Got my first Camaro, first American car for that matter

[JLSuperfly]

and I really do not know anything as far as mods, best place to shop for them and especially, what not to do with my Camaro.
I have been into cars for over a decade but was mostly Toyota's (AE86 and MR2-both with the 4AG) and for the past 12 years, Integra GSR.
I drove a friend's Camaro not too long ago and only then did I fully appreciate what extra cylinders can do, and this was the V6 (can't recall which trim). So I bought a 2014 1SS 6-MT and here I am.

Just a few questions.
1. What would be the "best bang for the buck" performance mod. Intake I assume. What are the brands to look for and avoid?
2. For imports, the term "rice" is used for anything that is cheesy. What would be this term for this forum. More importantly, can anyone guide me on what not to do as far as cheesy mods in both performance and interior/exterior cosmetics?
3. What are some of the popular aftermarket parts (performance and cosmetics) do forum members typically get?

Thanks again and I hope I posted at the right sub forum.

JL

[Gee]

Grats man!! Awesome car. Before doing ANY mods. Just look through these forums other forums, youtube for mistakes that they made. That way you can avoid them. Id say best bang for your buck without voiding your brand new warranty would be Cold air intake (CAI brand is nice), Headers(KOOKS are really nice) with High flow cats then Full exhaust. Can be done for around 3K at the absolute most including installation for the exhaust and headers, unless you can do it yourself. Best part, it can be done in increments. I'd do CAI first. Its a real nice way to work on your car without messing anything up, learn your new platform a little bit. Headers and high flow cats, Then exhaust once you find the sound youre looking for. Good luck. This site is awesome and lots of help to be found

[rebelyell22]

Headers or a cam. Catback doesn't add anything on these cars.

[JLSuperfly]

I googled and does CAI brand refer to Cold Air Inductions? Thanks.

[Gee]

Originally Posted by JLSuperfly

I googled and does CAI brand refer to Cold Air Inductions? Thanks.

Yes exactly. They seem to be the most reliable and dependable with a good boost HP and Torque for not much money. Hes right above. Cat back exhaust wont add much besides a big grin on your face. I went CAI, Headers, Exhaust. Next is Supercharger or Turbo for me.

[djcfuzz]

Welcome to C5.

CAI is used interchangeably on this forum. Some times it means any cold air induction intake, sometimes it means the name brand Cold Air Inductions Inc.

Cold air is a good first mod. I recommend either Cold Air Inductions or Roto-Fab cold air. There are others too. Some people relocate the window washer fluid reservoir and put on a scoop in the bottom front to help with air flow as well.

Also, check out a CNC ported throttle body by VMAX.

Headers are popular too.

Rice or ricer is pretty much the same thing here, as well as imports. The mods that will draw the most ridicule are those when you pose, just like anywhere else.

Apex Motorsports, RDPStore.com, Rodgers Chevy & Maryland Speed are just some of the good vendors, tons of others too. Check out the Vendor review forum for more info.

Feel free to PM if you have any questions.

[MonteSS]

Hope you like it man, the LS3 is pretty bulletproof.

Glad you did it right and went with the V8. Start with a cold air intake (I did CAI) and work your way up from there. Headers, hi-flow cats and a cam are fantastic if you want to stay NA, or you can add a supercharger if you feel like doing FI (or spending a fair bit more money).

As far as rice goes - just don't strap a big wing, or ZL1 badging on the car. Other than that, mod away!

[Nor Cal ZL1]

First Mod I suggest is xpel or clear bra.

[JLSuperfly]

I looked CAI for $399 and Roto-Fab at $349. Thanks for the feedback. I'll read up more on these.

[Sir Nuke]

JL, CONGRATS on your ride and Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to Camaro5. There is a BIG fridge on the back porch with anything you can think of in it...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have. Make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom's, dad's, wives', husband's, girlfriend's and boyfriend's here don't care....and take it easy.



oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here.

Welcome!!

[Trailnut]

Congrats! Good choice.

[pyroguy]

Welcome and congrats on the upgrade! I've always been a big fan of the slogan, "there's no replacement for displacement".

Great first start is just like everyone else says, cold air intake. I personally have a Rotofab and could not be happier! I got lucky and found a very gently used one in the member classifieds that had the optional body color hear shield and chrome tube. It looks REALLY good installed.

Second mod would have to be exhaust for a V8. The stock exhaust is WAY too timid in my opinion. Two guaranteed drone free systems are Corsa and Solo. Corsa is quieter with stock headers and more expensive, but VERY high quality. You can't go wrong with either system. There are others that have great sounds, but personally I HATE drone. Once you get the majority of the exhaust done don't forget headers and high flow cats.

After that it all depends on how much you want to spend for bang for the buck. You can easily get 500 rwhp with a supercharger and 600 rwhp in certain twin turbo setups, but you can get some very healthy hp gains with a cam. The more power the more it still cost you.

Hope this helps and enjoy your new ride!

[JLSuperfly]

Thanks for the welcome everyone. It looks like I have a lot of reading to do. There are tons of information on this sub forum alone.

[JLSuperfly]

Originally Posted by Nor Cal ZL1

First Mod I suggest is xpel or clear bra.

Searched for clear bra is this is what I found.
http://www.herroom.com/braza-7800-re...id^51976047309

Back to car bra, I found avoclearbra, carfend, and others. Any in particular you recommend? TIA