Modifying for " Dummies"

[DSteck]

Originally Posted by Dr Jekel

So headers, CAI and Cam?

What about them?

[Dr Jkel]

So if you put CAI, do you need headers for it to perform better. I guess more air in , more air out?

Do you need to do all three at one time, CAI Headers Cam?

[DSteck]

Headers help, but their effect is a lot greater when you increase the pumping efficiency of the engine (like a cam change). If you're moving more air in, you need to be able to move that air out. You don't NEED to do specific mods in tandem, but it doesn't hurt, because they can have a compound effect.

[ron10]

this is a great thread.hope it goes thru the whole car.i am also learning.

[Dr Jkel]

Originally Posted by DSteck

Headers help, but their effect is a lot greater when you increase the pumping efficiency of the engine (like a cam change). If you're moving more air in, you need to be able to move that air out. You don't NEED to do specific mods in tandem, but it doesn't hurt, because they can have a compound effect.

I guess the best way to ask this question is which to do first? Let's say in comes down to money, for example, and you would like all these things, kinda doing it in stages. Which is the best way to start.? and what will you accomplish with each part?

[DSteck]

Headers are nice because they'll also change the sound of your exhaust. Intakes can sometimes be a snake-oil modification (I'm waiting for some of the companies to blast me on this... ). However, intake systems are a lot cheaper than a set of headers. The biggest advantage to headers though is that they make putting a wideband in for tuning a LOT easier. Those tail pipe sniffer setups don't work for shit, and shouldn't be trusted. The only true way to get accurate AFR measurements is by having a wideband in the exhaust stream close to the engine.

If you can do headers first, do it. I know of a local car that made some pretty stout numbers with just a cam kit and headers, yet a stock airbox... and it would put some of these other builds to shame.

[Dr Jkel]

I really appreciate the info. I looked at headers this past weekend at Camaro Fest and it's like anything too many opinions on each different brand, ARH, Kooks, Doug Thorley etc... seemes to be too much infor. Best I could tell the brand you had was the best and everyone else sucks. I saw ARH and the looked quality, but I haven't seen DT or Kooks up close just in cars so I really couldn't tell much, some say ARH don't fit, some swear by them, who knows.

But it looks like I can do headers first, then CAI and then Cam without too much problem. I have a couple of e-mails from vendors that I am waiting on for their reply so we will see what they say. What should someone look for in a vendor to know your not getting stroked?

[DSteck]

Originally Posted by Dr Jekel

What should someone look for in a vendor to know your not getting stroked?

Somebody that isn't spitting out crap about how their product makes X amount of horsepower and Y amount of torque. See if anybody's done a true unbiased comparison test between various parts. I wouldn't rely on a comparison test for air intakes done by an air intake manufacturer.

If you're going to do headers, get actual long tubes so that you actually get a high rpm benefit. Chances are, if you're putting performance parts on, you care about what they're going to do above 4500rpm. I've only experienced ARH and Kooks, and both seem to have good clearance and fitment.

[Dr Jkel]

ARH is stainless with no coating and ARH says it's better than steel and a coating. I didn' see the kooks. With all things being equal which would you go with ARH or Kooks and Why?

[DSteck]

Stainless steel is the way to go. Ceramic coated stainless steel is even better because it will retain more heat in the header, improving O2 sensor response and operation.

As far as ARH vs. Kooks... it's six, one half dozen. I don't see an appreciable difference.

[Dr Jkel]

Originally Posted by DSteck

Stainless steel is the way to go. Ceramic coated stainless steel is even better because it will retain more heat in the header, improving O2 sensor response and operation.
As far as ARH vs. Kooks... it's six, one half dozen. I don't see an appreciable difference.

I know the ARH are not coated, are the Kooks?

[DSteck]

You can get Kooks coated. It's optional. A lot of places can coat headers, regardless of brand.

[Dr Jkel]

So, Stainless will be good, stainless coated will be better?

[DSteck]

Originally Posted by Dr Jekel

So, Stainless will be good, stainless coated will be better?

Yes.