1999 z28 performance upgrades

[shredswithpiks]

Had my completely stock z28 for a couple weeks now...

looking to see what mods I could start looking forward to.

anyone have some advice on things to start out on? (preferrably stuff in the < $1k range)... oh, I already picked up an electronic shift-improver kit. It was free, but old stock. The paperwork says it's good for the auto tranny up to 1998, but is there a difference in the 99 that would make it incompatable? (just wondering... before I hook it up.)

I was thinking custom mandrel (SP!?) bent cat-back... but it would be better to save up for a true-dual exhaust with headers and everything, right?

-Paul

[ridge_runner]

yea exhaust is a good step, you could also get a cold air intake, and get your computer reprogrammed, msd ignition, and intake

[shredswithpiks]

cat-back or true dual? what's the real difference in performance... my father has a friend that builds hot-rods and he said "not much,"

and where's the best place to look for intake parts? all I can find on jegs are a ram air intake for corvettes

[Chevyracincamaro]

intake and exhaust are the first you wanna do. true dual isnt really practical on the f-bodies because of how the brake/fuel lines are run, so you'll be lookin for a cat-back. now youre going to ask which cat-back. thats debatable (no really we've done it like eight times). magnaflow is alright for the eight but not preferable, slp loudmouth is good but not great, borla is great but not awsome, and the gmmg skips awsome and jumps right into sexy...

slp has a cold air setup that works well and i know that you can find ram air setups for the f-bodies. im sure someone will throw up some sites, but definitely check in on ebay cause it does wonders...

[wookiesZ28]

Originally Posted by Chevyracincamaro

intake and exhaust are the first you wanna do. true dual isnt really practical on the f-bodies because of how the brake/fuel lines are run, so you'll be lookin for a cat-back. now youre going to ask which cat-back. thats debatable (no really we've done it like eight times). magnaflow is alright for the eight but not preferable, slp loudmouth is good but not great, borla is great but not awsome, and the gmmg skips awsome and jumps right into sexy...

slp has a cold air setup that works well and i know that you can find ram air setups for the f-bodies. im sure someone will throw up some sites, but definitely check in on ebay cause it does wonders...

Well said, cept I'm getting the Corsa exhaust which I can't wait to put on Intakes are pretty straight forward on the LS1 camaros..pretty much all you can get is the SLP ram air, and an air lid, the smooth bellows doesn't do much, and the MAF isn't worth anything until you put more into your engine. Otherwise you'll have to start making a custom intake (more power to ya)! Everyone I talk to says a good exhaust is the MAC headers and y-pipe, then a good catback, but I am agreeing with chevyracincamaro. Don't go with shorty's either, they don't add a whole lot to the car, it's a waste of money unless you get them dirt cheap.

shift kit, if you have the a4, rear end gears..don't go over 3.73 with the a4 if it's a daily driver..4.11 is good with the manual on the street/track. and DEFINATELY, I REPEAT, DEFINATELY get subframe connectors. I've heard nothing but good things about them and everyone says to get it done FIRST. It stiffens up the car a LOT. stops rattles in the car, better traction, handling, everything. Which brand I'm not too sure, I haven't yet done it I'm new with the camaro and have just researched a lot. Square tubes are stiffer, but hard to find weld on square tubes. weld-ons are stiffer than bolt on, but I'm hesitant for some reason, guess I'm a puss. www.rksport.com has a good set of subframe connectors for 245.00. Not to mention more suspension and other parts that are great.including your shift kit, exhaust, thermostat, fan switch, air lid, ram air, and more, get the free catalog. but find a mechanic you can trust and watch him if you don't do it yourself. I heard bad stories about upgrades. www.installuniversity.com has a lot of information on upgrades, and a story on his connector install.

Then there's more..keep on going with cam/head kit, NOS maybe (I'm afraid of the stuff though), Supercharger is almost pointless because it's so expensive, but vtech makes a good kit for 6,000 with everything you need. 12 bolt rearend, more suspension, better flowing intake manifold, throttle body, plugs, wires, it keeps going on and on.

There's a ton of good sites out there for parts, but ebay has a lot of the parts cheapest, maybe used though. good luck with your planning and welcome to the LS1 club And I'm sure I left a lot out but you guys will help along. also.. www.camaroz28.com is a great site!