First off I want to say whats up to every one on the forum because I am new to it. I just bought a 97 Z28 A4 60000 miles, Borla Exhaust, 17 inch Cragar SS rims, Cooper Zeon 2XS 275/40/17, Mass Air Flow Sensor, and the Air/Fuel Ratio has been changed(have no idea what that means and does). Right now I just want to do a few performance mods and then probably suspension. Im only 17 years old and wont be able to afford any huge mods. I know your probably thinking what a spoiled brat, his mommy and daddy bought him that car, but thats not true. I bought the car my self and have worked my *** off for it. But anyways I just need some of you camaro experts to help me out with making this faster so I can beat my friends LS1.

I was even wondering about some maintenance things.
-Like whats best oil to use? Synthetic Blend, Full Synthetic, Mobil 1, Penzoil, etc?
-And I always see them Fuel Injector Cleaner bottles at Auto Zone, do them things really work. ex. (http://www.stp.com/fuel_complete.html)

-Things I can do to help get better gas mileage

I just want my car to run as good as it can and make sure I keep up on all the maintenance things. I feel like I am overwhelming you guys with questions So I im just gonna shutup and post this already.

Any help will be appreciated and thanks for your time.

 

Affordable performance mods. are as follows:
1.6 roller rockers
cold air induction kit
electric water pump
headers/y-pipe
mail-order pcm tune
lower control arms
panhard rod
shocks/struts
gears
converter
the list can go on..
As for oil, I use Mobil 1 syn. and I don't use the fuel system treatments, sometimes they can be more harmful then good. I just run the name brand 93 octane gas and call it a day. Also, use the "search" button in the upper right part of the screen. It will dig up previous posts and can go more in depth to alot of these mods. that are listed and give you further ideas and directions towards your car.

 

simple things like making sure the car is well tuned up will do wonders for gas milage.

maybe spend the $16 and get some new plugs
few bucks on a new fuel filter

not sure what to make of your "air fuel ratio has been changed" statement.

that could be BS or it could mean that there was some kind of tune done. but that requires the actual programming in the computer to be altered. or it could just be a BS way of saying they put something like a hand held programmer on it. which could be doing more harm than good.

for good suspension mods definately look into lower control arms and sway bars. the LCAs will help keep the wheels planted when you step on it hard, and the sway bars will reduce body roll in corners.

 

I'm also a 17 yr old who bought my car, pays for everything (insurance gas maintenence ect) and so far with my limited extra cash I've bought SLP loudmouth exhaust (you got a cat back already), pacesetter LT headers, 3" y pipe, hi flow cats, computer tune, low temp thermostat, short throw shifter, new plugs and plug wires,and an intake.
as far as oil, Mobil 1 is good
if you do use fuel injector cleaner, go with Blaster FIC
basically all of my mods helped gas mileage. exhaust will increase flow to get a gain in HP and mileage. same with better flowing intake. the cooler temp a car runs at, the more efficient it runs (better HP and mileage) New plugs and wires will help too.
So keep her well lubed up, and running clean, and she'll treat ya well.

 

Well I appreciate your guys help so far. Im finally starting to learn some **** from doing so much research and from you guys. Just hard to figure out whats best because everyone has different opinions. Just wondering where you guys buy your parts from? Websites? Ebay? Local Stores? If you could drop a few good sites, it would be greatly appreciated and save lots of time surfin the net. Thanks

 

I don,t believe anyone buys thier parts from just one vendor. I use the internet and some parts I buy used and we have a speed shop in town where I can get all my old school hot rod stuff. Opinions vary and what works good for one person may not be right for you.
So keep doing your research and it will help you make an informed decision on which direction you want to go, I.E. drag racing, road racing, show car, late night street racer, etc.
I have my car setup for straight line drag racing which is what trips my trigger.

 

Check out the supporting vendors on this board. They are all LT1/LS1 specific so they have just about everything to cater to your needs. Also, the Parts for Sale forum is where you can buy new or used parts from other members on this board and save some money.

 

I just cleaned my fuel injectors yesterday and I used GM Top Engine Cleaner. You use 10% top engine cleaner and 90% gas. Then you disable your fuel pump and disconnect your fuel pressure regulator and let your can run on that mixture. Then you put in a bottle og GM fuel treatment in your gas tank to finish the cleaning off. I took my car for test drive down the interstate and I could feel the difference. my car hasn't ran this good for a couple of years. BTW there was some nasty carbon build up coming out of my exhaust.