Newbie C5 questions

[HITMAN]

This past Sunday I bought a new C5 Commemorative Edition. It has an M6, and NO other options.

First step will be to clay the paint, & apply Zaino --- this weekend.

Like my '99SS, my first mod will be to the airflow. What is the best intake setup --- Vortex, Halltech, Vararam, Blackwing?

Next will be to disable the stooopid skip shift.

Next will be to swap in a set of ported heads that I already have sitting in a plastic bag. They have 918 springs, and are specifically set up for a stocker cam. I made over 360 HP on my SS w/ these heads. Since I don't want to do a cam swap, I'm thinking of adding a set of higher-ratio rockers.

When I do the head swap, I'm thinking of putting in an X-pipe, but no headers or other exhaust mods. What's best, Bassani, Magnaflow, Dr. Gas, custom fabbed?????

I may swap out the spark plugs as well. I ran NGK TR6 plugs in my SS, and had good luck w/ them. THey seemed to work well w/ the slightly higher compression resulting form the .030" mill on the heads.

All recommendations are welcome.

[Cam]

Welcome to the board, HITMAN, and congrats on your C5! :cool:
Originally posted by HITMAN
This past Sunday I bought a new C5 Commemorative Edition. It has an M6, and NO other options.

First step will be to clay the paint, & apply Zaino --- this weekend.[

Like my '99SS, my first mod will be to the airflow. What is the best intake setup --- Vortex, Halltech, Vararam, Blackwing? That's kind of like asking what lid is best for the LS1 f-body. You'll get similar results from all of them on the dyno. As to which one performs better at high speed- debatable, but it makes sense that the Vararam would make a few HP more than the others at speed. A lot of people like the Blackwing, because it's the cheapest, but fuel/air ratio problems are common with the Blackwing due to turbulent airflow through the MAF. I think you need LS1 edit tuning to get the most out of the blackwing.


Next will be to disable the stooopid skip shift. Don't waste $20-$30 on a skip shift eliminator. Just do the $0.59 radio shack resistor mod. It's quick and easy, and CHEAP, and it works just as well as one of the more expensive skipshift eliminators. I did this on my 02 Z06, and on my 98 TA before it, and had no problems with either.

Next will be to swap in a set of ported heads that I already have sitting in a plastic bag. They have 918 springs, and are specifically set up for a stocker cam. I made over 360 HP on my SS w/ these heads. Since I don't want to do a cam swap, I'm thinking of adding a set of higher-ratio rockers.

When I do the head swap, I'm thinking of putting in an X-pipe, but no headers or other exhaust mods. What's best, Bassani, Magnaflow, Dr. Gas, custom fabbed????? They're all about the same performance-wise. Just go with the x-pipe that appeals to you the most.

[Bayouvette]

Z06Cam just about summed it up..

I run the vortex, and have a magnaflow xpipe.

the vortex does involve a little cutting, but it was the first mod I did and I felt the SOTP difference immediately.

I got the magnaflow in a group purchase and was told by some supporting tuners on another site that they prefer it over others.

Either way you wont be dissappointed

[XTrooper]

Originally posted by HITMAN
This past Sunday I bought a new C5 Commemorative Edition. It has an M6, and NO other options.

First step will be to clay the paint, & apply Zaino --- this weekend.

Like my '99SS, my first mod will be to the airflow. What is the best intake setup --- Vortex, Halltech, Vararam, Blackwing?

Next will be to disable the stooopid skip shift.

Next will be to swap in a set of ported heads that I already have sitting in a plastic bag. They have 918 springs, and are specifically set up for a stocker cam. I made over 360 HP on my SS w/ these heads. Since I don't want to do a cam swap, I'm thinking of adding a set of higher-ratio rockers.

When I do the head swap, I'm thinking of putting in an X-pipe, but no headers or other exhaust mods. What's best, Bassani, Magnaflow, Dr. Gas, custom fabbed?????

I may swap out the spark plugs as well. I ran NGK TR6 plugs in my SS, and had good luck w/ them. THey seemed to work well w/ the slightly higher compression resulting form the .030" mill on the heads.

All recommendations are welcome.

First, congratulations on your new ride! :thumbup:

All of the name-brand intakes are good. I had first a "bottom feeder" Halltech (no longer sold), but swapped it out because of hydrolock concerns. I now have a West Coast Corvette Hurricane intake.

As already stated, an X-pipe is pretty much an X-pipe. The only suggestion I'd make is to stick with the same manufacturer for your exhaust system and X-pipe. There's a better chance that they'll mate up without any problems. ;)

I'm very satisfied with my NGK iridium plugs and they should last a good long time.

:cool:

[HITMAN]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I will check out the 59 cent resistor mod, save a few bucks.

I don't want to do any cutting, so the Vortex is out. I will check out the West Coast Corvette Hurricane intake, & maybe the new Vararam. If the Iridium plugs are kewl, that's one less thing to worry about.

