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K&N air filter with homemade air induction
- The homemade air induction kit made a big difference with the K&N
stock air filter replacement. Making the kit was simple - I simply replaced
the crimped air intake with a 4" dryer hose. The first time I took
the car out, I hit the rev limiter a couple times at the top of second
gear. I could definitely feel a lot more power in the upper RPM range.
A trip to the track knocked a couple tenths off my times. My quickest ET
was 14.051 @ 97.71, and my top MPH was 14.149 @ 98.02. A trip to the track
in the cold October weather netted a 13.891 @ 98.61, which a partly attribute
to the 50-degree weather. I had to remove the homemade kit, because the
hose kept cracking where the hood would close on it. |
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TPIS throttle body air foil - Not much
of a noticeable gain, if any. The intent is to smooth the air flow into
the throttle body. I wouldn't recommend one, unless the car his highly
modified. And in that case, you'll probably have a larger throttle body,
with an air foil already built in. I've removed and sold mine. |
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K&N Filtercharger Performance Kit -
Not a real big improvement over the dryer hose, but at least I didn't have
to worry about the hose cracking. Installation was fairly simple, although
the filter clamp was a little tough to get at. I highly recommend the
K&N FIPK - it's fairly inexpensive at around $200, and will knock 2
to 3 tenths off your ET's. |
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Pacesetter TFX Katback exhaust - A very
nice cat-back exhaust system for those who can't afford the $600 Borla
and B&B Triflow systems. Of course, you get what you pay for. The Borla
and B&B are stainless, and will last a lifetime. The aluminzed TFX
may only last a few years, but I'm still happy with it. It has a nice rumble,
although it's not too loud at wide-open throttle. I believe I've netted
about 10 horsepower at the top end. The biggest seat-of-the-pants gain
comes at about 25-30 mph, when I nail the throttle. It feels great! My
quickest 1/4 mile e.t. is now down to a best of 13.747 @ 99.53 with a 1.997
60', with a top speed of 13.782 @ 99.90. (Note: I've had the system a little over three years now, and it is starting to rust out.) |
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MAC subframe connectors - A
must for t-top F-bodies. Stiffens up the unibody frame, smoothing out rattles,
t-top squeaks, and allows you to take those corners a bit faster. These
are well worth the money spent, I am happy with mine. |
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Taylor 8mm wires - I finally changed my
plugs (AC Rapidfire #3) and wires at 64,000 miles. Although they're supposed
to be good for 100,000 miles, I noticed a big improvement throughout the
powerband. I don't think I gained any top-end power, but it definitely
pulls stronger throughout. |
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TransGo shift kit - In addition to extending the life of your transmission, the TransGo shift kit also increases performance. I used all three washers, and like the hard shifts. I had tried two washers, but the 1-2 shift was still a little sloppy. Besides, I kinda like how the tires bark on the 1-2 shift. |
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1LE Front Swaybar - Many have recommended the 1LE front swaybar to stiffen the front end a little. I also installed the Energy Suspension endlinks and bushings. I did not really notice much difference, although I can hold my own during the Fall Cruise. |
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ATR 3" Catback Exhaust - The Pacesetter exhaust finally rusted out, after 3 1/2 years of year-round driving in Wisconsin. This time, I decided to go with an all-stainless steel exhaust system that would last as long as the car. The ATR is reasonably priced, and has the look I wanted with two large tips straight out the back, one on each side. The car definitely pull harder, especially in the upper RPM range. It is also louder, and has a very nice rumble. While fitment was a problem on my car, it seems that most fit very nicely. |
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Camaro SS 5-spoke 17" Wheels - In early spring 2003, I purchased a set of these wheels from a fellow ChicagoLand list member. Definitely one of my favorite additions to the car. I really like the looks of these wheels, and cornering performance has increased substantially. |
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BMR Fabrication Shock Tower Brace - At the beginning of the spring cruise 2004, I installed a BMR strut tower brace. It definitely tightened up the front end, it feels very tight going into a turn. However, now the rear tends to slide out during sharp turns, so I'll need to install aftermarket lower control arms and a more solid panhard bar. |
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Jensen MP5720 MP3 Player - In the fall of 2004, my stock CD player finally quit working. For awhile, it would sometimes "lock" into a certain volume/radio station/CD, and would stay at that setting regardless of what buttons I pushed or even if I turned it off. Turning the ignition off was the only way to get it to shut off! So I replaced it with this open-box unit from Cardomain.com. It comes with a remote, and of course can play MP3 files. The sound is decent, it will work fine for my purposes. (See 'Pictures' for actual installed photos.) |
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Spohn Lower Control Arms and Panhard Bar - In the spring of 2005, I upgraded some of the suspension with Spohn lower control arms and a panhard bar. |