Again, bigger isn't always better. Port velocity plays a major role in making power in an engine. A wider port can slow down the velocity of the incoming air and reduce the engine's ability to pack the cylinders with air.

 

Ok...this is all wonderful information. Thank you all!

So, the only mods I have are a Borla exhaust, K&N filter, and TB bypass. What would you suggest I do next? LT headers? I'll look into the whole ram-air improvement too.

Please offer your suggestions on what I should do next?

Thanks

J

BTW, it's an M6.

 

I was talking about how his buddy said skip all the little stuff that doesnt matter and go straight for heads and cam. How that is incorrect in that you need the little stuff to make the big stuff work.

 

Yeah, more air in doesn't help much if the engine can't exhale as well.

Get some decent headers and a new y pipe (catless if you don't have to worry about emissions) and while you're doing that, change your plugs and wires cause there won't be anything in the way. Um... if the car is a 96-97 model with OBD2 you will probably need O2 sims or you will have to get the computer reflashed to ignore the secondary O2 sensors if you go without cats.

Oh yeah, you might want to look into a short throw shifter for your M6, I love my B&M, but I wish I had held out for the Pro 5.0. Oh well.

 

Chris, thanks for the info. I have been pricing some LT's and I like what I hear about Jet-Hots. I'm still a little confused with the emissions portion. I live in IL, where there is now emissions testing, but people also talk about visual inspections... I'm not sure what to do.

I am also looking at the 5.0 shifter with a Lou's Short Stick. I've heard lots of positive things about the combo.

I have a Borla exhuast already; would it sound good with LT's? Maybe I should search for a sound clip!

J

 

If you have to pass emissions, go ahead and invest in a good high flow cat (or pair of cats for 96-97). You can have the muffler shop build them into the Y pipe. I believe Random technologies sells them for a reasonable price, but I haven't checked in a while. This way you will pass emissions and you should be able to reuse the secondary O2's without modifying the computer or purchasing sims. As far as your exhaust note, it will probably get a little deeper and a bit louder with the LTs.

 

DOH! I meant "where there is NO emissions testing! I need to read my posts before I hit the reply button!

 

In that case order yourself a set of longtubes without EGR tubes, and get a Ypipe made up at a muffler shop to connect to your borla catback. With no emissions you dont need cats, dont need EGR, and can put as big of a cam as you wish in it.

 

My only suggestion, if you have deep pockets, is:

STRAP ON AN IRON LUNG (Forced induction)

This is of course if you do the rest of the suggestions.. Did anyone mention to p&p the intake manifold? What good is being choked by a 48mm stock TB?(might be wrong there) So what about a new TB?? 58mm can't be too bad when you are forcing it in..(Or not) Just my tard opnion here so please don't beat my head in for opening my mouth

 

The stock throttlebody should be sufficient for a simple heads and cam swap. As far as the "iron lung theory", it's not the best idea unless you're prepared to do a full rebuild. Boost and stock (cast) pistons don't play well together. I'm just waiting for the day that mine gives up the ghost. Till then, I'm still having fun with it.

 

HAHA.. I guess I was thinking with my foot again.. Sorry about that..

 

but if u try to explain that to someone that doesnt understand much, u got some explaining to do

but yeah, good point...

 

Lucy, you got some splaining to do...

I usually think with one head, or the other. Usually get in trouble using either.

 

You guys crack me up!

So, I'll look into getting some LT's and a Y pipe. Now, there is a lot of talk about "true duals." Is it better for me to go for something like that or keep moving forward with this plan? Could I put a cut-out on the suggested setup? Would it sound ok? Would I see a power gain? Questions, questions, questions...

Thanks to all!

PS. What's the scoop on upgrading the waterpump?

 

You can do true duals, but as far as I'm concerned, no one has found a really effective way to run the pipes. I would advise for you to stick with a standard cat back setup like a Borla or Corsa. Or if you're like me, order a flowmaster cat back and replace the muffler with a Dynomax Ultraflow. If you decide to do the true duals, you'll want to run an X pipe setup instead of a y pipe.

As far as upgrading the waterpump, I went with a CSI electric conversion for the standard waterpump. It's really simple to do if you have a dremel. I've been running mine for about 6 months or so and it works like a charm (just be careful how your route the wires, it cost me a trip down the strip last wednesday, didn't get to run on the final test and tune night ).