I have heard good things about the Magnaflow X-pipe, and also the Bassani. SInce I'm not planning any other exhaust mods, I will probably leave it up to my master exhaust welder, Tyson.

Gary

[MT Wallet]

congrats! nice webpage btw

you served your country, your city and now it's time to enjoy life :D

[HITMAN]

I think you have me confused with Steve --- I don't have a website, & haven't served my country or my city. I am enjoying life, though. :cool:

[HITMAN]

Ordered a Vararam today - $325 & free shipping. The install looks a little involved, but at least there is no cutting involved.

[BlwnInterceptor]

Originally posted by XTrooper
First, congratulations on your new ride! :thumbup:

All of the name-brand intakes are good. I had first a "bottom feeder" Halltech (no longer sold), but swapped it out because of hydrolock concerns. I now have a West Coast Corvette Hurricane intake.

As already stated, an X-pipe is pretty much an X-pipe. The only suggestion I'd make is to stick with the same manufacturer for your exhaust system and X-pipe. There's a better chance that they'll mate up without any problems. ;)

I'm very satisfied with my NGK iridium plugs and they should last a good long time.

:cool:


I just bought a 98 C5 and was wondering the same questions...where can I find this Hurricane intake? As far as hydro lock goes...I live in San Diego so that might not be a huge problem. Would there be a better intake setup?

I just looked at the Vararam setup on Tbyrne's website...looks pretty good...the numbers they claim are not too shabby.

Thanks,
Jason

[BlwnInterceptor]

Originally posted by HITMAN
Ordered a Vararam today - $325 & free shipping. The install looks a little involved, but at least there is no cutting involved.


Where did you order it for 325.00? I looked around and it goes for 399.00?

Thanks,
Jason

[HITMAN]

Tom Byrne is selling it for $320. I got mine from Rte 28.

[MagRedC5]

Originally posted by HITMAN
I don't want to do any cutting, so the Vortex is out.

Gary

Hey Gary,

I have the BPP Vortex Intake and did not have to do any cutting on the Shroud. I ordered the Precut Fan Shroud from Ecklers that is specifcally designed for the Vortex Rammer Cold Air Intake System.

Click on the links below...

1997-04 BPP Vortex Precut Fan Shroud, #41198, $74.99 (http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=41198&dept%5Fid=1249&mscssid=H0B44FL38H7J8HSR6TKWXLG0F1839F0B)

2001-04 Vortex CAI, #40147, $259.99...gain up to 22hp (http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=40147&dept%5Fid=1758&mscssid=H0B44FL38H7J8HSR6TKWXLG0F1839F0B)

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/326000-326999/326343_34_full.jpg
BTW, I removed the original BPP Vortex emblem & replaced with Corvette Racing emblem.

[MagRedC5]

Originally posted by HITMAN
Ordered a Vararam today - $325 & free shipping. The install looks a little involved, but at least there is no cutting involved.
No cutting involved with the Vortex Rammer CAI if you order the $75.00 Precut Shroud. Oh well, suit yourself & your possible hydrolock...been told the Vararam is a PIA to install, too:rolleyes:

I'd be curious to see your dyno graph posted after the amazing Vararam is installed. Sorry, I'm getting a little grumpy...I guess its time for :zzz:

Anyway, good luck :)

[dvandentop]

vararam wont hydrolock unless you are forging the river like the covered wagons on the orgeon trail :lol:

[MagRedC5]

Originally posted by dvandentop
vararam wont hydrolock unless you are forging the river like the covered wagons on the orgeon trail :lol:
:rolleyes: I'm not use to seeing such rude comments on this forum. I'll just consider yours a :badpost:

[dvandentop]

:p though u were going to bed buddy :p :beer: {owns vararam] :D
he is just jealous of the vararam mad power :lol: :D

[MagRedC5]

Originally posted by dvandentop
:p though u were going to bed buddy :p :beer: {owns vararam] :D
he is just jealous of the vararam mad power :lol: :D
How do you figure I'm jealous of anything? I like my 350.4rwhp/363.8rwtq which is not too shabby for stock H/C and stock TConverter. My 1/4 ET 12.64 @113.87mph is not too shabby, either. BTW, according to skytower31 my 0-60 is 4.36 seconds. However, these stats will all be even better after Apr 17th with the G5X-3 Cam Pkg. w/Comp 921 Dual Springs, Vig2800, and B&M Trans Cooler. I'm shooting for 400rwhp/rwtq which the folks at LGM say is a realistic goal.

Let us not continue a flame war with each other, okay. If you'd noticed on my previous post I mentioned I apologized for getting grumpy & needed to go to bed. However, I don't know what you meant by, "going to bed buddy", because the woman in my bed is my fiance.

Besides, I'm not the only one to post on this Thread about a possible hydrolock. If someone wants to use the Vararam that is fine with me & if a dyno graph or timeslip shows the power gains as advertised, then I might even do a swap out myself.

Peace out,

[dvandentop]

just having some fun and giving ya a bad time for some fun :beer: :beer: