there are better options available now. If you have a budget of $1000-1500, I'd suggest this setup:

SLP Lid ($93)
K&N Air Filter ($50)
Pacesetter Longtube Headers ($375)
Pacesetter Y-Pipe and O2 sensors ($235)
QTP Electric Cutout ($185)

Total Parts Cost: $938 + Shipping
Just add labor on the Header/Y-Pipe/Cutout install.

http://www.ls1speed.com/index.cfm

I suggest this for two main reasons. First, the Camaro's LS1 engine has restricted air flow from the factory. They did this to keep the Camaro slower than the flagship vehicle, the Corvette (same engine). So freeing up air flow adds power, and with this setup, you should free up about 30-40 hp (being conservative here). Second, this is a good basis for future mods. Increasing the air flow with this setup will allow you to get all the power possible out of future mods.

Hope that helps. Email me if you have any more questions on this. I've done tons of research on these cars, and own two myself.

Answer 3

I would say start with a free flowing intake and exhaust, thats the best place to start, if you want to spend a little justa K&N filter and a cat-back system. If you want to spend a little more go the cold air intake system and a full exhaust including headers. Thats usually the best and first step toward building up any car.

Answer 4

you got it all...chip .intake, and exaust...make sure reprogramer has shift adjuster..lower temp thermostate should come with chip[ 165 to replace your 185.] after that get some rear gears. in the 355 to 390 range. if u just want a burst of speed a 100 hp nitrous is hard to beat. but its h ell on parts

Answer 5

For simplicity I'd go with a K&N air filter and a Hypertech programmer.You'll be finished in half an hour and having fun.

Answer 6

In my opinion i would say a high flow exhaust system. It frees up some horsepower and make your engine sound bad @ss.