Best option - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Repooh · 07-07-2016, 03:16 PM

I need some opinions from you guys. I have had my camaro for just over 2 years. I want to get into making my camaro a little faster.

I have a few mod options I have in mind but is it worth voiding my warranty? I have just over 9,000 Miles on the car. I do daily it sometimes but she is slightly babied when I do.

I was thinking about doing a cam and headers, maybe high flow cats too (already have the CAI intake) . If I go that route, what power can I look forward too while still keeping my car reliable? What brands? I want power for my money but I still want it to be reliable. I also do not want it to be overly loud. I have a flowmaster american thunder axle back exhaust on it currently.

Should I avoid performance mods until the warranty is up?

Are there better mods to go for if I am voiding the warranty instead of a cam and headers?

I am looking to stay in the $2.5k-4k range at most.
Sorry in advanced

Thanks yall

Sales@Phastek · 07-07-2016, 03:38 PM

Doing any of the mods you are talking about will void the warranty, unless you are in good with your service manager. Then he might just look past the mods.

Since you daily sometimes, I would suggest headers and cam. Going to get you a good jump in power over stock and it would still retain a decent driveability. With a good header/cam combo and a good tune, you would be right around 460rwhp mark. That number can depend on which cam you go with. I have had great luck using BTR cams and making good power. Reliability is great as well, never had an issue with BTR.

Going boosted will completely void the warranty. Plus to stay in your budget, any NEW supercharger kit will cost you about 6k before install. Unless you are good at wrenching then you will be at about 6K depending on with system you go with.

If you like the warranty, avoid mods or talk to your service manager about it. He might be OK with header and small bolt ons. This all depends on dealer.

Hope this info helps ya!!

Thank you,
Ricardo

Repooh · 07-07-2016, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sales@Phastek

Doing any of the mods you are talking about will void the warranty, unless you are in good with your service manager. Then he might just look past the mods.

Since you daily sometimes, I would suggest heads and cam. Going to get you a good jump in power over stock and it would still retain a decent driveability. With a good heads/cam combo and a good tune, you would be right around 500rwhp mark. That number can depend on which cam you go with. I have had great luck using BTR cams and making good power. Reliability is great as well, never had an issue with BTR.

Going boosted will completely void the warranty. Plus to stay in your budget, any NEW supercharger kit will cost you about 6k before install. Unless you are good at wrenching then you will be at about 6K depending on with system you go with.

If you like the warranty, avoid mods or talk to your service manager about it. He might be OK with header and small bolt ons. This all depends on dealer.

Hope this info helps ya!!

Thank you,
Ricardo

Thanks for the info!

I dont mind having the warranty but I keep hearing "LS3's are pretty much bullet proof" from my dad's buddies who all work on classic cars/trucks. So, I am wondering if I should even wait on it. Ill be sure to look at was Phastek has if I go that route.

I've ordered a number of things from you guys and it's always been a pleasure.

JusticePete · 07-07-2016, 03:44 PM

Cam, Headers and gears will liven her up. Done right replacing the lifter with tie bar style lifters, oil pump, etc... we would be above your budget by $1,000 or so, BUT if your engine compression and leak down testing is good you would have a 3yr/36k warranty with JPSS.

Sales@Phastek · 07-07-2016, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Repooh

Thanks for the info!

I dont mind having the warranty but I keep hearing "LS3's are pretty much bullet proof" from my dad's buddies who all work on classic cars/trucks. So, I am wondering if I should even wait on it. Ill be sure to look at was Phastek has if I go that route.

I've ordered a number of things from you guys and it's always been a pleasure.

The LS3 is pretty strong, can hold a good amount of power. The weak points are mainly the axles, driveshaft, clutch, and then it gets into the motor. First part of the motor to usually act up are the lifters.

Anytime we can help let us know.

Thank you,
Ricardo

ChrisBlair · 07-07-2016, 04:11 PM

The GM 3.91:1 rear gear set will not void your warranty and will give you the most bang for the buck. You will know you upgraded the performance.

PalmerGA · 07-07-2016, 04:36 PM

Had to go with "other"... headers and a tune.

mrvenicess · 07-07-2016, 04:44 PM

Headers, cam and 3:91 gears. I drove my old SS for 75,000 miles modified like that and never had one issue.

G701LE · 07-07-2016, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisBlair

The GM 3.91:1 rear gear set will not void your warranty and will give you the most bang for the buck. You will know you upgraded the performance.

This ^^^^^^^^^^

Mr. Stacy · 07-08-2016, 12:55 AM

4. Do nothing and enjoy your car. Spend money on fireworks.

Just sayin, you're already faster than 95% of the GP. Upgrade your sub!

SS PANTHER · 07-08-2016, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisBlair

The GM 3.91:1 rear gear set will not void your warranty and will give you the most bang for the buck. You will know you upgraded the performance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PalmerGA

Had to go with "other"... headers and a tune.

Be sure to get the high flow cats with the headers. Add some cradle bushings, trailing arms, tie rods and some other important suspension components. Wait on a cam until after these mods.

Repooh · 07-08-2016, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisBlair

The GM 3.91:1 rear gear set will not void your warranty and will give you the most bang for the buck. You will know you upgraded the performance.

It just makes you feel quicker right? No power gains? I'm open to looking into this

Quote:

Originally Posted by PalmerGA

Had to go with "other"... headers and a tune.

Is camming it a bad idea?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrvenicess

Headers, cam and 3:91 gears. I drove my old SS for 75,000 miles modified like that and never had one issue.

