Exhaust would be the first place to start IMO. The engine is an air pump. If you can get more air in, you'll need to let more out.
YOUR OPINION for best power mods NA engine
Hey all,
So yes, I know this topic has been addressed time and time again, and there are numerous threads that have been formed about it, but I'm not looking for the "catch-all" thread to answer my question, I wanna hear it from the horses' mouths (pun intended) as to power-adding or horsepower-freeing mods. I do not have the money to do super or turbo setup. Currently only have a K&N CAI, rest of engine is stock. Where can I start to get power and keep it NA? I am looking into a TB/Plenum combo but have heard mixed things about real HP gains.
So yes, I know this topic has been addressed time and time again, and there are numerous threads that have been formed about it, but I'm not looking for the "catch-all" thread to answer my question, I wanna hear it from the horses' mouths (pun intended) as to power-adding or horsepower-freeing mods. I do not have the money to do super or turbo setup. Currently only have a K&N CAI, rest of engine is stock. Where can I start to get power and keep it NA? I am looking into a TB/Plenum combo but have heard mixed things about real HP gains.
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Offroad midpipe (h or x, your pick) and tb/plenum. Each are worth a chassis dyno proven 8-12 rwhp. Then tuner and gears.
The way they advertise gains with tuners is a bit skewed - generally speaking, if somebody tells you that "_________" is worth 50 hp it means that those gains are at the top of the rpm range.The way that tuners are advertised where you see the typical claim of around 30 hp gain, they are taking that measurement from somewhere in the middle of the rpm range. "Peak" gains are more around 10 or so. I wouldn't say it's dishonest advertising but definitely a little on the side of creative. At any rate, also consider that you spend more time driving your car between 2500 - 5000 rpm, which is where the advertised gains are present.
Gears obviously don't add any power, but technically are referred to as a "torque multiplier". Firsthand experience, a set of 4.10's will feel like you just added 40 hp.
After that stuff, get started on suspension.
The way they advertise gains with tuners is a bit skewed - generally speaking, if somebody tells you that "_________" is worth 50 hp it means that those gains are at the top of the rpm range.The way that tuners are advertised where you see the typical claim of around 30 hp gain, they are taking that measurement from somewhere in the middle of the rpm range. "Peak" gains are more around 10 or so. I wouldn't say it's dishonest advertising but definitely a little on the side of creative. At any rate, also consider that you spend more time driving your car between 2500 - 5000 rpm, which is where the advertised gains are present.
Gears obviously don't add any power, but technically are referred to as a "torque multiplier". Firsthand experience, a set of 4.10's will feel like you just added 40 hp.
After that stuff, get started on suspension.
Solid points guys..I do need to do gears...I will reserve asking which ratio because I have seen my share of threads on that one, haha. And I was never personally sold on a tune for the $, either of you guys use one? Exhaust I'm okay with messing more with. Want to maybe do an O/R H or X for sure. All good ideas
I pretty much had to get a tuner for our 2011 V6. Bought it used and previous owner had 3.73 gears installed along with 18" wheels instead of 19". Speedo was way off as well as the shift points. Running the regular tune as of now with corrections for gears and tires. I'm going to lighten the shift pressure today especially for first gear with the tuner matter of fact (automatic). Tuners are rather expensive compared to what other things you could do for the money, but I know they are worth it. At what point you'll actually need one is up to you. They just bring everything together that you've done as far as mods and make for a better driving experience as well as performance in many ways. My throttle response improved tremendously from stock with the tuner.
I'm starting to think they're all a waste. My car: chambered mufflers, otherwise 100% stock. Buddy's car: 4.10s , intake, full exhaust, aftermarket coil packs, tune, pulleys, long tubes, etc etc. We ran last night and were door to door both times. And I had the same experience with my stock '08 vs my brothers highly bolted '06. So in my opinion, dumping four figures into bolt on mods is a waste. Save the money and go strait to forced induction.
Off road mid pipe, tb/plenum, tune and gears. I've noticed decent gain with all those. Having been where you are, I would start with 4.10s and tuner. Best bang for your buck.
Or go straight to nitrous. I'm about 6-8 months from purchasing a nitrous kit. Quickest/cheapest way to 100whp gain for these cars.
Or go straight to nitrous. I'm about 6-8 months from purchasing a nitrous kit. Quickest/cheapest way to 100whp gain for these cars.
Yup agree with JonR gears is where the beat bang for buck is. Besides ling tubes and a tune I believe the rest of my mods only added only 10-15rwhp which is a very bad hp to cost ratio than long tubes long tubes was 1000 and added around 20 but also agreeing again nitrous is a great cheap power adder. Running a 100 shot and everything seems good nothing blown and you can get a basic kit from nx without any goodies for around 400-500 dollars
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