Tight Budget upgrades

[98_Z28_ls1]

I just purchased a 1998 Z28 LS1 with 85000 on the clock and is basically stock. It has an automatic and 3.23 gears. The car purchase took most of my budget. I was wondering if there are any upgrades I can make to the car on the cheap until I can rebuild my warchest. Any tips or pointers would be greatly appreciated.:brick:

[Corvettekid82]

Intake. Used lids can be found really inexpensively.
Exhaust. Depending on what system you want.. I did a dynomax race bullet. Great sound. 40 bucks plus install.

BTW welcome to the board and congrats!!

[Rickys S/C Z28]

there is a lot of little things you can do like he said above lids and CAI type of things but i would staright with the headers go with some pacesetters(cause there cheap) intakes can be bought cheap as well on the for sell section just shop around there is always good deal on here as well as other forams
buy the way wee you from in KY?

[tihstae]

Intake. Used lids can be found really inexpensively.
Exhaust. Depending on what system you want.. I did a dynomax race bullet. Great sound. 40 bucks plus install.

BTW welcome to the board and congrats!!

x2 true

[RagTop]

Do the "free mods" too. Free ram/cold air, free EGR mod, free throttle plate mod. They all contribute. Check out www.installuniversity.com.

[stevo5662]

Free mods are a must. Dont forget the throttle body bypass, and the EGR mod helps a ton on throttle response.

[98_Z28_ls1]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I appreciate the help. BTW I am from Nicholasville KY

[98_Z28_ls1]

Just a thought would a power programmer or super chip be worth the investment on a stock LS1?

[GatorSS]

No. Both are POS.

[niterydr]

I agree with Gator SS .....the programmer is a POS

[98_Z28_ls1]

Thanks again for the pointers. I've got one more question. my brother has a 94 Z28 Lt1 camaro with a low-temp thermostat and a K&N air filter. I just recently raced him from a stop and we were even all the way up to 70 and then he started to pull away from me. I thought Ls1's were faster than Lt1's. Did his minor upgrades really make that much of a difference or is my 98 Z due for a tune-up or something? Thanks

[LETHALxLS1]

Maybe your car was driven hard by the previous owner and has low compression(just a guess).Is the 94 z auto or stick? How many miles does his have? Has his been rebuilt? Maybe you are right and just need plugs/wires etc. I read some of those free mods are bad for your car but I realize its just opinions and everyone knows more than everyone else.

[Rickys S/C Z28]

thats wird cause ls1 are faster(stock for stock) was his car a m6 and yours an a4? by the way in from mt.sterling

[98_Z28_ls1]

Maybe your car was driven hard by the previous owner and has low compression(just a guess).Is the 94 z auto or stick? How many miles does his have? Has his been rebuilt? Maybe you are right and just need plugs/wires etc. I read some of those free mods are bad for your car but I realize its just opinions and everyone knows more than everyone else.
The 94 is an A-4 just like mine with 84000 miles, never rebuilt. If the compression rate is low how do i fix it and how much does it cost?
Thanks

[Rickys S/C Z28]

and did you stick to the road or blow the tires

[niterydr]

Thanks again for the pointers. I've got one more question. my brother has a 94 Z28 Lt1 camaro with a low-temp thermostat and a K&N air filter. I just recently raced him from a stop and we were even all the way up to 70 and then he started to pull away from me. I thought Ls1's were faster than Lt1's. Did his minor upgrades really make that much of a difference or is my 98 Z due for a tune-up or something? Thanks

98 Z28 ls1.......Usually, LS1 's are faster stock vs stock, but I will tell you there are some LT1's out there that will haul a**. If your car was bone stock and he added a K&N and thermostat, the K&N is really going to help him more on top end. Don't panic though, it sounds like you have just purchased the car and maybe you need to get used to driving it a little more. The power is different on all cars. Take a little time and go over the car and fix any minor things that might need repairing, vacuum hoses, plug wires, plugs, etc. After this, you will probably get him next time you race. By the way, LT1's and LS1's love the cold air K&N.....you might want to add this to your car. Good Luck!!

[Rickys S/C Z28]

good info^^

[barnat]

When i first got my 02 ss and like you every penny went into just getting her, buy on the cheaper side of the exhaust headers being#1 i opted to R&R the Y pipe being the factory drivers side is almost smashed shut! Good LUCK and enjoy it for a bit before modifing because once you start wheres usally no going back.