I read somewhere, forget where, but they said that the first mods to do with third-gen is to modify its chassis first.

Subframe connectors first, then to get strut-tower brace second. And i know, i heard great things about what they do, and i have no doubt my car would feel alot better, and handle alot better.

But is that neccesary to get those first, instead of say a cat-back system and CAI and headers.

What do u guys think? Oh and in the end id be satisfied with say about 350hp of modding, at least be at or higher than LT1s and hang with LS1, so take that power into account if chassis improvements need to be made with that much HP.

 

You were told right. The only way to get the power to the ground is to have an efficient suspension. Worry about your go-fast upgrades later.

I have a lowly 305 TBI but every mod I've done so far is suspension and some cosmetic. I haven't touched the engine in the three years I've had it. Its simply not worth it - yet.

Go with SFC's first, they'll be the biggest bang for your buck.
Then get yourself a wonderbar off an IROC or from Global West. Trust me you'll notice the difference right away.
Then go in any order you'd like to on the following:
replace struts/shocks
replace springs (are you going to drag alot or autocross? there are different springs for different apps)
aftermarket panhard rod, LCA's, and strut tower brace
Torque arm if you're really serious, most people don't really require that upgrade.

After you get done with suspension, make sure your brakes will be able to slow you down. You want to make sure of that first before going fast.

 

Well my first Camaro (90 RS) got a chip and exhaust before anything. At the time I didnt even know what SFC's were. So no its not required. If I had known then what I know now, SFC's would have been my first mod. I even raced the car on the track with no SFC's. To this day I'm still not sure if all the abuse I threw at it caused weird chassis flex/damage.

Then I picked up a beautifull B4C. I dont even plan to race it on the tracks, but my first mods (sitting in garage) will be chassis support. KB SuperSubs, GW Lower Support and Steering box Support.

Chassis flex aside, I think you should do SFC's before exhaust because of fitment issues. Not all exhaust setups clear SFC's. It would be a shame to spend alot on a nice exhaut setup only to find it wont clear the SFC's. So yeah do the SFC's first. Exhaust after.

 

In my opinion suspension and everything should come first before performance mods. If a cars suspension and what not is tuned right you can have some crazy low 1/4mile times with only little hp. Or also your handle way better if your into handling. Then after that you can start throwing down power. Why have power if you cant even use it?

 

Hey guys thanks for the info. I done some looking and actually its not that expensive to get that stuff. I'm talking just SFC and strut tower brace, which that alone would make a huge difference in my cars handling and chassis stiffness. I'm looking at about $400 for both, that aint to bad, its not a huge investment, and id be alot happier knowing i got these in my car.

Also, no i wont autocross, and havent took it to the track yet. But overall, no i dont race, or abuse it, i just love to drive it. But hey when the need comes to kick some *** on the street, then pedal to the metal baby! Lets just say since i got the car, other than the few half attempted burn-outs i did for the crowd at the Woodward Cruise, and the few first days i got the car i floored just to feel the cars power, after that this car has been driven very, very controlled.

99% normal drive 1% little outta control

 

haha I'm like 99% normal drive 1% crazy ***...but once I hit a place with some turns its 100% crazy *** bastard haha

 

Lol, hey man u gotta let loose sometimes, it cant be helped!

 

that going to be one of my first mods some day.. sfc's, then strut tower bar, then the wonderbar...

i heard of some people twisting their frames from too much power..

 

What is exactly is the wonder bar, i keep picturing sway bar, is that right?

 

your close it goes under the front sway bar.. its just a straight bar and is used to strengthen / tie the front frame rails.. its about 45 bucks from global west suspension...

 

Hey i was pretty close. Ya that sounds like sure thing to get. Only $45 damn! I should go ahead and order that baby now, are they bolt-on, or weld?

 

Got me really think'in....this topic...here I'm focusing only on an engine build I better incorporate some of these mods in my budget ,huh?

 

I think suspension should be the first of the mods. Gotta start from the ground up. Stiffen chassis, stronger driveline stuff, better tranny, and then the motor. Thats how i thought. I'm glad i did up my whole suspension first...feels tons better and turning is way more enjoyable..:lala:

 

Lon (lonsal) sells his version of the wonderbar for around $40 and it's better than the factory piece.

Hindsight 20/20, the FIRST thing I'd have done is the brakes...UPGRADE!!! No sense going fast if you can't stop the damn car. 1LE, Baer, etc.

Ed, with some MAD 1LE stoppies!!