06-06-2022, 09:27 AM | #1 |
Drives: 2019 Camaro SS Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: GA
Posts: 11
|
Best way to spend $3k-$4k
I've got a daily driver (93-octane) 2019 Camaro SS M6 (non-1LE) I'm looking to improve without going completely wild. I also have about $3k-$4k to do it. The question is, what gives the best bang for the buck? Heads/cam or twin turbo is obviously out of the question on this budget...but what *IS* practical?
Looking through this forum, I see some of the following possibilities:
Anybody know if it's reasonable to do some (or all) the above in $3k-$4k? The Kooks headers alone is probably $1500-$1800 coated but not installed. The custom tune is a must for the headers to avoid CEL. From what I've seen, the Kooks and tune alone should be good for at least 20-30rwhp, probably more. And can anyone recommend someone to do the above work who's in the Atlanta, Georgia area? Preferably near Marietta? |
06-06-2022, 09:35 AM | #2 | |
Drives: 2020 Camaro 2SS A10 Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,380
|
Quote:
Not sure which shops in Georgia as I don't live there, but someone will chime in I'm sure.
__________________
2020 Camaro 2SS A10 | Rebuilt by: CBI Street Cars | 2" SE LT Headers | 3" SE X-Pipe | 3" MBRP Axle-Back | Pri & Sec Cat Deletes | K&N Typhoon CAI | LT2 Ported | 95mm ZR1 TB | DOD Delete | BTR Stage I Cam | ECM, TCM & E85 |Tuned by: Shane Hinds | Dyno: 510 rwhp 472 rwtq
|
|
06-06-2022, 09:49 AM | #3 |
Drives: E92 BMW M3 Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Houston
Posts: 4,496
|
You'll need to add the CAI to the headers and tune as well. I would suggest going with a more budget header to stay in budget.
There are plenty of quality headers for less, and that should get you back in your budget. I would go to Vengeance Racing without a doubt. Great shop with national recognition.
__________________
SOLD - 2013 1LE - Pat G Spec'd Cam, NPP with 1 7/8" Long Tube Headers with High Flow Cats, Intake w/scoop, Ported Throttle Body, and Apex 1.25" Lowering Springs.
J-Rod Built and Matt@FSP Tuned |
06-06-2022, 09:54 AM | #4 |
Drives: 2017 Mosaic Bk ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: South of Raleigh, NC
Posts: 9,477
|
pretty near to you. A lot of people on here have used them.
https://vengeanceracing.net/
__________________
|
06-06-2022, 09:57 AM | #5 | |
Drives: 2020 Camaro 2SS A10 Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,380
|
Quote:
I have 2" Speed Engineering Headers on my car now. I know the "premium" name brands are just that premium, but in side by side testing there is very little difference between one header vs another. 2" > 1 7/8ths" in terms of you get more bang. But in general 2" headers are if you plan to boost later more so for higher boost settings. I spent $3500 on my upgrades: LT Headers (cat delete), CAI, X-Pipe and E85 flex fuel installed and dyno tuned out the door.
__________________
2020 Camaro 2SS A10 | Rebuilt by: CBI Street Cars | 2" SE LT Headers | 3" SE X-Pipe | 3" MBRP Axle-Back | Pri & Sec Cat Deletes | K&N Typhoon CAI | LT2 Ported | 95mm ZR1 TB | DOD Delete | BTR Stage I Cam | ECM, TCM & E85 |Tuned by: Shane Hinds | Dyno: 510 rwhp 472 rwtq
|
|
06-06-2022, 10:06 AM | #6 | |
Drives: E92 BMW M3 Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Houston
Posts: 4,496
|
Quote:
That's how I did my build. First went with Stainless Power headers and cats, then later added the cam. Nobody who knows me would call me frugal, but as you pointed out there is no meaningful difference when it comes to quality headers made of SS and have good fitment. Plenty of cheap options that fit that mold.
__________________
SOLD - 2013 1LE - Pat G Spec'd Cam, NPP with 1 7/8" Long Tube Headers with High Flow Cats, Intake w/scoop, Ported Throttle Body, and Apex 1.25" Lowering Springs.
J-Rod Built and Matt@FSP Tuned |
|
06-06-2022, 10:26 AM | #7 | |
Drives: 2020 Camaro 2SS A10 Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,380
|
Quote:
Maybe later I might do the cam. But I figure by then I'm getting close to the 600 rwhp range and need to be concerned about the drive shaft/axles. If I ever want to launch on some stickies safely that is lol
__________________
2020 Camaro 2SS A10 | Rebuilt by: CBI Street Cars | 2" SE LT Headers | 3" SE X-Pipe | 3" MBRP Axle-Back | Pri & Sec Cat Deletes | K&N Typhoon CAI | LT2 Ported | 95mm ZR1 TB | DOD Delete | BTR Stage I Cam | ECM, TCM & E85 |Tuned by: Shane Hinds | Dyno: 510 rwhp 472 rwtq
|
|
06-06-2022, 10:29 AM | #8 |
Having FUN in the SUN...
