I am intrested in Modding my 97 z28. The car is stock right now and has been for all of the 87,000 miles that are on it. I am just looking for any suggestions as to were I should start. Motor? Suspension? Brakes?

Im new to this and am not sure want Im doing.

 

Cold air intake is a great first mod. About $200 new. You can feel the difference. Then I would do a catback/muffler.

 

super simple equation makes life easy..

If you are low on traction, get suspension.

If you have tons of traction, add power..

Keep going back and forth and you will meet your goals.

I find most cars have ample power initially but little means to make use of that power. If you were to hook then more of your power can be used and thus your car will get better times.

I would look into:
Airbag for right rear spring
Torque arm bushing (unless you want an aftermarket adjustable torque arm)
Lower Control Arms
Panhard Rod
Tires

Then after I have traction, I would add:
CAI (SLP makes a Stainless Steel unit that will take ICE very well)
Underdrive Pulley (ASP makes the largest underdrive at 34%)

From there go crazy and make the right mods for your cars future..
My LT1 was going to be a sleeper so it got heads and roller rockers. Huge improvement. (it spun a bearing 300miles into my break in and was traded for my LS1)

 

I would start with exhaust.. get a cat-back and some headers.

Then I would put in a CAI

Then gears IMO

Can't go wrong with that direction

 

I'd go suspension first like weld in SFCs and tubular LCAs and an adj. torque arm. Then tires and a CAI and cat back and gears. That's pretty good for starters and you can build from there.

 

power is worthless if its not getting to the ground!!

Just keep that in mind and your dollars will be well spent!

 

Motor---- CAI and Cat-back exhaust -- Cost 450+

Suspension--- LCAs, Strut tower bar, Sub frame connectors-- Cost 350+

 

Address the areas where you feel the car needs improvement most. I'd suggest a stiffer front swaybar and subframe connectors, and a shift light and CAGS eliminator if its a 6 speed. Brake improvements are definitely a good idea too.

 

Agree with all the posts, get your car to breath better and eliminate back pressure, then work on ignition and fuel delivery, PCM programming. Start with a CAI. First place I started and U will notice a difference, you can even hear you engine sucking air instead of gasping...

 

What are your goals?

A cold air intake is good for almost anything.
headers and a cat back are also good for almost anything.
If it is a manual, a short throw shifter is mandatory.


If you like to turn corners, go for suspension mods.
If you like to go to the track once in awhile get some drag radials and/or gears, and/or torque converter and tranny cooler. Lightweight rims always help too.

 

If you are interested in taking the Z to the dragstrip, your first mod should be some drag radials.