Flow chart (or: solving the "what do upgrade first" question)

[Devin]

I'm working on a flowchart for upgrades to the Gen 1/2 so that people can have a nice visual aid. With that in mind, ironically, I need to get a consensus on what the typical upgrade path is for NA and FI cars. I know the basics like maintenance first, exhaust, brakes, then power adders, but that is where it breaks for me.

Also, availability of upgrades should be noted too.

 

[sperold]

I think you have the order correct in your initial post.
Most people don't make it to the power adders, but the ones that do, go for turbo / supercharging as there is not much more you can do besides that.

 

[Devin]

So where do things like Y-Pipes, various porting activities, butterflies (which I guess is a form of porting), catbacks, and cams fit? What buildup things are needed prior to FI?

 

[SHOCH]

IMHO Brakes always come first, then suspension, then Y pipe, then Trunk Monkey, then the motor stuff.

 

[Racer X]

Maintenance > Everything else.

 

[sperold]

The induction system is very good on these cars, so the equal length Y-pipe from ShoSource is a very good place to start. A true dual cat-back system is a great addition but the only manufacturer to offer it (Borla) does not make it anymore.

Because the induction system is inherently good, it takes a lot of time / money to make it better. The extrusion honing, big bore butterflies and cams all help, but for about the same money (if you have farmed it out), you can buy a supercharger set-up that you can install yourself and get better results, even with a low boost. Then a whole new frontier opens up where huge horse-power gains can be achieved (either by turbo or supercharger).

 

[intimdatr]

Maintenance, Y-pipe, Brakes (11.6 and/or 13), Susp (whether it is a update or Upgrade), UDP (for the safety of your alt. Mine didnt like 6k), Gen 3 Subframe, BBBs and PnP, **boosted people go boost at this point, N/A continue** Cams (Tune at this point can help), High Comp Pistons, Tune (again). At that point you should be pretty much the top of N/A power in the SHO world without going the boosted route or power adders.



Honestly though, Y-Pipe, BBBs & PnP, UDP and the NOS after of course maintenance. Cheaper, easier, and faster.