Squeezing out HP with only bolt-ons

[Runawayhacker]

So, I have promised myself that I would not do forced induction because

A ) Reduces life of the engine
B ) I would kill myself

So, I'm trying to go for the "sleeper" approach and do minimal mods to the look of the car, but get every bit of performance out of it. So far, I have the following

- K&N Typhoon CAI
- VMax CNC Ported Throttle Body (GREAT mod!)
- Separate clutch reservoir (no real HP gains)

I'm at the point now where I need new tires. I'm pretty certain I will be getting the Goodyear Eagle GT tires for a nice balance between longevity, performance, and weathered driving conditions compared to my Pirelli's (not impressed with them)

So, I'm left with the following ideas for mods

- Catch can (no performance gains. Still debating it's necessity in the long run)
- Exhaust ( I'm liking the SOLO performance exhaust shown below, but recommendations are always welcome)

With that being said, are there any other easy mods I can do myself (amateur) that won't break the bank that will add to the performance?

EDIT I have a 2012 Camaro 2SS M6 LS3

[FaytalsCamaro]

Headers depending on your mechanical skills

[Team STILLEN]

What is your goal and budget?

You can go with LT Headers, a tune etc...

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks

JT

[Runawayhacker]

Originally Posted by FaytalsCamaro

Headers depending on your mechanical skills

Just watched an install video of headers on a LS3 and sad to say, I don't have the resources to this myself. However, I may have to make an exception to my rules for this one.

Can someone explain exactly what the aftermarket headers are doing to give more HQ/Torque? Is it similar to the throttle body where the surface is polished thus reducing drag/backpressure?

EDIT
Derp. Google-Fu wins every time. Good article to read up on
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...s/viewall.html

[Dtrimpi87]

If you want to "get every bit of performance" out of it, get rid of the K&N typhoon and buy a Cold Air Inductions brand intake with scoop.

And yes, get a catch can if you like your engine and want to "get every bit of performance" out of it. It won't add any power but it will help keep power robbing gunk out of your intake tract.

[Dtrimpi87]

Originally Posted by Runawayhacker

Just watched an install video of headers on a LS3 and sad to say, I don't have the resources to this myself. However, I may have to make an exception to my rules for this one.

Can someone explain exactly what the aftermarket headers are doing to give more HQ/Torque? Is it similar to the throttle body where the surface is polished thus reducing drag/backpressure?

EDIT
Derp. Google-Fu wins every time. Good article to read up on
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...s/viewall.html

Headers flow better and allow the exhaust gasses to exit the engine faster thus allowing more air into the engine at a faster rate. More air and fuel you cram into an engine the more power. The better it breathes, the more power. Thats the basics. You can also research the scavenging effect headers have on the exhaust flow.

[HaulnJ]

Installed the complete Stainless Works system, Long tube headers and cat-back , on my 2010 LS3 SS/RS . The fit and finish is spot on, first header and pipe install without having to go to the parts store or bend stuff to make it fit. The sound and performance are awesome. Dyno tune Wed. will find out what the true HP numbers are then.

[bcamaro1]

Headers are your best bet for hp gains or even just switch out those retrictive stock cats. I installed all my performance upgrades myself and was my first time I sure you could do them. You can even install the headers off of jack stands.

[Smirnoff]

Originally Posted by Runawayhacker

Is it similar to the throttle body where the surface is polished thus reducing drag/backpressure?

Similar to putting helium in the tires to make the car lighter.

[Dtrimpi87]

Originally Posted by Smirnoff

Similar to putting helium in the tires to make the car lighter.

Lol okayyyy..........

[Birm]

Headers and 25% UDP can get you around 50whp if not a little more......Neither is incredibly difficult.

[caverman]

Beyond headers and a tune you should then look at suspension. Getting the car to put the power to the ground is just as important. I've beaten plenty of cars at the race track that actually had more HP than me but they didn't have a way to put it to the ground. They spun....I left.

After suspension you should consider gears as well. Also, getting lighter wheels will help with un-sprung weight.

[Birm]

Originally Posted by caverman

Beyond headers and a tune you should then look at suspension. Getting the car to put the power to the ground is just as important. I've beaten plenty of cars at the race track that actually had more HP than me but they didn't have a way to put it to the ground. They spun....I left.

After suspension you should consider gears as well. Also, getting lighter wheels will help with un-sprung weight.

Great advice...Headers/UDP/SUSPENSION!

[Runawayhacker]

Originally Posted by caverman

Beyond headers and a tune you should then look at suspension. Getting the car to put the power to the ground is just as important. I've beaten plenty of cars at the race track that actually had more HP than me but they didn't have a way to put it to the ground. They spun....I left.

After suspension you should consider gears as well. Also, getting lighter wheels will help with un-sprung weight.

Specifically, what would you recommend for the suspension?