This is probly been done alot buy i did search, and the terms are too commen so its of little help

My car is stock and i have 200-300 to spend on my first mod. Im looking for 300 RWHP as my end goal, without using nitrous or turbos since i dont want engine damage.

I was thinking eather a CAI or DMH electronic cutout first. What should i get with the money and how much power will it give?

 

A CAI and cutout would be a great start. After those two, free up the exhaust more with some headers, preferably Long Tube. After those three mods you'll be nudgin close to that 300RWHP mark.

 

do cai, cat-back, gears , all fairly cheap imo.

 

Well, my 2 cents is a cold air kit would be good,,but don't get the slp cold air kit. I've got it and haven't been happy with it, PITA to get it in and out when you work on the car. Crappy design. That should give you an extra 5-8 hp.

 

Gears, intake, exhaust

 

I want to avoid gears since its going to be more a daily driver rather then racing all the time. I dont lik it reving real high just crusing around.

So the very first thing i should do is CAI? If not SLP, then which one should i go with?

 

The Moroso or K&N CAI kits look good. I've got the SLP, too, and it sure is a PITA when you need to take it out. It looks good because the tubes are all painted, but I certainly think the design could have been much better.

After the CAI, keep in mind long tubes and a cutout. Cutout if you wish, but just consider that the fumes & sound may be annoying after a while, especially if it's mounted right under the driver's/passenger side. Be sure to get the car tuned when all your mods are done.

Good luck!

 

cai,catback and headers

 

CAI first. K&N is great. Then LT's and cutout or catback. Or both. Then like JoeCool said, get it tuned. I dynoed mine before LT's after LT's and then after a tune. I got just as much HP from the tune, because I had it complimented with headders.

 

i also would do exhaust work. edelbrock headers are about 300 bucks. you could buy a k&n stock size and cut the airbox open. i read about that here about 2 years ago. it breathes nice and it is easy to see when to recharge it.

 

My first mod was the FIPK but if i knew then what i know now i would have went with a catback or cutout first.. cutouts are usually under $100 installed. If you have a 6 speed car then get a shifter! Definitely ranks up top with the best money i have spend on my car.

 

CAI, Throttle Bypass (free), Cutout.

CAI, 10hp
TB, 5hp
cutout, 15?


roughly 30hp. hmmm for under 300 dollars? not bad huh?


Marvin

 

 

honestly some of the best money i have spent was upgrading my ignition system to msd 6a and blaster coil plus new plugs and wires
that comes in at right around the 300 mark and out of the things ive done all that at once gave me the biggest SOTP feel

 

On LS1Tech.com's LT1 forum, there is a thread with a list of good first mods. All of the above are good decisions, I would suggest the CAI first. I have the K&N one, and it works really well and is easy to take care of. I also have additional ignition stuff, but that is not really a first mod because wiring can get hairy and be a pain in the butt.