What Are Best Upgrades For A 02 Trans Am !!!

**ls1speedster** · 04-11-2007, 01:00 PM

I have a 2002 trans am (ls1).... it is bone stock no mods what so ever.... i was wanting to get more horsepower.. what products should i buy that will get me alot of horsepower for not alot of money!!!!!

**KiD WiCKeD** · 04-11-2007, 04:48 PM

What kind of horsepower numbers are you looking for? Check the top of the board and look in the Bolt-Ons List. It gives a ton of info. I also have an 02 T/A and my mod list (in order) is as follows:
SLP Airlid
SLP Smooth Bellows
Corsa Stainless Cat-Back
Kooks Stainless Headers and Off-Road Y-Pipe
Spec Stage 2 Clutch and Aluminum Flywheel
ATI Balancer/Under Drive Pulley
Heads Machined w/ new Stainless Valves, Comp Valve Springs, Titanium Retainers and Locks
Comp Hi-Tech Pushrods
Comp Shaft Mount Rockers
Comp Cams Cam and Lifters
Comp Dual Roller Timing Set

Other than the engine mods, I plan on Reducing as much rotating weight as possible with things like a rebuilt tranny, carbon fiber driveshaft, new rear end with 3.73 or 4.10 gears. I also plan on redoing the entire suspension system, then dropping a stroker motor and some better heads. Everyone has their own thing they wanna do with their car, give us some more info on your plans, Like budget and what your plans for the car are. Is it gonna be a daily driver? Show Car? Drag Car? Time Attack? Drifting? Some of the other guys can chime in and give you exact numbers on hp, but if i were you, i'd concentrate on the intake and exhaust first, then the suspension and reduce the rotating weight. But i'm somewhat of a rookie to this sports car world. hope it helps.

**ls1speedster** · 04-11-2007, 05:19 PM

my car is my daily driver my budget is around $5000-$6000 and i was lookin somwhere around 450-500 hp...what rear gears do u prefer.. which mod gave you the most hp.. i want my car to be a somewhat daily driver but kill on the strip.... what is best ???

**import slayer** · 04-11-2007, 05:31 PM

N2o Ftw!!!

**Silver Streak** · 04-11-2007, 05:39 PM

Are you talking 450 rwhp? If so.. that 6 grand is gonna do a lot more than that! You didn't say if you were auto or stick.. auto go 3.73.. stick go 4.10. it doesn't take much to makes these Ls1s scream! With the stock engine, I'm already at 342/355 at the wheels.

**ls1speedster** · 04-11-2007, 05:57 PM

i have a auto and 450-500 rwhp.... what tourque converter should i get or should i get one? what shold i get with my 6 grand budget?

**Silver Streak** · 04-11-2007, 05:59 PM

I went with a 3600 stall, a shiftkit, 373s... hell its all in my sig.. lol. Dropped me to 12.1 so far... and I haven't touched my suspension or engine yet....

**ls1speedster** · 04-11-2007, 06:05 PM

what engine mods are best to reah 450 rwhp or more.... i was thinking along the lines of heads and a cam swap.... and of course exaust....

**Packy** · 04-11-2007, 06:20 PM

Heads/cam, stall, small N2O shot, sticky tires, and full exhaust.

**rajiv1998** · 04-11-2007, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by ls1speedster

what engine mods are best to reah 450 rwhp or more.... i was thinking along the lines of heads and a cam swap.... and of course exaust....

Thats prolly ur best bet other than nitrous. Just remember youll need ALL the bolt ons before H/C, at least if u want the most out of it

**Silver Streak** · 04-11-2007, 06:23 PM

And can't forget about the TUNE! Lol.

**ls1speedster** · 04-11-2007, 06:30 PM

what are some of your ideas on super or turbocharging a car.... is it the best route to go or shold i just put on some other boltons...

**nhraformula** · 04-11-2007, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by ls1speedster

i have a auto and 450-500 rwhp.... what tourque converter should i get or should i get one? what shold i get with my 6 grand budget?

tci 3500 rpm superstreetfighter stall converter.
228/228 cam
dart heads
volant cai
pulleys
bfg g force DR tires

check out ls1speed.com.
they are about the best tuner here in the midwest.
talk to larry

**nhraformula** · 04-11-2007, 06:44 PM

youll also need sub frame connectors, ls2 timing chain, trans oil cooler and shift kit.

**ls1speedster** · 04-12-2007, 08:47 AM

how are you guys getting the horsepower to the ground with stock suspention..... what traction systems are you useing... what upgrades do i need...

**rajiv1998** · 04-12-2007, 10:48 AM

Subframes are a must, along with LCA's and all the other stuff. Youd be surprised how big of an issue tires play as well. Hell i took off nearly .2 seconds on my pass with slicks.

**KiD WiCKeD** · 04-12-2007, 01:59 PM

Some may not agree with me, but I believe if your wanting 500hp, if your car has many miles on it or your gonna put boost through it and NOS (over 75-100hp shot) you really need to do a few things with your internals. Billet Main caps, good main studs, a forged crank (Eagles are fairly tough), Forged Rods (again eagle is fair price and strong), and some good forged pistons (Mahle, JE, Ross, SRP, Wiseco all good). Also a head stud kit would be a good investment. Keep in mind, the more hp you want, the harder it will be on your internals and Forged is the way to go. Also, atleast invest in a good rebuild and some high strength bolts from ARP. Good Luck and happy horsepower hunting.

**stanger88** · 04-12-2007, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by rajiv1998

Subframes are a must, along with LCA's and all the other stuff. Youd be surprised how big of an issue tires play as well. Hell i took off nearly .2 seconds on my pass with slicks.

Wierd. Should have been a LOT! more unless you were bogging off the line or hooking just fine without them, that means your 60' improved .1 or less.

**stanger88** · 04-12-2007, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by KiD WiCKeD

Some may not agree with me, but I believe if your wanting 500hp, if your car has many miles on it or your gonna put boost through it and NOS (over 75-100hp shot) you really need to do a few things with your internals. Billet Main caps, good main studs, a forged crank (Eagles are fairly tough), Forged Rods (again eagle is fair price and strong), and some good forged pistons (Mahle, JE, Ross, SRP, Wiseco all good). Also a head stud kit would be a good investment. Keep in mind, the more hp you want, the harder it will be on your internals and Forged is the way to go. Also, atleast invest in a good rebuild and some high strength bolts from ARP. Good Luck and happy horsepower hunting.

A forged crank is totally un-necessary in an LS1 under 7-800whp.

**2000T/A Guru** · 04-12-2007, 02:46 PM

With bolt ons, cam, heads and a super or turbo you would be pushing out 500s easy. I say no No2, i have enough trouble keeping my gas tank filled dont need to fill 2 tanks lol.