What power were you looking at? How aggressive was your tune?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS PANTHER

Be sure to get the high flow cats with the headers. Add some cradle bushings, trailing arms, tie rods and some other important suspension components. Wait on a cam until after these mods.

I was looking into some suspension mods, is it pointless to have the power if it doesnt handle ?

Repooh · 07-08-2016, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Stacy

4. Do nothing and enjoy your car. Spend money on fireworks.

Just sayin, you're already faster than 95% of the GP. Upgrade your sub!

Fireworks are illegal to use in Ohio

and they're expendable haha

Repooh · 07-08-2016, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JusticePete

Cam, Headers and gears will liven her up. Done right replacing the lifter with tie bar style lifters, oil pump, etc... we would be above your budget by $1,000 or so, BUT if your engine compression and leak down testing is good you would have a 3yr/36k warranty with JPSS.

Ill check you guys out, maybe I am asking for too much for too little and need to save up more to increase my budget. Virginia isnt far away

View Poll Results: What is the best option for power AND reliability ?
Headers and a cam	26	46.43%
Don't void the warranty!	12	21.43%
There are better mods if youre going to void the warranty	18	32.14%
Voters: 56. You may not vote on this poll

07-07-2016, 03:16 PM	#1
Repooh Certified: Slow Drives: 2014 Ashen Grey 1SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Columbus Posts: 92	Best option I need some opinions from you guys. I have had my camaro for just over 2 years. I want to get into making my camaro a little faster. I have a few mod options I have in mind but is it worth voiding my warranty? I have just over 9,000 Miles on the car. I do daily it sometimes but she is slightly babied when I do. I was thinking about doing a cam and headers, maybe high flow cats too (already have the CAI intake) . If I go that route, what power can I look forward too while still keeping my car reliable? What brands? I want power for my money but I still want it to be reliable. I also do not want it to be overly loud. I have a flowmaster american thunder axle back exhaust on it currently. Should I avoid performance mods until the warranty is up? Are there better mods to go for if I am voiding the warranty instead of a cam and headers? I am looking to stay in the $2.5k-4k range at most. Sorry in advanced Thanks yall __________________ Red Bull gives you wiiings. 2014 Ashen Grey Camaro 1SS/RS LS3 Winter Vehicle- 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Last edited by Repooh; 07-07-2016 at 03:28 PM.

07-07-2016, 03:38 PM	#2
Sales@Phastek Drives: 2016 1SS, 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,883	Doing any of the mods you are talking about will void the warranty, unless you are in good with your service manager. Then he might just look past the mods. Since you daily sometimes, I would suggest headers and cam. Going to get you a good jump in power over stock and it would still retain a decent driveability. With a good header/cam combo and a good tune, you would be right around 460rwhp mark. That number can depend on which cam you go with. I have had great luck using BTR cams and making good power. Reliability is great as well, never had an issue with BTR. Going boosted will completely void the warranty. Plus to stay in your budget, any NEW supercharger kit will cost you about 6k before install. Unless you are good at wrenching then you will be at about 6K depending on with system you go with. If you like the warranty, avoid mods or talk to your service manager about it. He might be OK with header and small bolt ons. This all depends on dealer. Hope this info helps ya!! Thank you, Ricardo __________________

07-07-2016, 04:11 PM	#6
ChrisBlair Buick 455 Fan Drives: 1970 Buick, 2012 1SS LS3 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Boston MA Posts: 5,957	The GM 3.91:1 rear gear set will not void your warranty and will give you the most bang for the buck. You will know you upgraded the performance. __________________

07-07-2016, 04:36 PM	#7
PalmerGA Drives: 2013 SIM 1SS/RS L99 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southwest GA Posts: 8,754 View My Garage	Had to go with "other"... headers and a tune. __________________ 2013 1SS/RS Coupe L99, Stainless Power Works LT Headers, SCT X4 Custom Tune from RDP, CAI Inc. Air Intake w/ Apex Scoop, VMAX CNC Ported Throttle Body, Solo Axle-Back Exhaust w/ J-pipes, Apex Catch Can, Husky Splash Guards, Heritage Grille, 3D Carbon Rear Spoiler, Oracle Chrome Turn Signal Bulbs, GM Reverse Light Trim Billets, Gorilla Black Locking Lugs, Emblem Pros Retro SS Badges/Custom Retro SS Kickplates/Under-hood Bowtie, 35% window Tint, Nitto Motivo Tires (6-8-18)

07-07-2016, 03:44 PM	#4
JusticePete Drives: Camaro Justice Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 20,171	Cam, Headers and gears will liven her up. Done right replacing the lifter with tie bar style lifters, oil pump, etc... we would be above your budget by $1,000 or so, BUT if your engine compression and leak down testing is good you would have a 3yr/36k warranty with JPSS.

07-07-2016, 04:44 PM	#8
mrvenicess Drives: 2013 CRT ZL1 auto Join Date: May 2010 Location: Venice Fl Posts: 1,443 View My Garage	Headers, cam and 3:91 gears. I drove my old SS for 75,000 miles modified like that and never had one issue.

07-08-2016, 12:55 AM	#10
Mr. Stacy El Duderino Drives: 2011 2LTRS Convertible Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,194 View My Garage	4. Do nothing and enjoy your car. Spend money on fireworks. Just sayin, you're already faster than 95% of the GP. Upgrade your sub! __________________ I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback.