Additional horsepower question - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

camarocruzer · 06-28-2014, 01:40 PM

On my 2SS, I have the Borla ATAK (but in the process of going back to stock), a CAI, ported TB and a "strong" MAF sensor.

Ok so here are my questions

1) if I were to add headers (and a tune), to my setup, approximately how much horsepower would I gain?

2) Next, if not headers/tune (or in lieu of this), what can I do to gain horsepower?

SS PANTHER · 06-29-2014, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camarocruzer

On my 2SS, I have the Borla ATAK (but in the process of going back to stock), a CAI, ported TB and a "strong" MAF sensor.

Ok so here are my questions

1) if I were to add headers (and a tune), to my setup, approximately how much horsepower would I gain?
[
2) Next, if not headers/tune (or in lieu of this), what can I do to gain horsepower?

1. Approximately 40rwhp
2. CAI and scoop, Vmax tb and some high flow cats.

Indydriver · 06-29-2014, 05:41 AM

My baseline was 380/385 with CAI, catch can, clean side separator and lighter wheel/tire package installed.

After ARH LTs w/HFC, PTB and tune, it made 423/419. So that is +43/35. This is a pretty typical result for these boltons.

Qualitatively, I will tell you that the difference in power, throttle response and sound is outstanding and well worth it. I would never go back.

The first order of business is to identify a quality tuner. They can help guide you on sequence of mods and brand preferences.

camarocruzer · 06-29-2014, 08:18 AM

@SS Panther -- I have what you described except for the high flow cats....

@Indydriver -- I am assuming the ARH is american racing headers? If so I am just not ready for that stage just yet....I want to ride out the powertrain warranty a little longer and not rush into things like I did with the ATAK. Regarding that, I am picking up a stock exhaust tomorrow and will end up swapping out the exhausts and selling the ATAK.

Like you (and others) have stated, I should've began at the front and worked my way back to the exhaust. So, that's what I am going to do, just not quickly.

The PTB I Ijust installed the other day, the catch can I am installing either tonight or tomorrow.

The difference in throttle response is definitely noticeable and I am very happy I did the PTB/MAF sensor.

As for a quality tuner -- you are speaking of a person/shop correct? That I am totally not familiar with, I need to find one in NJ since that is where I am in the process of moving to.

Indydriver -- Do you have a video of the sound of your setup? Startup, etc?

camarocruzer · 06-29-2014, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camarocruzer

@SS Panther -- I have what you described except for the high flow cats....

@Indydriver -- I am assuming the ARH is american racing headers? If so I am just not ready for that stage just yet....I want to ride out the powertrain warranty a little longer and not rush into things like I did with the ATAK. Regarding that, I am picking up a stock exhaust tomorrow and will end up swapping out the exhausts and selling the ATAK.

Like you (and others) have stated, I should've began at the front and worked my way back to the exhaust. So, that's what I am going to do, just not quickly.

The PTB I Ijust installed the other day, the catch can I am installing either tonight or tomorrow.

The difference in throttle response is definitely noticeable and I am very happy I did the PTB/MAF sensor.

As for a quality tuner -- you are speaking of a person/shop correct? That I am totally not familiar with, I need to find one in NJ since that is where I am in the process of moving to.

Indydriver -- Do you have a video of the sound of your setup? Startup, etc?

And, since I am a bit wet behind the ears and still trying to learn, I am trying to read up all on high flow cats....what they are, what they do, gettiong them and then them precluding what kind of headers you end up getting for the sound you want.....whether they can work out with your stock exhaust system, etc....

SS PANTHER · 06-29-2014, 05:02 PM

I have Solo high flow cats and they do not require a tune and do not throw CEL's. They are good for ~15rwhp and have a nice sound. They will not work with LT's though if you decide to go that route. I have ARH shorties that are CARB legal and bolt right up. The Solos were one of my best mods.

camarocruzer · 06-30-2014, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS PANTHER

I have Solo high flow cats and they do not require a tune and do not throw CEL's. They are good for ~15rwhp and have a nice sound. They will not work with LT's though if you decide to go that route. I have ARH shorties that are CARB legal and bolt right up. The Solos were one of my best mods.

i have so much to learn -- shortys/LT is the biggest one of my must-researches......also the solo vs high flow cats diff

i am not looking (at any point) to have one of those cars that sound like a NHRA dragster.....but i do want some sort of nice rumble, non-annoying sound.

SS PANTHER · 07-01-2014, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camarocruzer

i have so much to learn -- shortys/LT is the biggest one of my must-researches......also the solo vs high flow cats diff

i am not looking (at any point) to have one of those cars that sound like a NHRA dragster.....but i do want some sort of nice rumble, non-annoying sound.

