V6 Camaro Performance Upgrades

[RJ333]

Thanks Rtcat600man and Scrming....Both of you give great info, big reason I decided to mod my car....I must have watched those MRT videos a thousand of times before I bought my exhaust.

[rtcat600man]

Originally Posted by RJ333

Thanks Rtcat600man and Scrming....Both of you give great info, big reason I decided to mod my car....I must have watched those MRT videos a thousand of times before I bought my exhaust.

Glad to have helped you out. It is because of Scrming that I have the MRT's. Along with many of my other mods, and partial addiction to drag racing too.

Thanks John..........

[MrTeacher]

Hey guys, I've been following this thread for quite awhile, but this is the first time I've posted to it. I've got a 2010 2LT/RS and am considering some performance upgrades. I've checked out several different exhaust systems and seemed to have narrowed it down to the ARK N-II or the MRT v2.0. I have read a lot of positive comments about the MRTs, but what do you guys think about the ARK systems? Any one done any further comparisons between the two? Also, I know I'll be getting a CAI and I'm intrigued by the Vararam system for our car, but I also really liked my Injen CAI in my previous car (03 Acura TL-S), and of course I hear a lot about the CAI and AirRaid brands. Obviously my goal is to get the most HP and best sound out of it as I can... what are your thoughts?

[rtcat600man]

Originally Posted by MrTeacher

Hey guys, I've been following this thread for quite awhile, but this is the first time I've posted to it. I've got a 2010 2LT/RS and am considering some performance upgrades. I've checked out several different exhaust systems and seemed to have narrowed it down to the ARK N-II or the MRT v2.0. I have read a lot of positive comments about the MRTs, but what do you guys think about the ARK systems? Any one done any further comparisons between the two? Also, I know I'll be getting a CAI and I'm intrigued by the Vararam system for our car, but I also really liked my Injen CAI in my previous car (03 Acura TL-S), and of course I hear a lot about the CAI and AirRaid brands. Obviously my goal is to get the most HP and best sound out of it as I can... what are your thoughts?

You are in a big dilemma. I went with INJEN and MRT 2.0 because the Vararam and ARK were not available at the time I created my set-up. If they were I would have been in the same spot you are now. You will not go wrong with either set-up or combo, they are all top notch. So it becomes what are you looking for when opening the hood. For me I like how my set-up looks with my INJEN painted to match my IOM Camaro. I really like the MRT's but I think I could have liked the ARK just as much too. You might get a touch more HP from the Vararam and ARK.

Good luck.

[RJ333]

I'm not an expert @ all, but having 2 of the upgrades you're questioning (Mrt v2 and Injen CAI)....I just finished installing the last of my upgrades ported throttle body was (1st), black iceolator (3rd), and Injen CAI (2nd). Installed the the throttle body 1st to promptly return the core. I noticed the better throttle response the next day I drove the car. I installed the injen the next day (very limited time work a lot of hours have to squeeze my install times in when I can) Drove the car with injen felt great thru mid range and decent top end (great throaty sound love the whistle sound). I installed the black iceolator today, and wow after driving the car about 50 miles it really came to life. I must say the black iceolator is must have mod for the LLT motor......ps having the 13mm flex wrench made the install so easy......Thanks again for your input guys .....

[rtcat600man]

Originally Posted by RJ333

I'm not an expert @ all, but having 2 of the upgrades you're questioning (Mrt v2 and Injen CAI)....I just finished installing the last of my upgrades ported throttle body was (1st), black iceolator (3rd), and Injen CAI (2nd). Installed the the throttle body 1st to promptly return the core. I noticed the better throttle response the next day I drove the car. I installed the injen the next day (very limited time work a lot of hours have to squeeze my install times in when I can) Drove the car with injen felt great thru mid range and decent top end (great throaty sound love the whistle sound). I installed the black iceolator today, and wow after driving the car about 50 miles it really came to life. I must say the black iceolator is must have mod for the LLT motor......ps having the 13mm flex wrench made the install so easy......Thanks again for your input guys .....

AWESOME, and you are correct about the iceolator, it has been determined to be the best bank for the buck mod going for out LLT. Improved mid range torque is huge. And yes, having this wrench does help.

This dyno below is the one that was posted back in the day with the iceolator. Also posted what that wrench looks like.

