Newbie with questions

**jman342** · 04-15-2011, 06:04 AM

Hello all,

Just got a black '99 trans am last week. It needs a bit of work but overall is in good shape. I'm looking to do some mods and I was wondering what was best to start out. Already has K&N cold air and Borla exhaust. What the next logical step? Thanks, and nice to meet you.

**Knight** · 04-15-2011, 06:11 AM

G'day and welcome.

A good place to start would be with SFCs (sub frame connectors), and if you are an a4 you could look into a stall. If a m6, you could look into upgrading the clutch and hydraulics. Others will chime in with stuff too, I'm sure.

**jman342** · 04-15-2011, 06:50 AM

Thanks for the advice. It is indeed an A4.

**Y2KArcticSS** · 04-15-2011, 07:05 AM

Welcome from your northern neighboring state! SFC's are a good start, as stated above. If you're looking for something a bit more radical, long tube headers are a good choice. Not sure on the emissions regulations in Texas, but I know most TX members here have LT's anyway. Enjoy your car!

**024mula** · 04-15-2011, 07:16 AM

Welcome to LS1, posts some pics of your ride.

**KahanaReef** · 04-15-2011, 08:24 AM

Welcome aboard! I think most will say sub frame connectors

**jason.d.gantt** · 04-15-2011, 09:56 AM

cam, cam and then do the cam.

**jman342** · 04-15-2011, 12:25 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll defintely get SFCs as soon as I sell my other car. As far as torque converters go...this is my DD so what would be a good speed if I am looking to keep it realtively street friendly?

I'll post some pics this weekend. Nothing incredible right now, but one day...

**TLS_Addict** · 04-15-2011, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by jman342

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll defintely get SFCs as soon as I sell my other car. As far as torque converters go...this is my DD so what would be a good speed if I am looking to keep it realtively street friendly?

I'll post some pics this weekend. Nothing incredible right now, but one day...

Lots of guys go wiht a 3200/3400/3600 and have zero issues. You WILL want a tranny oil cooler though and if you have a drive way that is really steep you may have issues. At least that is what a few have noted as the only bad thing. Mine is my DD as well but I am not sure if I want to go that route. We will see after I hit the track....lol

**jman342** · 04-15-2011, 03:17 PM

Cool. As far as manufacturers go, any recommendations? Online I've seen Yank and FTI mentioned. I'm new to all this so I don't know if these are reputable or not. Also, for the tranny cooler, the only thing I've seen so far is the B&M, is that a good route to go? Thanks.

**Z28Thunder** · 04-15-2011, 07:49 PM

Welcome to LS1.com.

**wileyCoyote** · 04-16-2011, 09:39 AM

welcome aboard

**KMdef9** · 04-17-2011, 01:43 PM

Welcome!

For a automatic on a budget, SFC's, cheap headers and y-pipe then a tune (look up a member here named Frost, also a site sponsor).

If you got some cash to spend, then I'd look into the stall before the tune.

It really depends on your goals, money and mechanical ability.

**jman342** · 04-17-2011, 06:29 PM

Thanks. My mechanical ability is admittedly limited, as is space for tools and working on it since I live in an apartment. I can probably handle most simple stuff, but would have to find someone to help me out beyond that. At this point I am definitely compiling a list of things to do that exceeds money on hand.

**KMdef9** · 04-20-2011, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by jman342

Thanks. My mechanical ability is admittedly limited, as is space for tools and working on it since I live in an apartment. I can probably handle most simple stuff, but would have to find someone to help me out beyond that. At this point I am definitely compiling a list of things to do that exceeds money on hand.

SFC's can be done in a parking lot, they're really easy and takes little time, if you go the bolt in route. I would recommend the 3point bolt in from UMI, runs about $250 I believe. The headers are more labor intensive and you'll probably want a buddy with a garage and several tools to give you hand. The tune is very easy, you have to take out your PCM and ship it, lol, that's $150 from the site sponsor.