Help Me Select My Mods

[Naaman]

I bought a 98 Z a few weeks ago and have been researching the after market. My power goals are fairly modest: I don't aspire to anything much over 400 hp at the crank, however, I am interested in minimizing drive train losses.

Also, modifications that can improve horsepower and fuel economy at the same time are of particular interest to me.

SLP seems to have some pretty straight forward options, however, I hear they're not that great.

My car will be a daily driver, so it must remain street legal...

Help much appreciated.

Oh yeah, it's a convertible.

Here's what it came with:

• Adjustable Koni shocks – front (tuned by Sam Strano)
• Heavy-duty Bilstein shocks – rear (also from Sam Strano)
• Adjustable lower control arms – alloy billet
• C4 “sawblade” alloy Corvette wheels – 8.5” front and 9.5” rear
• Goodyear F1’s – 255-45-17 front and 285-40-17 rear
• Magnaflow stainless steel cat-back exhaust with custom tips
• Texas Performance air lid with K&N filter
• Skip shift eliminator
• NGK’s

[Hi-Po]

Forget SLP now and you will be ahead of the game before even starting.


Headers - Check out all the sticky's in the exhaust section. More then enough information there to make a educated choice. Add a catback or true duals as well.

LS6 intake

Auto/Manual? - Stall if automatic for sure.

SFC's, and new shocks. Koni's are probably the best street machine shock. Suspension mod's can go on and on.

Lid. SLP actually makes a decent performing but often poorly fitting piece.

That's a decent start.

[Knight]

Hi-Po has you started pretty good. What's the budget as well? That'll determine the best way to start.

[67CamaroRSSS]

Welded in convertible (they're different from a T-top or hardtop) sub-frame connectors are a must for your car. I can't stress this enough as the 1st mod. Trust me in this as I've had a vert.

A smooth lid is a good place to start for mods. Be sure you get the 98-99 version as the 2000-2002 have a large hole in them for the AIR pump air source. This can be plugged though.

Depending on whether you want straight line performance or road handling ability will determine which direction to go. You can do both also. If you go faster than 13.50 in the 1/4 you'll need a cage per NHRA rules.

Also, what type of smog inspection are you subject to? This will determine what type (and how extensive) your mods can be. If you can, keep all the original stock parts. Any bolt on mod can be returned back to stock if required.

[Naaman]

It's an M6. The budget is flexible: I want quality, so I'm willing to hold out for good stuff, even if it takes me longer to meet my list.

I'm also planning on having to get a new rear-end, given the reputation of the 10-bolt.

Bolt-ons is all I'm really interested in as far as power goes.

What about a carbon fiber drive shaft? The only one I've found is about $800, which is not too far out of reach for me. I love the idea of a lightened up drive train. Anything other than the drive shaft and perhaps a lighter flywheel?

[Naaman]

Welded in convertible (they're different from a T-top or hardtop) sub-frame connectors are a must for your car. I can't stress this enough as the 1st mod. Trust me in this as I've had a vert.

A smooth lid is a good place to start for mods. Be sure you get the 98-99 version as the 2000-2002 have a large hole in them for the AIR pump air source. This can be plugged though.

Depending on whether you want straight line performance or road handling ability will determine which direction to go. You can do both also. If you go faster than 13.50 in the 1/4 you'll need a cage per NHRA rules.

Also, what type of smog inspection are you subject to? This will determine what type (and how extensive) your mods can be. If you can, keep all the original stock parts. Any bolt on mod can be returned back to stock if required.

I shopped a bit for some SFCs, but I couldn't find any that were convertible specific.... Do they affect ground clearance?

Also, what about a stabilizer bar under the hood?

[mammoth713]

i bought a UMI cheapest shock tower brace possible for around $60 online and it made a slight but yet noticeable difference in my car..

My car as ttops, thats why i considered adding it. And it was cheap!


Only complaint with it is it didnt really fit that great where it bolted in. But i got it to work.

Looks good too

[Y2KPewterSS]

Another vote for SFCs first and foremost.

[Mr. Luos]

I want quality

Then avoid SLP.


Subframe connectors first. Shouldn't affect clearance much (if any).
Then airbox lid.
Catback (I prefer Magnaflow, but many options out there)
Headers (love my Kooks, but again, options to be had)
LS6 intake (or better depending on future plans)
Suspension/tires.


For the suspension stuff...I recommend UMI.
I do not recommend a strut tower brace though...as they do nothing for performance on our cars. The uni-body design doesn't allow for flex. Appearance mod at best.

[Naaman]

Okay, looks like SFCs are first. When it comes to modding, is there a general consensus with regards to who installs the goodies? It seems like it would be ideal for as few hands as possible to work on the car. If I had the facilities and some trustworthy guidance, I would not be opposed to doing the work myself, but I do not feel comfortable attempting it without supervision.

Anyone know any reputable tuners/mechanics/technicians in the Puget Sound area of WA?

Does anyone have any experience with Speed Secrets in Monroe, WA?
Or Tom Wong in Vancouver, WA?

[Dabom75]

Check with KYSPEED they are a sponsor here and they carry the weld in SFC's for verts.

[lancesT/A]

I do not recommend a strut tower brace though...as they do nothing for performance on our cars. The uni-body design doesn't allow for flex. Appearance mod at best.

hey mine is useful..... for holding the car up as i drop the motor lol

[Mr. Luos]

hey mine is useful..... for holding the car up as i drop the motor lol

That is the last time mine was on the car....

[Dr.Crash]

KYSpeed is a great place to shop and ef stay away from SLP!

[EVIL-LS1]

Lid/LT's/ORY/Catback/Free Mods/LS6/SFC's/

[Naaman]

Lid/LT's/ORY/Catback/Free Mods/LS6/SFC's/

[tatertot91]

Air lid / Long Tubes / Off-Road Y-pipe / Catback Exhaust system / free mods / LS6 Intake manifold / subframe connectors

[Dr.Crash]

Lid/LT's/ORY/Catback/Free Mods/LS6/SFC's/


Air lid, Long tube headers, off road y-pipe, catback exhaust, free mods , LS6 intake, subframe connectors

[Dr.Crash]

Air lid / Long Tubes / Off-Road Y-pipe / Catback Exhaust system / free mods / LS6 Intake manifold / subframe connectors

you beat me to it!

[tatertot91]

you beat me to it!

You're just getting slow
Ever get around to that 9" yet?