Cascade Crew

SlackerTA · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 9:15 am Post subject: LO3 upgrade ?s

I know that the exhaust is the first thing to address so would swapping in some TPI manifolds make a diff? Are they easy to install compared to headers? I'm planning on a new Y pipe, 3" cat, and nice 3" cat-back.

Is it worth it to install 1.6 rockers on a mostly stock engine? I know the cams are tiny in these things. New valve springs probably too, huh?

Any other basic upgrades I should make? My bird seems very tight mechanically so I don't wanna mess with it too much for now. Just a few extra ponies and a nice sound.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 9:51 am Post subject:

Headers are better and easier.

SlackerTA · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 11:37 am Post subject:

I'm going for a total budget build on this one so I'm looking for the best bang for the buck. Stock used manifolds are practically free and I've never heard good things about cheap headers especially on third gens. Every part I've bought so far, except my tires, was used or cost less than $100. Maybe I'll just keep my eyes open for some used headers.

d00012 · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 11:57 am Post subject:

Check craigslist, I saw some ceramic coated long tube hedman headers for third gens for $100 last week, bound to be other nice deals.

Alphius · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 1:48 pm Post subject:

Dang, I gave away a set of thirdgen long tube Hedman's a couple months ago cause noone wanted them.

Also, I have Summit brand shorty headers on my 350, and they fit very well and seem to work great. I think they were $79 but there is no y-pipe, so that has to be fabbed by someone...

SlackerTA · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 5:05 pm Post subject:

After having painted headers on my T/A I think ceramic is the way to go but they're outta my budget @ the moment. Emissions are important as well, unfortunately. Since this car's gonna be mostly about suspension and chassis improvement for now I'm just looking for some easy power upgrades.

The next thing I spend some real coin on is gonna be the EBL system w/ a WB O2 so I can learn about tuning before any major modifications. Maybe I'll just go w/ a cat-back and TBI spacer for now. Minimum of hassle.

aaron_sK · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 5:16 pm Post subject:

If you don't have a visual check, screw the air tubes. You can pass without them.

If you're on a budget, just get some cheap used FlowTechs and get some good gaskets for them. Biggest issue with cheap headers is warping flanges.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 5:34 pm Post subject:

TPI manifolds flow a handful better, but they are positioned differently, so you'd need the appropriate y-pipe also.

Al Hasse · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 7:08 pm Post subject:

If you're interested, I still have my old exhaust system, from the cat forward. Manifolds, Y-pipe, cat, and the little spacer that goes on passenger manifold (took the place of a heat riser valve or something). I'm missing the heat shields that went on them, as well as the bolts.

SlackerTA · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 7:38 pm Post subject:

Any other easy upgrades I should check out? What about injector and/or tbi spacers? Underdrive pulleys? Or are these all just a waste of money @ this point?

Dewey316 · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 7:53 pm Post subject:

Waste of money. Headers/Exaust, then cam/intake are the tickets to opening up an LO3. After that, heads and a 350. Wink

SlackerTA · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 8:41 pm Post subject: