New Car... need opinions

**04GTOLS1** · 09-27-2007, 10:55 PM

Hey, just picked up and 04 GTO on monday, big step from my POS monte carlo. No real expereience with the LS1, but i know my way around a motor. I was wondering what were some of the better 'beggining' stage mods. what will give me the most 'bang for my buck' and so-on. this IS a project car and will get done over time, but i need to start somewhere. Thanks!

James

**2000T/A Guru** · 09-28-2007, 02:15 PM

Dont have a GTO but i do know the LS1, for easy bolt on, do free mods, a Lid or intake on ls1s, headers, some exhaust and with a tune plus those bolt ons you can pick up a good 20-30hp. I went from 312rwhp to 337 with headers, exhaust and a lid. Dynoed before tune. Im a 6 speed which generally makes around 10 or so more hp compared to an auto.

**04GTOLS1** · 09-29-2007, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by 2000T/A Guru

Dont have a GTO but i do know the LS1, for easy bolt on, do free mods, a Lid or intake on ls1s, headers, some exhaust and with a tune plus those bolt ons you can pick up a good 20-30hp. I went from 312rwhp to 337 with headers, exhaust and a lid. Dynoed before tune. Im a 6 speed which generally makes around 10 or so more hp compared to an auto.

Free mods? lid? lik i said... im new

James

**FantaZGuy28** · 10-02-2007, 03:20 PM

There is no real free mods for the GTO besides weight reduction, your best gain in performance is a set of LT's(Long Tube Headers) and a tune. The LT's are a hell of a lot easier to install than on a Fbody(Camaro/Firebird) as well as get rid of some weight from the stock manifolds. That should get you going on the right track.

**pyro449** · 10-18-2007, 02:48 AM

you can descreen you Mass air flow sensor, you could do the throttle body bypass where you dont have coolent going through your throttle body.

**Sarge** · 10-18-2007, 03:05 AM

DO NOT Descreen your MAF. You will regret it. These MAF's are good for well over 500RWHP.
Most folks do the free mods...like the TB Water Bypass...Relocate the IAT....I think the best thing anybody can do right off is a dyno tune....

**retvet** · 10-18-2007, 07:36 AM

I agree with Fanta. Get some LT's and then get a tune. You said it is a "project" car. All future engine mods will require them. You first need to let that Ls1 breath. Plus it will sound better and, should keep you happy while you maybe do some handling stuff. As also said above there is really not much free or cheep mods for the GTO. Oh, and we have no "lid". Congrats and enjoy!

**04GTOLS1** · 10-18-2007, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by Sarge

...Relocate the IAT...

IAT?

and how do you bypass the TB? what kind of improvement would i see? how long would that take/ parts needed?

thanks again

James

**GOT1GOAT** · 10-19-2007, 08:09 AM

Having limited mod money here I'm good so far with a predator tune (not as good as a dyno tune) for the 04/A4. It removes most of torque mgt. which is a big power robber for us autos and you can modify the tune for more fuel and spark enhancements as well as shift points and pressures.
There is some other free mods for the 04s re: the throttle body and that is a port and polish and grind down the throttle stop until your butterfly opens all the way.