3 to 4k budget what would you do?

[trailbrake_ss]

Hello, I am the owner of a 2013 Camaro SS. It is an L99 6 speed auto with just exhaust and tune done currently. I want to get deep into the 12's in the quarter mile. My question is, are there any modifications that are a must to get there? I know some cars its gears or drag radials, it is not always hp mods but those are ok too. So if you had a 3k to 4k budget what would you do to maximize it for faster quarter mile times.

[bsn]

Suspension and tires would be my first priority.

[ariZona28]

Cam, heads, headers, torque converter, gears. Probably well up over your budget already not to mention tires and some suspension improvements. What does your car currently run in the 1/4? You might be able to put some 3.91s out back and get some pretty good results.

[CamaroDreams76]

FBO with rear gears and suspension. Intake, headers, rod mod manifold, 3:91 gears, trailing arms, toe links and solid subframe bushings.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

My 2011 SS/RS L99 with just a CAI, resonator delete, axle back exhaust, ported TB and 315/35/20 rear tires and stock gear ran a 13.01, forgot what the mph was. Did a set of LT's and a custom dyno tune on the engine and trans and got it to do 12.68, again not sure what the mph was. Oh, and stock converter as well.. And I did that for under 1700 bucks, but that was back in 2012... Now the prices have almost doubled on performance parts.

[acammer]

Headers, converter, 17" rear wheels with drag radials, and a tune would be about the best ET you could buy within your budget.

[brick59]

Originally Posted by acammer

Headers, converter, 17" rear wheels with drag radials, and a tune would be about the best ET you could buy within your budget.

This would be a good start, if you can afford it, a cam and lifters will really add some power to it. but it would be outside your budget.

[trailbrake_ss]

Wow thanks for all the responses. It is a lot to consider. I do want to add one detail I left out. The car as it sits has huge wheels someone before me put 285/25/R22 they grip pretty well, but I imagine that big of a rim is hurting acceleration. I am leaning towards drag radials, smaller rims and gears.

[trailbrake_ss]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vjVh2K43AMiB9Z2BA

[trailbrake_ss]

What ratio gears are good for these cars? Its a street/strip car so I don't want to be at 3,000 rpm at 70 for sure. I had 4.10's in a truck I drag raced and it was a nice compromise but not sure on a Camaro. Its a 6 speed auto.

[acammer]

Originally Posted by trailbrake_ss

What ratio gears are good for these cars? Its a street/strip car so I don't want to be at 3,000 rpm at 70 for sure. I had 4.10's in a truck I drag raced and it was a nice compromise but not sure on a Camaro. Its a 6 speed auto.

3.91s would be the move. These cars have a two overdrive gears (5th, 6th), cruising RPM is a non-issue. Giving a big, heavy car all the mechanical advantage possible is very valuable. I have a detailed article about this along with a bunch of charts and details on the MPH/RPM by gear, but that's the bottom line. Lots more to read if you're interested here:

https://gwatneyperformance.com/geari...utomatic-cars/

If you're serious about running form a standing start then you're right, those 22" wheels are not doing you any favors in traction, and I'd be willing to bet they are super heavy as well.

[ariZona28]

Originally Posted by ariZona28

You might be able to put some 3.91s out back and get some pretty good results.

See post #3.

[CamaroDreams76]

Originally Posted by ariZona28

See post #3.

And post #4

[acammer]

In terms of performance value, the converter is worth more than the gears in terms of maximizing the ET potential. Both very much matter, but if I was on a budget and had to choose only one then the converter would be the move. If you're doing the work yourself, it's also arguably an easier install.