First upgrade on a 04 vette

**camarospade** · 12-16-2009, 03:26 PM

my friend has a 2004 corvette and it's an auto. it's basically bone stock except with flowmaster exhaust. but he has about 500 to spend on it and he wants to get high flow cats put in. that'll run him 400. but i was thinking getting a stall would be better. it is a dd

**Y2KPewterSS** · 12-16-2009, 04:31 PM

Removing the cats will not net much. Putting a torque converter in can shave anywhere from .2-.5 off your ETs. You are correct in seeing more benefits from a converter versus removing the cats.

**Ramairgod84** · 12-17-2009, 05:50 AM

I'd go with an aftermarket filter to start. Donaldson blackwing is what I have.

**Mr. Hyde** · 12-17-2009, 06:01 AM

I agree with the "More air is better" route. Let that motor breathe and you'll see instant results everywhere in the powerband.
With my own Z06, that was the very first mod I did, and then I slapped a Borla on it to allow it to breathe (a little bit more) on the exhaust side.
Your friend will not only gain a bit more HP with the CAI, but as a added bonus, his MPG will go up too.
Spend about $250.00 on the CAI, then take the other $250.00 that's left over and go through the car changing all the fluids out...rear end, trans, brake fluid, etc...although not as much fun, it'll be a good starting point to build on.

**gnomee** · 12-20-2009, 03:32 PM

I agree with above. From what I've found in researching the first mods for my Z06. The varram or blackwing is a MUST. Big HP gains for just letting that LS6 breath!

**OneSlowL36** · 12-21-2009, 05:12 PM

I'd always start with intake and exhaust (full). Then drivetrain mods (those can really make his 'Vette haul the mail). Then if hes still thirsty - cam, heads, F/I.... etc

**HiVoltge** · 01-14-2010, 05:50 AM

Install a cold air intake and get the car tuned..It makes a world of difference..
Installing Long Tube headers is also a great upgrade and certainly wakes up a stock LS engine...but be careful because power becomes addictive... next thing you know you'll be at the heads/cam stage and then a S/C!!!...