Best N/A mods for around $500
02-25-2007, 01:40 PM
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Originally Posted by clm2112
Originally Posted by Nashville Cowboy
Chip or tuner, and what would I alter with the tuner (just shift points?) and would any alterations with a tuner hurt the engine at all? I've read that a richer mix has no impact on the cars because the computer will just re-mix it to the proper levels so there'* no way to trick it.
Good, simple mods like T-stats and air filters let the motor run a little better and cooler. Usually they fall into the range of what the PCM thinks is "Normal" for the motor. Occasionally they put the motor outside the range of what the stock map thinks is normal (And GM'* ideal of "good" includes a mixture that is on the lean side for emissions purposes) so a little alteration to the fuel and ignition tables is in order to take advantage of the changes made to the motor.
More intensive mods like headers, cams, cylinder head work, etc, if done right, can really increase the airflow into the motor and do need alterations to the PCM to get the most out of them.
So, while the car is under warranty, now is the time to see what the car is doing in near stock trim, so you'll have a better understanding of what'* going to happen when you make changes. Even a stock PCM'* software can be altered to pick up a little bit on a stock motor. The software was written for an "Average" production motor...not your specific example of the type.
02-26-2007, 02:38 PM
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Sounds like a new thermostat and FWI are deffinates along with a performance PCM as a prerequisite to a cam and rockers.
Are some PCM modules better than others, any recomendations/prices? Any idea what kind of difference I'd see with a FWI, thermostat and PCM alone?
Most of what I'm reading says that I'm best to stick with the stock exhaust and the only mod that would really help is a high flow cat to replace the stock one.
Oh, and how do I tell what gearing I have?
Are some PCM modules better than others, any recomendations/prices? Any idea what kind of difference I'd see with a FWI, thermostat and PCM alone?
Most of what I'm reading says that I'm best to stick with the stock exhaust and the only mod that would really help is a high flow cat to replace the stock one.
Oh, and how do I tell what gearing I have?
02-26-2007, 10:09 PM
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I think that makes logical sense also, but I'm deffinatly not speaking from any experience there. If I do a new cam or rockers though, those require more mods right?
02-26-2007, 10:43 PM
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Well a cam is going to be pretty much your budget or more just for installation, so I'm guessing thats out of the question.
I'm not sure how much someone would charge for rockers. Maybe just hand around for a while, read some of the more technical threads to get more familiar with the engine and try the install yourself later.
You don't have to change any hard parts when you do either an ER or 1.8 rocker install. ERs are the more optimum rocker setup. Your tuning will be a little off but not nearly as off as if you went with a cam. It will run fine but adjusting the fuel and spark accordingly will optimize it.
How about try a 180 thermostat, intake, and highflow cat for now. Get more familiar with the engine and do rockers and pems later and eventually a pcm.
I'm not sure how much someone would charge for rockers. Maybe just hand around for a while, read some of the more technical threads to get more familiar with the engine and try the install yourself later.
You don't have to change any hard parts when you do either an ER or 1.8 rocker install. ERs are the more optimum rocker setup. Your tuning will be a little off but not nearly as off as if you went with a cam. It will run fine but adjusting the fuel and spark accordingly will optimize it.
How about try a 180 thermostat, intake, and highflow cat for now. Get more familiar with the engine and do rockers and pems later and eventually a pcm.
02-26-2007, 10:47 PM
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makes sense, looks like I need a new thermostat anyways. Would going to a 180 degree thermostat affect the climate control for the inside of the car?
Also, would adding a throttle body space do any good? I saw them for the Grand Prixs.
Also, would adding a throttle body space do any good? I saw them for the Grand Prixs.
02-26-2007, 10:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Nashville Cowboy
makes sense, looks like I need a new thermostat anyways. Would going to a 180 degree thermostat affect the climate control for the inside of the car?
Also, would adding a throttle body space do any good? I saw them for the Grand Prixs.
Also, would adding a throttle body space do any good? I saw them for the Grand Prixs.
It may take a little longer for the car to heat up so the heater wouldn't work as well right away. Colder climates see this more often.
The Throttle Body Spacer is a gimmick at best. Its' idea is right, But it'* just about the worst way to do it.
02-26-2007, 11:00 PM
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TB spacer is a gimmick, and it'* idea isn't right. That works in a TB injected application where the spacer is below the TB injectors. It doesn't work at all in multi-port, other than to provide a location for N2 or WI nozzles. It'* of no benefit whatsoever on any of our FI engines. Lengthening your intake pipe would provide the same effect, if there were any benefit.
02-26-2007, 11:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Damemorder
Bill, I suggest you take a step back and consider your position. You're bashing me now.
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...603&highlight=
You know damned well that a TB spacer is meant to cool the intake temps. You saying that'* not a good idea?
Don't expect me to be proud of your work. Go ahead and be proud of yourself to your hearts' content.
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...603&highlight=
You know damned well that a TB spacer is meant to cool the intake temps. You saying that'* not a good idea?
Don't expect me to be proud of your work. Go ahead and be proud of yourself to your hearts' content.