[KMPrenger]

Originally Posted by MrTeacher

Hey guys, I've been following this thread for quite awhile, but this is the first time I've posted to it. I've got a 2010 2LT/RS and am considering some performance upgrades. I've checked out several different exhaust systems and seemed to have narrowed it down to the ARK N-II or the MRT v2.0. I have read a lot of positive comments about the MRTs, but what do you guys think about the ARK systems? Any one done any further comparisons between the two? Also, I know I'll be getting a CAI and I'm intrigued by the Vararam system for our car, but I also really liked my Injen CAI in my previous car (03 Acura TL-S), and of course I hear a lot about the CAI and AirRaid brands. Obviously my goal is to get the most HP and best sound out of it as I can... what are your thoughts?

I have to agree with what rtcat600man told you above. Both setups will be great.

If I had to recommend a few things...first off I can't really recommend AirRaid intakes for our cars. Reason is I had one before my Vararam intake, and the Vararam was a noticeable improvement over the AirRaid. If you ended up going with the CAI intake, I'd recommend installing their air "scoop" with it at some point in time to maximize outside airflow to the filter. Last but not least...the Injen is also a good intake...I'd put it right up there at the top with the other intakes from what I've read about it.

[Hawk23]

Hi everyone I'm brand-new to this forum. Late last year I bought it 2011 Camaro V6. Now GM claims for 2011 the car produces 312 hp but I have read other places where they still say that engine still makes 305 hp? Anyways so far I have the K&N Cold air intake open air filter with smooth tube and from the Cadillacs going back I have the Borla Pro XS mufflers. It was a noticeable increase in horsepower especially in very cold weather. I live in Edmonton Alberta so it gets quite cold in the winter time.. So for now the last modification I want to make is I want to put a set of headers on the car and I was wondering what would be a really good header for the V-6 Camero?

I emailed JBA and they claim that their headers for the V-6 Camero produced 33 rear wheel horsepower.. However I was at a custom rod shop here in Edmonton and the guy told me that BBK basically is full of s**t.. He told me to put on a set of Doug Thorley headers.. I spoke to Doug and I believe he told me his headers would produce 14 to 18 more horsepower but don't quote me on that because I can't quite remember the numbers... So in everyone's opinion what would be a really good header to put on my V-6 Camero?

Thanks for your time.




QUOTE=rtcat600man;367718]While researching performance items for this list, some prices were found and added for reference purposes ovnly and are estimated.

Description of each item is something I found while researching and thought it would help to understand the items.

The RWHP are approximate based on typical descriptions from both users and manufactures.

For the people who don’t know this, one cannot simply take the HP from each item and add them together to determine your current set-up. Many of the items when combined will produce minimum HP, as much of the gains have already been made with the previous item(s)






AIR INTAKE

Replace engine-asphyxiating OEM parts with high-flow cold air intake kits. They're like a breath of fresh air that'll get your engine pumping. You'll discover gains in horsepower, torque and even fuel economy. Typical RWHP is in 10 - 20.

Great info about Air Intakes on this thread. This info is for V8's but much of it applies for the V6 too.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=266839


AEM Brute Force Air Intake $355.

Airaid Intake System (Filter Oil or Dry) $350.

Apex Motorsports Cold Air Intake Scoop $75.

BBK Power-Plus Cold Air Intake System $285.

Cold Air Inductions $400.

Injen Power-Flow Cold Air Intake System $340.

Injen Short Ram Power Intake System $320.

K&N Air Charger High-Flow Intake Kit $ 265.

K&N Typhoon Intake System $275.

Roto-Fab $320.

SLP Blackwing Cold Air Induction $200.

Spectre $170.

Vararam $335.

Volant Cold Air Intake $260





BRAKES

The options are endless for brake rotors and pads from the aftermarket companies. Another option is to upgrade with stock SS, 1LE or ZL1 brake systems.




CAMS

This mod can be costly due to the fact that the LLT engine has four cams, where as the SS models have only one cam. The only company that has this available at this time has produced approx. 30 rwhp.


Mace $ ??




CATCH CAN

Effectively remove & trap oil mist/vapors from the PCV flow. Condensation. The vapors traveling through the can make contact with the outer (cooling) surface and the oil is condensed to droplets where they fall to the bottom of the can and are trapped for removal. Very important for Direct Injection Engines as there is no fuel to help clean the intake and valves.

RevXtreme Catch Can w/ Dual Check Valve $159.

RevXtreme Catch Can w/ Single Check Valve $139.

RevXtreme Breather Oil Fill Cap $39.

Elite Catch Can $155.

Saikou Michi Can Starting at $60.



CONNECTING RODS

Billet and forged rods, stronger than stock, built to withstand the PSI from high HP engines.