Drives: 2022 M6 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 1,052
|
Headers + CAI + E85 + Tune
__________________
2022 M6 ZLE: Katech CNC Ported Blower + Ported Heads + 103mm TB + Oil Pump + C5R Chain + Valve Covers + Coil Relocation
TSP VVT and DoD Delete Covers + LME Chain Guide + DSX Billet Lid + ATI Damper + 9.17" Lower + 2.4" Upper + MM Wild CC Coated ARH + AWE Touring + Magnaflow Center X + E85 + MSD Coils + Banks iDash + JMS Booster + Synergy Fender Tank ALL the RED Rear End BMR Goodies + JRE Terminator Cam Package + Remote Tuning and Moral Support from TED @ JRE BMR Motor Mounts + DMS Front HX + FIC 30's + APEX SM.10's + 305/345 R888R's = 770rwhp 785rwtq @E50 13.5psi |
06-06-2022, 12:07 PM | #9 | |
Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: New York
Posts: 89
|
Quote:
|
|
06-06-2022, 12:19 PM | #10 | |
Drives: 2020 Camaro 2SS A10 Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,380
|
Quote:
So bottlenecking occurs. AF comes standard with 103mm opening. So no bottlenecking which can rob your tune of power gains. So from CAI to TB I'll have a direct 103mm intake system which is my intention. More Air, more gas, more power gains and less gas mileage
__________________
2020 Camaro 2SS A10 | Rebuilt by: CBI Street Cars | 2" SE LT Headers | 3" SE X-Pipe | 3" MBRP Axle-Back | Pri & Sec Cat Deletes | K&N Typhoon CAI | LT2 Ported | 95mm ZR1 TB | DOD Delete | BTR Stage I Cam | ECM, TCM & E85 |Tuned by: Shane Hinds | Dyno: 510 rwhp 472 rwtq
|
|
06-06-2022, 01:11 PM | #11 |
Drives: 2022 Camaro 2SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: VA
Posts: 100
|
Since OP is trying to work on a budget, I think the LT2 is a better choice. The MSD makes more power overall, but I doubt a stock or bolt-on LT1 engine needs all the extra flow capability of a 103mm TB.
|
06-06-2022, 01:27 PM | #12 | |
Drives: 2020 Camaro 2SS A10 Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,380
|
Quote:
A stock charger SRT Hellcat pulls 10.8's with just drags. So it does matter in terms of optimal power gains as you said, but definitely the LT2 is the more budget friendly route.
__________________
2020 Camaro 2SS A10 | Rebuilt by: CBI Street Cars | 2" SE LT Headers | 3" SE X-Pipe | 3" MBRP Axle-Back | Pri & Sec Cat Deletes | K&N Typhoon CAI | LT2 Ported | 95mm ZR1 TB | DOD Delete | BTR Stage I Cam | ECM, TCM & E85 |Tuned by: Shane Hinds | Dyno: 510 rwhp 472 rwtq
|
|
06-06-2022, 02:39 PM | #13 | |
Drives: 19 CAMARO SS Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Florida
Posts: 13
|
Quote:
I have a 19 SS almost fbo just missing a throttle body and i am running an lt2 ported intake with stock throttle body. I have beat cars that are fbo msd and in terms of getting robbed from power i think the most important thing here is how good your tune nd setup are, so for a quicker throttle response from a tb and 1200 for a manifold i dont think its worth the money compared to an lt2 IM. |
|
06-12-2022, 10:37 PM | #14 |
Drives: 2019 Camaro SS Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: GA
Posts: 11
|
Thank you all for the info and amazing suggestions! I'll give Vengeance a call tomorrow.
Questions on headers. Numerous posts suggested going with Speed Engineering headers vs. the Kooks. First, do them come coated? I've always had coated headers on my past rides and it's always been a good investment. Second, their website offers wires and an O2 sensor extension. Are these needed? This car is a daily driver so it needs to pass emissions and not throw CEL's. I presume this means cats are needed? If so, I'm also guessing the stock cats won't fit the headers? Any advice here is appreciated. Last, I do appreciate the suggestions for E85. I have seen the power gains, but there's practically no E85 stations anywhere near me so it would be hugely inconvenient. I've also read a lot about alcohol fuels necessitating more frequent oil changes which would add to the inconvenience. Maybe a future thing but for now it doesn't feel practical. |
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|