Sorry for all the info, this can get complicated.
I would go with a good quality CAI and catback and leave it at that for now. Contrary to popular belief, there are VERY little to no gains (performance wise) without doing both. Doing one without the other will only give you sound improvements. If money is a factor, do one and do the other down the road.
There should be no warranty problems with these two mods. As you learn more (which you will) on this and other forums, you can make your own decisions. Beware of simply going with the flow - many people on these forums play follow the leader, one does a mod, more follow, more follow and all of a sudden a bunch of people just spent a lot of money for something they didn't need or is not right for their car. "Mod fever." Throttle bodies (TBs) seem to be the big one now (at least with Dodge owners). Most everyone who bought a 85mm or 90mm found no change or that they lost performance (stock is 80mm on the 5.7 hemi). Can't speak for the Camaro, but on the stock hemi, there is really no need for this until you get into forced induction or cams. I would also look into a catch can - won't improve hp but it will help keep your engine clean (see the commercials about "engine sludge?" That's what this prevents). They are relatively cheap and easy to install. I have a Moroso.
First, I would check with your dealer's service dept and see what they say. I got a good deal doing that (my catback was less than through most internet suppliers, CAI was about even) and was guaranteed no warranty problems. The CAI is pretty wide open, I'm sure there is someone here more knowledgeable of the Camaro than me that can recommend a good one. As for the catback, the Corsa is outstanding (I have one): It has a nice low rumble at idle and normal driving but roars at wide open throttle (WOT). I highly recommend it and it gets better with age, however, it is also more pricey ($1360 - $1500, depending on where you buy it). Labor will be around $150-$400, unless you have some friends that can help out. I got mine through my Dodge dealer ($1360 plus labor). If you want something that everyone hears at all four corners of an intersection, Corsa is not for you.
That said, I really think you'll be very pleased with these two mods. If you are looking for major power down the road, you have a few choices: 1) a cam, heads and other small changes (50-100 hp without changing a lot more engine components); 2) a supercharger (100-500 hp, depending on how much you want to spend, the unit is around $7000 for a twin screw, $4000 for centrifugal), or 3) a turbocharger (also pricey plus it works different than a supercharger - not my choice). Headers are included here too. You can also combine cam work with the S/C or turbo if you're going for it all. Generally speaking, engine life will be reduced proportionally by more power that you add, not to mention reduced gas mileage. The Diablo Sport Predator is a tuner (about $400) that can add power too by slightly modifying the stock tune but you must return your car to stock before taking the car into your dealer or you'll be in trouble. Google their website for details.
These are mods that will affect your warranty in a negative way.
Keep it simple and go for the CAI and catback! Maybe the Predator later. You'll be very happy, just be careful about a catback that is too noisy for you.
Good Luck!
Russ
Quote:
Originally Posted by CamaroFemme
By all means, go on as much as you want. The point of the forum is to share information, right? 
Actually, I was just looking to improve the car if I could, but not void the warranty, lose mileage under normal driving conditions, or have it so loud it's annoying to take on long trips. I didn't even have a specific goal hp or torque in mind.
That said, I've been given a lot to think about (thank you all) on this thread. I don't know whether to do it or not! |