There are a few manufacturers of high flow cats that bolt up to the stock exhaust manifolds or short tube headers. The Solos are known for the least trouble without throwing a CEL (Check Engine Light). They have a nice sound when your on it, but, quiet when cruising and at low rpm's. I wanted some sound and power without an annoying sound. Also, If you are undecided about a tune because of the powertrain warranty this would be a good way to go. If not, go for the long tube headers with cats for the LT's. If you have smog issues in your state where long tube headers are illegal, or would require removing them for smog, then I would consider the shorties if you want headers and don't want to change them. I am very pleased with my Solo high flow cats.

Heeb · 07-29-2014, 09:51 PM

Unfortunately I live in California, but was wondering if the smog legal shorty headers are worth getting? I have the magnaflow exhaust and it sounds great, but would like to keep it legal. Are they worth getting? Thx.

SS PANTHER · 08-01-2014, 04:48 AM

I don't think the shorties without high flow cats and a tune are worth it. The high flow cats are worthwhile.

06-28-2014, 01:40 PM	#1
camarocruzer Drives: White 2014 2SS/RS Coupe Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: PA/NJ Posts: 429 View My Garage	Additional horsepower question On my 2SS, I have the Borla ATAK (but in the process of going back to stock), a CAI, ported TB and a "strong" MAF sensor. Ok so here are my questions 1) if I were to add headers (and a tune), to my setup, approximately how much horsepower would I gain? 2) Next, if not headers/tune (or in lieu of this), what can I do to gain horsepower? __________________ 2014 Summit White 2SS/RS, L99 CAI by Cold Air Inductions, Inc with Strong MAF Sensor / Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust / SOLO Performance High Flow Catalytic Converters / SOLO J-Pipes / Vitesse Throttle Controller / Apex Catch Can / Vmax Ported Throttle Body / Range v8 AFM Disable Module by Range Technology / SLP Fade to Black Side Gill Decals / APEX Washer Replacement System and CAI Scoop / BMR Front and Rear Sway Bars / BMR Rear Trailing Arms / BMR Front End Links

06-29-2014, 05:41 AM	#3
Indydriver Drives: '14 2SS/RS Vert 6M/KTU/NPP/DTA/ARH Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,826	My baseline was 380/385 with CAI, catch can, clean side separator and lighter wheel/tire package installed. After ARH LTs w/HFC, PTB and tune, it made 423/419. So that is +43/35. This is a pretty typical result for these boltons. Qualitatively, I will tell you that the difference in power, throttle response and sound is outstanding and well worth it. I would never go back. The first order of business is to identify a quality tuner. They can help guide you on sequence of mods and brand preferences. __________________ Consensus is, by definition, a lack of leadership.

06-29-2014, 08:18 AM	#4
camarocruzer Drives: White 2014 2SS/RS Coupe Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: PA/NJ Posts: 429 View My Garage	@SS Panther -- I have what you described except for the high flow cats.... @Indydriver -- I am assuming the ARH is american racing headers? If so I am just not ready for that stage just yet....I want to ride out the powertrain warranty a little longer and not rush into things like I did with the ATAK. Regarding that, I am picking up a stock exhaust tomorrow and will end up swapping out the exhausts and selling the ATAK. Like you (and others) have stated, I should've began at the front and worked my way back to the exhaust. So, that's what I am going to do, just not quickly. The PTB I Ijust installed the other day, the catch can I am installing either tonight or tomorrow. The difference in throttle response is definitely noticeable and I am very happy I did the PTB/MAF sensor. As for a quality tuner -- you are speaking of a person/shop correct? That I am totally not familiar with, I need to find one in NJ since that is where I am in the process of moving to. Indydriver -- Do you have a video of the sound of your setup? Startup, etc?

06-29-2014, 05:02 PM	#6
SS PANTHER Drives: 2013 SS Supercharged Convertible Join Date: May 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,713	I have Solo high flow cats and they do not require a tune and do not throw CEL's. They are good for ~15rwhp and have a nice sound. They will not work with LT's though if you decide to go that route. I have ARH shorties that are CARB legal and bolt right up. The Solos were one of my best mods.

07-29-2014, 09:51 PM	#9
Heeb Drives: 2012 convertible 2SS/RS Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Pleasant Hill, CA. Posts: 4 View My Garage	Unfortunately I live in California, but was wondering if the smog legal shorty headers are worth getting? I have the magnaflow exhaust and it sounds great, but would like to keep it legal. Are they worth getting? Thx.

08-01-2014, 04:48 AM	#10
SS PANTHER Drives: 2013 SS Supercharged Convertible Join Date: May 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,713	I don't think the shorties without high flow cats and a tune are worth it. The high flow cats are worthwhile.