V6 bolt ons help and info please.

[CTUnlimited]

Hello to everyone on camaro5! I am a long time viewer of this website, but I just now have become and member and this is my first post! I was just hoping to get some specific help and info. Ok so here it goes. I first got my camaro when they released as a graduation present. I got a 2LT auto an love it! however I want to make just a little more power on it as I've always had the interest but just now have the money. Here are my questions:

1. I have recently been looking at headers and as I am new to mods I was just curious how they work and if they really "bolt on". I would like to be able to replace the factory ones at any given time. Also is there any brand suggestions you guys have and what kind of power I can expect? I looked at BBK but I don't know if I believe those numbers.

2. When I ordered the car I got the gmpp exhaust. At the time the people at the dealership told me it was catback and I'd gain power. I have since learned its actually axleback. I love the way it looks and like the sound, but I'm going for performance. Would it be worth the money to get a full catback of another brand? Or should I just keep what I have as I appreciate the sound and look.

3. Lastly I'm looking at cold air intakes. So far I have decided I want the CAI inc. intake and I'm just curious for some opinions here. Absolutely love the look and like the performance. But I'm still curious about the Vararam.

4. How will these affect my warranty? I know some should be safe, but I'm unsure about the headers. Also will I be able to replace all the stock parts? I want to always be able to revert it to 100% factory.

Please keep in mind for all these I have limited experience with installation and am relying on a more knowledgeable friend for help as I'd like to learn how to do these things for myself. Also please no comments telling me to save the money and get a V8. I do not want a V8. I absolutely love the car I have, it was a wonderful gift. I do not want the power of a V8 I just want more performance from what I do have. It is my first Camaro and I am too emotionally attached to give it up, I plan to keep it for life. Thanks for any of the help and info you guys can give! Also sorry if I posted this wrong or shouldve seen all this info in other links. This is my first post and reading through all the older threads was taking too long. (100+ pages on the Vararam thread!)

[BSR-1]

1) OBX are cheaper and any brand headers should give you about 15-20HP

2) keep the mufflers you've got, there's nothing (or little) to be gained from a swap

3) Can't say about the Vararam because I don't have one. I say go with CAI if that's what you like. While there is a performance difference between cold air intakes is not a great deal.

4) The headers will likely void your warranty unless you remove them before going for warranty work. the rest of the mods should be OK.
You should be able to keep all of the parts to replace at a later date.

[LLT'MARO]

Welcome CTUlimited,

I've been moding cars for a while and you won't get the V8 thing from me as I bought the V6 for something different.

Haven't put headers on yet, but have a PYPES catback and a Vararam induction on my 1LT. Combined they've made a good increase in power. In regards to your questions I'll help the best I can.

1. With the BBK headers if I recall the power increase listed was not peak power. In general shorty headers will give you some power, but the long tubes are where it is at. With 3.6 liters of displacement I'm thinking that 1&5/8 primary tube headers may be a better balance than the 1&3/4 header, but I've never seen anything that compared the two on our engine.

2. I'd just buy a 2.5 inch midpipe to get rid of the 2.25 inch section between the cats and the tail pipe rather than a full cat back since you already have a sunk cost in the GMMP axle back. In the C5's case exhaust is mainly for sound and maybe a few hp.

3. I'd choose the CAI you like. I went with the Vararam unit, but they are generally make about the same power increase. ~10-20 and a good amount of torque

4. Really depends on the dealer, but in general they obviously won't cover parts you replace. If you show up with a tune, forced induction and N20 then well most likely the powertrain warranty is toast.

Good luck with the mods.

[CTUnlimited]

Perfect! Thanks BSR-1 I really appreciate that info. But just to be 100% what you're saying is that as long as I swap back to the factory headers before doing warranty work they should never know and I'll be fine? Thats good to know. Also none of these will cause damage and prevent me from keeping this car for life correct? thanks again!

