Newbie question

[Blizzard96]

Hi guys, I have a 1996 Camaro and I'd like to know how much of a difference I'd feel by adding a SLP cold air kit and a cat-back system.

By the way, what do stock 3.8L dyno at and how much would these two gain working together (more air in, more air out).

I'm also thinking of getting a HI-FLO cat, if it makes a noticeable difference. Thanks guys. [img]graemlins/wavey.gif[/img]

[SuperRat]

Those are all good mods and you'll definitely feel the difference. But, be sure your plugs, wires, and 02s are all good before spending the big bucks.
[img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[Blizzard96]

Thanks SuperRat, I just replaced my plugs less than 1k ago and the wires about 10k ago. I don't know about the 02 sensors though...

I didn't know 02 sensors would affect performance other than setting of that stupid SES light (which I need to get looked at too).

Oh yeah, not a performance mod but new tires would help traction a bit. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Jason3.4L]

O2 sensors tell the computer if it is running lean or rich. So yes the can really effect performance and fuel milage. Starting with the cold air and the cat-back is a good idea and the best place to start, but it sounds like you need tires first. If I remember right 3.8L auto is about 150-165RWHP, and manuals get 160-175RWHP.

[ November 23, 2001: Message edited by: Jason3.4L ]</p>

[zlightning]

Why would horsepower numbers be higher for a manual?

[Damien214]

Because a manual has a more efficient driveline. Figure on an average hp loss of 15% with a manual and about 20% with an auto.

[12secondv6]

SLP cold air is a great kit
As for cat backs, yo can get just a muffler and have pipes made which is really cheap, flowmaster and edlebrock are next at just under 300 bucks, then it can go up to........ tri flow at... what's the cost? $600+??? I think
BTW, welcome [img]graemlins/wavey.gif[/img]
As for dyno.
Stock is rated at 200 hp, high 150's to low 160's are expected.
I think I heard a stock auto put down 158 rwhp?
The drveline power loss difer's.
I've heard 21% for auto's and 17% for manuals.
Technicaly that dyno for an auto rated at 200 flywheel hp and a 21% driveline power loss made 158 rwhp which would confirm the 21% loss.
The true way to find out would be to dyno it on a stand out of the car and then plop it back in the car and dyno it for rwhp and then compare the #'s

[Blizzard96]

Hey thanks for the help guys. With all the rain the Bay Area has gotten this weekend I bit the bullet and got some new tires, Potenza 950s.

Next weekend (next paycheck...hehe), I'll probably get the SLP cold air and do some more HW on a catback.