Hey guys... I need some quick advise on what to do next... I have a 96ZM6, so far I have SLP Loudmouth and Pacesetter coated long tubes (haven't installed yet). What now? I'm kind of on a budget, but I figured the best things to do would be MAF, Throttle Body, Cold Air/possibly ram air and 160* Thermo. and of course a PCM tune after most of these are in.

What order do you think would be best to go in? Is Granatelli the best MAF for money? Which throttle body and size (52mm)?

I know that I can do a search on these items, and I have, but none of what I am finding gives a definitive answer. Those of you who have already added these parts (and others) to your cars, please let me know where I should dedicate my next few hundred dollars. Thanks very much guys!!!

Also, any tips/problems I can expect from my header install? I'm hoping its not too much of a task!

 

The Granatelli achieves it HP increase (if you are lucky enough to see one) by leaning out the top end with an altered output signal at high flow. You can save $300, and achieve the same thing by a simple PCM tune. 15HP guaranteed.

A larger TB on an otherwise stock setup is of limited value. There are more cost effective ways for someone with a limited budget to gain maybe 5HP. If you are set on a larger TB, save money and find one of the guys on this board who ports the stockers for way less than a new, aftermarket unit.

The cold air setup should have been the first mod, even before you did the exhuast work. I wouldn't drop the cash into a real ram air setup ($1,000 with the hood and airbox) if you are on a budget. The gains are minimal.

Bypass the coolant on the throttle body for a quick 5HP. Pretty much free.

 

I agree with Injuneer. The first mods I did were Moroso CAI and headers.

With only bolt ons, I have went 13 flat at 112mph(2.06 60') and I still use the stock tb and stock maf. I have seen dynos where people actually lost hp by going to larger tb on a stock motor.

 

Yeah, the CAI should be like a first mod, get that done and then concentrate on the tune and drivetrain. With a well set-up drivetrain and 280 rwhp you can hit some very low 13s, high 12s with traction.

 

Damn guys... I have friends that swear by their granatellis... but I guess I'll go for C.A.I. ... few more ???'s

How much difference would gears make (and how much $)

Whats the best way for PCM tuning and how much$

Thanks again for your help guys

 

PCM tuning from MAD Z right on this site!!!! Best $ I spent on my 97Z!!!

 

Yep if you have a laptop and a cable you can flash it yourself from Mad Z and save alot of cash.

 

Without putting one on my car, i would have to agree with what everyone is saying about the MAFs. I havent heard one person say that it was worth it. Go with the CAI, skip the 160 Thermo, not worth it. I noticed a good gain with my 52mm TB, so I would say that was a worth while mod, and all i had done when i got mine was CAI and pullies, you should notice a 10hp gain. Headers can prob be as easy or as hard as your skill level allows.

 

Don't waste your money on a MAF or TB.
I would do a cold air intake and tuning next if I were you.
You can check out my site at www.madz28.com if you're interested.
a 160* thermostat will work great with the tune, so I'd definetely recommend that too.

After that, I'd recommend some 4.10 gears and finally a cam. If you don't want to go with a cam, and would rather continue with bolt ons, you can give the ASP underdrive pulleys a try. (the ones that come with a replacement balancer and alternator pulley)

 

Thanks for all of the help guys!!! I've decided my next step is going to be C.A.I., followed by 160* thermo then Madz's tune and finally 4.10s

Now... my final question for this post.... Which cold air intake is best??? There's tons to pick from... wide range in price... so what do you guys think?

Thanks again for all of your help... I'm sure glad I found this site when I bought my Z

 

They're all about the same performancewise the difference being in appearance mostly.

Here are some popular choices:

K&N CAI
Moroso CAI
SLP CAI
AS&M CAI

Less known:
Lingenfelter CAI
MTI CAI

both of these look pretty cheap in my opinion

There is also a GMPP CAI which is pretty expensive but it's very similar to the SLP CAI.

I would recommend choosing one from the top 4.
I've had the AS&M CAI and liked it and now I have the Moroso. AS&M and SLP both have metal parts in them and K&N/Moroso are entirely made of plastic.

The AS&M one was nice and shiny but now I seem to like the plastic ones more, so K&N or Moroso (which I have now) would be my personal choice.

Here is a picture of the AS&M on my old car.

 

A few issues with the K&N and getting at it to clean it. It doesnt always want to slide back on too easy, I have never had any problems though. Also it sorta just hangs there, if its on right it shouldnt fall, but once i thought i had put it on just fine after cleaning, but a few months later i noticed it hand detached and was rolling around.