Cat Backs & CAI Bolt Ons - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Rencor · 07-27-2011, 10:39 AM

OK Guys & Gals, I am new to the muscle car scene and my knowledge of bolt on's is limited (I am a quick learner though). Just bought my new 2ss/rs and am thinking of the basic upgrades to start with. Cat backs & CAI. My questions are:

1) Will cat-backs add any performance? Increase in HP? I can understand adding headers & a full exhaust adding performance but since cat backs are not changing anything from the block back - are there any gains other than sound? Changing headers would require a tune to the PCM from what I've been reading but is a tune required or advised for cat backs?

2) If I add a CAI system, does this require a tune to the pcm as well?

Go easy on me....

Apex Motorsports · 07-27-2011, 11:15 AM

I added my responses below in red. There is a lot of good technical info on our blog, TheHorsepowerJunkies.com, but feel free to shoot me a PM if you have any questions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rencor

OK Guys & Gals, I am new to the muscle car scene and my knowledge of bolt on's is limited (I am a quick learner though). Just bought my new 2ss/rs and am thinking of the basic upgrades to start with. Cat backs & CAI. My questions are:

1) Will cat-backs add any performance? Increase in HP? I can understand adding headers & a full exhaust adding performance but since cat backs are not changing anything from the block back - are there any gains other than sound? Changing headers would require a tune to the PCM from what I've been reading but is a tune required or advised for cat backs?

You will not see any added power from a cat back alone but you will shed 30-40 lbs of weight by removing the heavy stock parts. If you get into really building you car then it could contribute later on though. Early on it is mostly just for sound and weight reduction. You do not need a tune for a cat back.

2) If I add a CAI system, does this require a tune to the pcm as well?

Most do not but there are a few that do. CAI Inc, Vararam, and Roto-Fab are the most popular systems we carry (in that order) and none of them require a tune. (There is a "no tune" and a "tune required" version of the Vararam.)

Go easy on me....

WheelmanSS · 07-27-2011, 11:22 AM

I would recommend doing a search of this section for this topic. Intake and cat-back are the two most discussed items on this forum.

Rencor · 07-27-2011, 11:58 AM

@ Apex Chase, thanks for the quick response. I have bookmarked you guys and when ready, I will order from you. One last question on the CAI, seeing a lot of info on the Mass Air Sensors. Is it necessary to change or can we use the stock MAS with aftermarket CAI systems?

JDP Sales · 07-27-2011, 03:49 PM

The stock Mass Air Flow sensor is perfectly fine for use, and there is no need to upgrade to an aftermarket on. However, there are two different MAF sensors from the factory, there are a couple threads on the subject, and yes there can be a performance difference between the two when you put a cold air intake and exhaust on.

A full cat-back exhaust (not axle back) will give you great sound, and it usually will give you more power, typically from the design of the x-pipe alone.
We've seen anywhere from 8-12hp when using a Magnaflow Comp-Series cat-back exhaust alone, and it sounds awesome!

Also adding a cold air intake will increase your power, we see around 10hp typically from an Air Raid cold air intake,
they have a lifetime "no-hassle" warranty, and a horsepower increase guarantee!

Neither of these mods require a tune, but as with all mods, custom tuning will increase the increase from the mods.

Call us for the best prices!

- Jeremy

Rencor · 07-27-2011, 04:15 PM

Thanks for the input Jeremy.

Apex Motorsports · 07-27-2011, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rencor

@ Apex Chase, thanks for the quick response. I have bookmarked you guys and when ready, I will order from you. One last question on the CAI, seeing a lot of info on the Mass Air Sensors. Is it necessary to change or can we use the stock MAS with aftermarket CAI systems?

Sounds good, we will be here when you are ready. It depends on the system. Most do not require it on their own but some intakes and some specific combinations of modifications do require that you have one of the "strong" MAF sensors. Just give me a shout when you are ready to pull the trigger and we will discuss the specifics of what you are looking at.

Sales @ CAI Inc · 07-28-2011, 09:19 AM

Our system will get you a 14 RWHP gain on a stock vehicle without any other mods. There is no tune required and its a simple bolt on installation with a Lifetime Warranty. We have sold thousands and offer an intake with design features of a true cold air intake. Let me know if you have any questions, I would be happy to help.

07-27-2011, 10:39 AM	#1
Rencor Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 480	Cat Backs & CAI Bolt Ons OK Guys & Gals, I am new to the muscle car scene and my knowledge of bolt on's is limited (I am a quick learner though). Just bought my new 2ss/rs and am thinking of the basic upgrades to start with. Cat backs & CAI. My questions are: 1) Will cat-backs add any performance? Increase in HP? I can understand adding headers & a full exhaust adding performance but since cat backs are not changing anything from the block back - are there any gains other than sound? Changing headers would require a tune to the PCM from what I've been reading but is a tune required or advised for cat backs? 2) If I add a CAI system, does this require a tune to the pcm as well? Go easy on me.... __________________

07-27-2011, 11:22 AM	#3
WheelmanSS Logic is dead Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,804	I would recommend doing a search of this section for this topic. Intake and cat-back are the two most discussed items on this forum. __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS (LS3) 573 RWHP 498 RWTQ - Vortech V3 Supercharger - Kooks Stepped Headers, Magnaflow 16580 - Suspension by Pfadt, Hotchkis. 2007 Trailblazer SS- Sold 2001 Trans Am WS6 431 RWHP 408 RWTQ - Sold 1994 Camaro Z28 - Sold

07-27-2011, 11:58 AM	#4
Rencor Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 480	@ Apex Chase, thanks for the quick response. I have bookmarked you guys and when ready, I will order from you. One last question on the CAI, seeing a lot of info on the Mass Air Sensors. Is it necessary to change or can we use the stock MAS with aftermarket CAI systems? __________________

07-27-2011, 04:15 PM	#6
Rencor Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 480	Thanks for the input Jeremy. __________________

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07-27-2011, 03:49 PM	#5
JDP Sales Drives: Chevys at the limit Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 9,621	The stock Mass Air Flow sensor is perfectly fine for use, and there is no need to upgrade to an aftermarket on. However, there are two different MAF sensors from the factory, there are a couple threads on the subject, and yes there can be a performance difference between the two when you put a cold air intake and exhaust on. A full cat-back exhaust (not axle back) will give you great sound, and it usually will give you more power, typically from the design of the x-pipe alone. We've seen anywhere from 8-12hp when using a Magnaflow Comp-Series cat-back exhaust alone, and it sounds awesome! Also adding a cold air intake will increase your power, we see around 10hp typically from an Air Raid cold air intake, they have a lifetime "no-hassle" warranty, and a horsepower increase guarantee! Neither of these mods require a tune, but as with all mods, custom tuning will increase the increase from the mods. Call us for the best prices! - Jeremy

07-28-2011, 09:19 AM	#8
Sales @ CAI Inc Drives: 2010 SS/RS Supercharged 427 Build Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 5,503	Our system will get you a 14 RWHP gain on a stock vehicle without any other mods. There is no tune required and its a simple bolt on installation with a Lifetime Warranty. We have sold thousands and offer an intake with design features of a true cold air intake. Let me know if you have any questions, I would be happy to help.