RevXtreme $ working



FORCED INDUCTION

Superchargers - A supercharger is an air compressor used to increase the pressure, temperature, and density of air supplied to an internal combustion engine. The compressed air that a supercharger provides to an engine supplies a greater mass of oxygen per cycle of the engine to support combustion than available to a naturally aspirated engine, which makes it possible for more fuel to be burned and more work to be done per cycle, which increases the power the engine produces.

RX Vortech Supercharger $5900.


IPF Supercharger $5895.

Turbochargers -A turbocharger or turbo (colloquialism), from the Greek "τύρβη" (mixing/spinning) is a forced induction device used to allow more power to be produced for an engine of a given size. A turbocharged engine can be more powerful and efficient than a naturally aspirated engine because the turbine forces more air, and proportionately more fuel, into the combustion chamber than atmospheric pressure alone.

RX Turbochargs


STS Turbocharges $5195.


Nitrous -Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a chemical compound used as an oxidizing agent to increase an internal combustion engines power output by allowing more fuel to be burned than would normally be the case.


ZEX $600






GEARS

Working on this one.







HEADERS

There's more power lurking under your hood than you might imagine. The key to unlocking all those baying ponies is simple: exhaust headers and manifolds. Unlike the heavy, clunky, inefficient exhaust manifold that came with your ride, exhaust headers are engineered for maximum flow efficiency. And, the faster the fumes spill out of your engine, the faster your vehicle will go. Typical RWHP is in 5 – 8 for the short, and 15 – 20 for the long.

Be aware that headers will change your exhaust note and will add more of aggressive nature to it. Short tube headers typically compliment almost any exhaust. Long Tube headers can cause an exhaust to be very loud, aggressive, and raspy. But combined with a proper exhaust setup (a resonated X muffler is most common) they can be tamed and sound very “muscular”.


Long Tube


American Racing Headers (optional H-pipe too)

with Catalytic Converter $1295.

without Catalytic Converter $1165.


BBK Performance Exhaust (Chrome, Silver Ceramic, Stainless Steel) $700., $800., $900.


OBX Exhaust Manifold $400.


Pace Setter Quik Trip (Black, Armor Coat) $220., $385.


Pace Setter Extensions with Catalytic Converter $260.


Pace Setter Extensions without Catalytic Converter $125.


Stainless Works

with Catalytic Converter $1140.

without Catalytic Converter $940.


Short Tube


Doug Thorley Shorty (Ceramic) $345.


Flowmaster Scavenger Series Elite Headers $630.


JBA Shorty (Stainless, Silver Ceramic, Titanium Ceramic) $ 395., $ 535., $535.


Pace Setter Shorty (Black, Armor Coat) $215., $375.



HEADS

Porting for flow #'s cost power....the DI motor is very dependent on velocity. Still working on the totally redesigned new heads but they are out quite a ways.

RevXtreme $ working




INTAKE MANIFOLD SPACER

A manifold insulator is a thermal insulating spacer that mounts between your upper and lower intake manifold. Made from a heat blocking composite, the manifold insulators will increase power from your engine by keeping the intake cooler, and produce a 5% increase in low end torque by increasing runner length. Typical RWHP is 5 at the top end, however, you should see greater gains in the low to mid RPM range.


Mace 6.25mm, 12mm, 25mm Plenum Spacer $110., $110., $160.

VMAX Motorsports 3/8” Black Ice-olator Plenum Spacer $150.




MASS AIR SENSOR

The mass air sensor increases airflow by up to 45% and communicates the increase with the engine's computer to give you instant gains in low-end torque and horsepower. Unfortunately these have not proven to be worth anything yet for our V6. However, they are listed here since these are on the market today. If anyone can show gains with one of these items, please post up the results as many would like to believe in these items and purchase them for their Camaro. Typical RWHP none


Jet Power-Flow Mass Air Sensor $130.




PISTONS


Stronger than stock, built to withstand the PSI from high HP engines.

RevXtreme $ working




PLENUM SPACER

A plenum spacer is a special spacer that sits between your plenum cover and intake manifold. Its main purpose is to improve air distribution between cylinders by slowing down the air speed inside the plenum chamber. As a result there is less of a pressure drop inside the plenum chamber between cylinders, and less air momentum, resulting in better air distribution and therefore power.


Mace 12mm Plenum Spacer $150.

VMAX Motorsports Plenum Spacer $129.



PORTED INTAKE MANIFOLD

Porting and polishing an engine's intake manifold is an essential step in optimizing its performance, particularly if it is a modified engine. Porting is the process in which material on the intake manifold is removed to open up and enlarge the ports while polishing smooth’s out the surface. Both methods optimize air flow into the motor and thereby increase horsepower. The job is labor intensive and expensive if you pay someone to do it, but it can be done by yourself with the proper tools and knowledge.


