I've read several threads about "gutting the airbox". Also, some of you guys have modified your airbox to allow for cooler air intake. Can you share your secrets with me? I know that the airbox seems terribly restricting. I'd like less restriction, but don't like all the noise that the cone shaped exposed K&N filters make. "They suck!" Loudly! Reminds me of the noise my '69 Chevelle made when I turned the breather cover upside down. Come on all you other old guys, you remember that trick don't you? It sounded pretty cool didn't it when that big 'ol quadrajet opened up with the breather cover turned over. What a sound! I guess I'm showing my age! When I had my '69 Chevelle, it wasn't a classic yet!
Also, I need to replace my catalytic converter. I want to do it myself. Can you recommend a good performance aftermarket cat for a 2001 SSEi that doesn't require welding and will not cause my SES light to come on?
WIth reduced intake air restriction and an increased flow through an aftermarket cat, what would be the next logical modification?
Thanks in advance guys. You guys are the coolest!! Always good advice!

if you search the forum, you can find lots of info right away. For a how to to gut the airbox look at https://www.gmforum.com/t264321/. I gutted mine and use a K&N filter. You still get a 'sucking' sound with gutting, its just not as prominent as a cone filter.

For a cat, try the Goerlich 608227 3" Goerlich Catalytic Converter OBDII 608227 - 608227. You can use clamps to install, but welding is the best.

I just have to say that you did wake up a memory of a very cool time in my life when I to had a Chevelle 70 SS and a 68 Malibu

And yes turning over the air filter cover was always the first thing to do with a V8.....ahh memories

Welcome to our Club!

Looking forward to working with you.

Todd

ZZ Performance has a nice down pipe and converter that is pretty reasonable as does Hogan Performance. It looks like ZZP is also running a deal where they give you $50 for your old converter for recycling. I have a 2000 SSEi and plan on doing a gut-job to the air box. I will photo document it and post it when I can. I have done it to all of my late models in the past, and in conjunction with a K&N filter, I have seen some pretty favorable results.

You will have to watch close what cat you use. 2000+ throw codes with some high flow cats.

What you do after you have tweaked the intake and exhaust is up to you and what you plan to do. You can do anything from performance tunning the PCM to installing a cam. If your looking for high performance the list is long. If you just looking for a little kick, you did the two main mods. You can change your thermostat to a 180, this will go along with the performance tune. One of the easiest mods is changing the stock supercharger pulley, which is a 3.8" to a 3.5". This will give you enough to feel. But you will need a pulley puller or have someone near by that has one. You must use a special puller for this.

Yeah. I've been seeing that the Magnaflow cats have been throwing codes for some people. I don't know if because of the increased flow or lack of conversion. I am currently looking for a proper down pipe w/ cat for myself. I was under the car over the weekend and noticed some yellow, sulfur-like deposits forming under the cat. My guess is that mine is TKO'ed. I'm fine with that, cuz it was going to be tossed in favor of something better anyways.

If you find a generic cat, let me know. We can go to Wittrock and have them custom weld it all up. I think I paid $50 or $100 to have that all done.

Id venture a guess that it was tighter emission tolerances programmed into the pcm.

I seem to remember the guys at the exhaust shop saying it'* something about the catalyst and not doing a good enough job. There is always the option of installing a O2 simulator. Problem solved. And the cost of that may come out to be less then paying for the correct cat.

Ok, cat, $60
ZZ Performance
And the emulator. $45
ZZ Performance

Dan,
Just looking at your profile. I've spent some time in Sheboygan. My wife'* Aunt lived there her whole life until she passed away last March. Twillah Hein. She taught school all her life. We usually visited in July. I'm a Savannah Georgia boy and can't handle that winter weather up there.
She lived in a small apartment complex right on the lake. Great place.