Got exhaust and intake, now what?

[Alexcab7]

I have the Flowmaster 80 Series Muffler and the SLP CAI and I was wondering if anyone knew a good thing to get after that and about how much it would cost. I am only a high school student so I do not have a whole lot of money.

[John_D.]

gears / lsd. (if you don't have 3.42's and lsd already) I haven't priced them, because I already had them. Probably $200-400 including install.

nitrous... $520

cooler thermostat and fan switch. $20

[ November 04, 2002: Message edited by: John_D. ]</p>

[Alexcab7]

I heard to get a cooler thermostat you have to get a hypertech chip or something. Is that true or can you just go buy a lower temp thermo and replace it with the old one?

[John_D.]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Alexcab7:
I heard to get a cooler thermostat you have to get a hypertech chip or something. Is that true or can you just go buy a lower temp thermo and replace it with the old one?<hr></blockquote>

Stock is 195 degrees. You can go with a 180 or a 160.

With a 160, the newer f-bodies (2000+ I believe) set a code, kick on both fans, and the gauge stops working.

Your '96 should not have that problem.

Some people say the 160 is too much. Some say it's just right. I did the 180 personally. Supposedly at 160, the pcm is on the verge of running in cold enrichment mode.

Without a fan switch, even with the 160 thermostat, you will typically run a little hotter than 160 anyway. Especially when sitting still.

In cold weather, the heater may not run as hot with the 160.

With either one, a fan switch is needed in hot weather, in order to get the full benefit.

[QuicksilverRS]

The question, Alex, is: What do you want to do with your car? Are you looking for drag strip performance, street performance, Autocross performance or just a show car? There are hundreds of things you CAN do, but what do you want to get out of it?

The fan switch really is a waste for most people. I have one because a friend made me one cheap, but truth be told, it's just for show. The 160 thermo has helped my car run a lot cooler. I've noticed NO difference in the heater, but again I wouldn't spend the $20 if your just looking for a show car. I actually just waited until my original thermo went out and replaced it with the cooler one (somehow it's easier to justify the cost that way). It might behoove you to look at an aluminum driveshaft next. A WORLD of difference on the 3.8s. I loved mine when I first got it.

I would also have to say the most overlooked aspect, and yet one of the most important ones, by people just starting out is suspension work. Getting a piece at a time and building up your suspension is slow, but worth it if you're going for performance in the long run. Too many inexperienced people jump straight for an exhaust system and such before looking at what they're going to strap it all to. Without a solid car that can transfer the power to the ground, what good is all that extra power?

Just a thought. So, answer what you're looking to do first and then we'll have a better idea of what to tell you.

Ryan

[Alexcab7]

Well I am not exactly sure what I want to do. My car has a lot of miles on it so I do not want to put too many major modifications on it. I just want to be able to make my car pretty quick and maybe go down to some local drag strips and just race some people for fun and be able to keep up. I was considering an aluminum drive shaft but thats like $1000 dollars and I do not have that kind of money to invest in my car. Thanks for all the ideas I will keep them all in mind. Also I was wondering what suspension work you were taling about. I have a 96 Camaro RS, so I guess that comes with the Y87 package and I thought it came with sport suspension. Thanks for your help.

[Alexcab7]

I also have one more question, do all Camaro RS's come with the Y87 package and if not how do I find out if mine has it?

[Alexcab7]

Alex you are obvious a complete idiot. Dont you know anything about cars? What kind of car is it. I hope its not some piece of crap 1996 version. RS. Dont even bother posting stuff anymore.


Charles

[QuicksilverRS]

Well, we have a few things to discuss here.

First of all: Aluminum Driveshaft = $1000? who told you this? Whoever it was is smoking crack. Take a look at a few websites, my friend. RKsport, who I personally don't recommend, but has some good deals from time to to time sells an aluminum driveshaft for $395, that comes a little under a grand for the mathmatically impared out there.

Secondly, the "Y87" package. From what I remember that was dubbed the "Performance Handling Package" to the layman if and when he purchased it. This meant the car came with a limited slip diff, dual outs on the muffler (whoppee), 3.42 gears and a faster steering ratio. It's the fastest...or was the fastest anyway...V6 camaro GM made. I bought a '97 RS with this package on it and the upgrades I'm saying you should make to your suspension have nothing to do with what is on that package.

I'm talking about things like your Lower Control Arms, Panhard Rod, Shock Tower Brace, Subframe Connectors, etc. The LCAs and Panhard that came stock are stamped sheetmetal and very flimsy. The other two things I mentioned aren't even on your car stock. [img]smile.gif[/img] These all help tighten up the car and in the end help keep the power on the ground where it belongs instead of spinning your wheels and causing body flex. I've noticed it harder to spin the tires and better launches with these "little" additions to my car. And you don't even have to go terribly expensive. Look at my signature. I have all BMR tubular stuff. Really sturdy and a good price.

Just some thoughts...any other questions?

Ryan

[Loochy88]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by John_D.:
gears / lsd. (if you don't have 3.42's and lsd already) I haven't priced them, because I already had them. Probably $200-400 including install.

nitrous... $520

cooler thermostat and fan switch. $20

[ November 04, 2002: Message edited by: John_D. ]<hr></blockquote>

i went that route minus the nitrous, and im very happy with the results