Mace $375.

RevXtreme $ ??




SHIFTERS

Shifters offer shorter shift throws and a more solid shift feel than the standard stamped-steel shifter. Many consist of an alloy casting attached to a cut steel plate. Some are internally adjustable for shift feel through the use of removable springs. Lately billet aluminum parts and adjustable stops have been coming to market to limit stick travel.

Barton Short Throw Shifter $225. - $285.

Barton Auto Pistol Grip Shifter $150.

Hurst Short Throw Shifter

MGW Short Throw Shifter


STROKER KIT

A Stroker kit is an aftermarket assembly that increases the displacement of a reciprocating engine by increasing the travel of the piston (that is, the piston moves further up and/or down in the cylinder). This is done by using a different crankshaft where the crank pin is moved further away from the center of the axis of rotation of the crankshaft. While this increases displacement and torque it can potentially lower the limit to which the motor can rev safely compared to the stock configuration.

RevXtreme $ Working



THROTTLE BODY

This mod, one can expect to feel a better response from the throttle input and a feeling of better torque in low rpm ranges. At mid and peak RPM ranges, don't expect much of a change. But because of the better response, this is a very popular mod.

Modern Muscle $ ??

VMAX CNC Spiral Ported Throttle Body $150.




THROTTLE BODY SPACER

Unfortunately these have not proven to be worth anything yet for our V6. However, they are listed here since these are on the market today. If anyone can show gains with one of these items, please post up the results as many would like to believe in these items and purchase them for their Camaro. Typical RWHP none.


Airaid PowerAid Throttle Body Spacer $139.

Jet Power-Flow TBI Spacer $75.

Taylor Cable Helix Power Tower Throttle Body Spacer $115.




TUNE

A tune can provide the fine adjustment required to help dial in all the added performance mods. These can be individually adjusted to each vehicle as necessary. Noticeable HP is gained, shortly after loading the tune by making adjustments to the stock set-up. They can also change the way the transmission monitors the torque management. CEL’s can be turned off. One even offers what in known in the industry as a “ghost” cam. Simply download from an email, and upload to your vehicle thru a computer and the OBD port. Typical RWHP is 13 – 20.


Hypertech Max Energy Programmer $330.


IPF $350. - $400.


Trifecta Tune $465. (on sale $300. includes cable)



UNDER DRIVE PULLEY

An under drive pulley refers to an aftermarket crankshaft or accessory pulley (such as an alternator pulley) that is designed to drive a vehicle's accessories at a slower rate than stock. Under drive in general means the input rate of rotation in a system is greater than the output rate of rotation. However, an under drive pulley is considered to be an accessory pulley that is larger than the stock pulley, or a crankshaft pulley that is smaller than the stock crankshaft pulley, even though the accessory may not necessarily be under driven with respect to the crankshaft pulley.

SLP $260.




WHEELS & TIRES

This is 100% personal. Style, size, weight and cost all play a huge factor in deciding on a new set of wheels and tires. One thing to keep in mind thou while looking and shopping, anything you can do to remove rotational mass is a benefit in overall performance. It has been reported that for every 1 lb. of rotating mass that can be eliminated is equal to approximately 4 – 10 lbs. of stationary mass. Old rule of thumb is for every 100 lbs in weight reduction is equal to 0.1 in the ¼ mile. With some many combinations to choose from it would be impossible to list anything on this thread. Next best thing is to point to this thread and let your dreams begin.

Custom wheels thread…http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53913

Recommended tire sizes… http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62838




SUSPENSION

Raise the bar on your ride comfort or drop down into a thoroughbred racing stance with a selection of suspension systems. From lowering kits to anti-sway bars, all to help one capture checkered flags or just make it through the morning commute. Listed below are some of the companies who make suspension items for the Camaro. Below the companies is a list of the items some of them offer.

BELLTECH


BMR


DETROIT SPEED


EIBACH


PDAFT


PEDDERS


SLP



Differential Mounts


Front Radius Rod Bush


Lowering Springs


Suspension kits (lowering springs and sway bars)


Rear Sub Frame Insert


Rear Tie Rod


Rear Trailing Arm


Steering Rack / Pinion Mount


Sway Bar[/QUOTE]

[Evil-Bee-NH]

Originally Posted by Hawk23

Hi everyone I'm brand-new to this forum. Late last year I bought it 2011 Camaro V6. Now GM claims for 2011 the car produces 312 hp but I have read other places where they still say that engine still makes 305 hp? Anyways so far I have the K&N Cold air intake open air filter with smooth tube and from the Cadillacs going back I have the Borla Pro XS mufflers. It was a noticeable increase in horsepower especially in very cold weather. I live in Edmonton Alberta so it gets quite cold in the winter time.. So for now the last modification I want to make is I want to put a set of headers on the car and I was wondering what would be a really good header for the V-6 Camero?