[2010camarolt]

you can also look at the ADM PERFORMANCE SCOOP if you go with CAI inc. i dont know how much more hp it will give you(was wondering if any1 can answer that) but i heard good things about it

[BSR-1]

Originally Posted by CTUnlimited

Perfect! Thanks BSR-1 I really appreciate that info. But just to be 100% what you're saying is that as long as I swap back to the factory headers before doing warranty work they should never know and I'll be fine? Thats good to know. Also none of these will cause damage and prevent me from keeping this car for life correct? thanks again!

That's correct as far as I know.

[CTUnlimited]

Originally Posted by LLT'MARO

Welcome CTUlimited,

I've been moding cars for a while and you won't get the V8 thing from me as I bought the V6 for something different.

Haven't put headers on yet, but have a PYPES catback and a Vararam induction on my 1LT. Combined they've made a good increase in power. In regards to your questions I'll help the best I can.

1. With the BBK headers if I recall the power increase listed was not peak power. In general shorty headers will give you some power, but the long tubes are where it is at. With 3.6 liters of displacement I'm thinking that 1&5/8 primary tube headers may be a better balance than the 1&3/4 header, but I've never seen anything that compared the two on our engine.

2. I'd just buy a 2.5 inch midpipe to get rid of the 2.25 inch section between the cats and the tail pipe rather than a full cat back since you already have a sunk cost in the GMMP axle back. In the C5's case exhaust is mainly for sound and maybe a few hp.

3. I'd choose the CAI you like. I went with the Vararam unit, but they are generally make about the same power increase. ~10-20 and a good amount of torque

4. Really depends on the dealer, but in general they obviously won't cover parts you replace. If you show up with a tune, forced induction and N20 then well most likely the powertrain warranty is toast.

Good luck with the mods.

Thanks that is also great to know! I wasn't even aware I could just get midpipe and not have to replace to gmpp altogether. Appreciate it!

[CTUnlimited]

Originally Posted by 2010camarolt

you can also look at the ADM PERFORMANCE SCOOP if you go with CAI inc. i dont know how much more hp it will give you(was wondering if any1 can answer that) but i heard good things about it

Yes I was curious about the scoop as well. What exactly does it do and where is it located? I couldnt tell form pictures on the sites i looked at.

[2010camarolt]

Originally Posted by CTUnlimited

Yes I was curious about the scoop as well. What exactly does it do and where is it located? I couldnt tell form pictures on the sites i looked at.

all i know is it forces air into the intake. i think it mounts by the lower grill you have to cut some plastic and relocate the washer bottle. i hope some1 else can comment and tell us more

[2010camarolt]

apex speed also sells a scoop(i dont think theres a difference well atleast the thread i read didnt say there was) i think the apex was is a little less money not sure tho havent read about them much

[CTUnlimited]

Hmmm ok. Im not sure how I feel about cutting plastic or relocating things unless its easy to put back. Any other warranty friendly or semi-warrantly friendly mods I'm missing??

[LoPerformance Motorsports]

CTUUnlimited...the Apex scoop is a real nice piece. The plastic piece you cut would be hard to put back on the car. But could be done!!! As for the CAI... you cant go wrong. This intake set up is awsome. Fit is perfect and the craftmanship is superior to none. I have installed a boatload of aftermarket product in my lifetime and the CAI is worth every penny. You will feel a seat in the pant difference. If you get one, unhook the neg. battery post. Most all that have installed one of these they get a engine code and a code that the traction control is not working right. Dont ask why this code comes up....many cars get this and no one has a anwser. As for headers...dont have. Exhaust...been looking at them....maybe a later mod! Good luck and have fun!!! Oh yea, welcome to the best Camaro site period!!!

[gutterball]

CTUnlimited, GM sells Headers and Low Res Cats as aftermarket parts so you adding headers won't effect waranty. In fact I called Gm and was told as long as the work you did, do does not cause the problem your bringing the car in for, your covered. I have the BBK Headers with there Low Rest. Cats, and their CAI, I also changed the mufflers to DynoMax - am happy with the way car sounds and the increase in performance.

[LLT'MARO]

May be able to get away with some of SLP stuff at least the dealer I bought my car from turns a blind eye to it as the pontiac firehawks and camaro ss among other things were sold through GM dealers.