Hi everyone, I just purchased an 02 Z28 and was wondering what the best engine mods would be for a college kid who would like to get the best performance with a limited budget. I was thinking about long tube headers, flowmaster exhaust and an air intake system. I am not very knowledgable about cars, so any input from more experienced people would be appreciated.
Thank you.

 

headers are good ($650)
intake parts are good too - lid/filter ($150) ram air ($200)
flowmaster...not so good...try magnaflow ($350)
if you're going to race it at the strip...wheels/drag radials ($500)

12 second Z28 for $1850

 

Skip the rechargeable filter with questionable power gains and use a paper filter that you know will keep contaminents out of your engine.

All lids are basically the same. I have a Direct-Flo I paid $75 for and am satisfied with.

As far as exhaust systems are concerned, sound is all up to you, but the SLP Loudmouth and TSP Rumbler flow the best and probably make the most power due to their straight-through designs. www.ls1sounds.com

If you want to get the best 1/4-mile times from your car, learn to drive it at the track first and practice, and then invest in modifications.

 

My advise,(if you aren't in BFE) check local boards or your local f-body club for USED stuff. My whole exhaust set up all installed was ~$750. Thats headers, Y w/hi-flo cats and a 4" mufflex cat back. You could also just stick with the stock exhaust and put a cut-out for a nice 10 hp gain and make it quiet when you want to be stealthy.

For intake, do a lid and FRA. Skip the smooth bellows and any MAF stuff. Ram air set ups will give you less than .1 sec reductions in ET, IMO not worth the price unless you find an inexpensive used one.

Spend the money on decent tires so you can put the power down and again you can find used suspension parts to help traction also.

As I tell all newbies, get subframe connectors...unless you like to listen to rattles.

And what SFB said...practice!!!

Oh, to help you with shifting, you can get a short stick for under $30. Not as good as an aftermarket shifter, but better than stock. (Don't know if you have an A4 or M6)
If you have an auto, save up for a nice converter. You'll be glad you did.

 

And don't forget the skip shift eliminator for the M6.
You didn't specify tranny.

 

well to give you an idea check out my list of mods.. i started out just like you and now im mid-high 12's daily driver for just over a grand.. not to bad imo