I emailed JBA and they claim that their headers for the V-6 Camero produced 33 rear wheel horsepower.. However I was at a custom rod shop here in Edmonton and the guy told me that BBK basically is full of s**t.. He told me to put on a set of Doug Thorley headers.. I spoke to Doug and I believe he told me his headers would produce 14 to 18 more horsepower but don't quote me on that because I can't quite remember the numbers... So in everyone's opinion what would be a really good header to put on my V-6 Camero?

Thanks for your time.

First question you need to ask yourself is this. LT headers or Shorty headers. Shorty's are weld on typically they will give you a little more hp but they are more of a sound thing. Long Tubes can be welded or bolted on but delete your stock cats and O2 sensors somewhere. You can get a full set with cats i believe these will give you the mentioned 20-30hp gains but you'll also get a Check Engine Light and depending on your inspection laws will need a tune to clear it.

[KMPrenger]

Originally Posted by Hawk23

Hi everyone I'm brand-new to this forum. Late last year I bought it 2011 Camaro V6. Now GM claims for 2011 the car produces 312 hp but I have read other places where they still say that engine still makes 305 hp? Anyways so far I have the K&N Cold air intake open air filter with smooth tube and from the Cadillacs going back I have the Borla Pro XS mufflers. It was a noticeable increase in horsepower especially in very cold weather. I live in Edmonton Alberta so it gets quite cold in the winter time.. So for now the last modification I want to make is I want to put a set of headers on the car and I was wondering what would be a really good header for the V-6 Camero?

I emailed JBA and they claim that their headers for the V-6 Camero produced 33 rear wheel horsepower.. However I was at a custom rod shop here in Edmonton and the guy told me that BBK basically is full of s**t.. He told me to put on a set of Doug Thorley headers.. I spoke to Doug and I believe he told me his headers would produce 14 to 18 more horsepower but don't quote me on that because I can't quite remember the numbers... So in everyone's opinion what would be a really good header to put on my V-6 Camero?

Thanks for your time.

JBA headers offered for the Camaro V6 are shorty headers, and will only give you gains of about 8 - 10 HP.

BBK headers are long tube headers and you should see gains anywhere from 15 - 20 HP at peak. In the midrange you will gain more than that, but at peak no more than 20 for sure.

Doug Thorley headers for the V6 are also shorty headers (unless they've just released long tube headers) and they will have similar gains as the JBAs I mentioned above.

[Hawk23]

Thanks for the info guys. Sounds like JBA might be the way to go. I've heard good things about them. They do have cats with there headers and according to DT they only now have the shorty headers. They use to carry the long tube but Doug told me there wasn't much demand for long tube headers for the V6 Camaro's do they discontinued them.

Cheers

[RJ333]

I purchased Hypertech Max Energy model 32501...I programmed my car but I did not get an option to raise the top speed limiter to match my upgraded wheels and tires. I'm just curious has any one else had this problem.

[Hawk23]

I was going to buy that Hypertech Max energy but to my understanding it's a 6 hp gain and $400 to purchase... I didn't think the $$$ was worth the small HP increase. I rather spend over $800 on the headers and get a solid 15 to 30 more horsepower.. Then 6!

Originally Posted by RJ333

I purchased Hypertech Max Energy model 32501...I programmed my car but I did not get an option to raise the top speed limiter to match my upgraded wheels and tires. I'm just curious has any one else had this problem.

[RJ333]

Originally Posted by Hawk23

I was going to buy that Hypertech Max energy but to my understanding it's a 6 hp gain and $400 to purchase... I didn't think the $$$ was worth the small HP increase. I rather spend over $800 on the headers and get a solid 15 to 30 more horsepower.. Then 6!

I agree but with the mods (ingen long tube, ported tb, black iceolator and mrt v2) I have and living in an emission strict area. I chose this tune overall I cannot give hardcore numbers not a dyno guy or hardcore strip guy. I use my daily driver butt dyno. I can say the gain felt equal to the gain after installing the black iceolator after the ecu adjusted....but I was disappointed about the top speed limiter not available on the v6 models....I'm running the premium 93 octane tune