Question on performance upgrades...

[Biz]

I just got a new 99 Grand AM SE, 3.4 liter v6 with stock engine ( no upgrades ) And was wondering on some cheap things I can do to enhance the performance. Cheap being around $500, not like a $4400 supercharger :)

[phantom505]

$3k for a turbo. :D

However with $500 I would recommend a CAI, DHP reprogram and some sort of exhaust.

That's more like $750, but well worth your money. You'll get some really nice gains.

I would it in this order: CAI, DHP reprogram, Exhaust

[Biz]

What would be a good way to upgrade the exhaust system? Hehe sorry if im sounding abit stupid, but im just starting to get really into cars and my engine.

[phantom505]

You're trapped now.

Personally I like my Borla Cat-back, a little quieter than SLP, has resonator and tips. SLP is louder, cheaper, but has just open ends for pipes, no resonator, and you gain on the top end and loose a notch on the bottom (no tips either).

Or you can go custom and you'll just have to look up on how to do a Magnaflow or some such. Cheapest, sort of loud, not for me. But then again I have $7k+ worth of parts on my car too.

[bumpin2000gagt]

I did a lot of comparing of exhausts before I chose mine. I went with SLP. My car sounds like an old vicious muscle car. I love it. I went to shows over the summer and people were asking me all the time how I got my car to sound like that. I still want it louder; I think it's an addiction. The borla is perfect if you want a quieter sounding exhaust, but I don't like the idea of the resonator. The SLP is a little bit bigger size piping too (2.5"), whereas the borla is (2.25"). Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Anymore questions feel free to ask away.

[3 DeeJay]

exhaust either SLP or borla will run you anywhere from 400-500 cat back.. I like Borla, cause it isn't as loud as SLP..

[bumpin2000gagt]

oh another thing you can do is get an underdrive pulley. it was a decent bang for the buck for me. i think it was a lil over 100 and added some nice pull. never dynoed it, but seat of the pants was worth it alone.

[phantom505]

Both are good and you are correct on the pipe size. 2.25" is fine unless you start getting really big on power. So don't let that bother you if you stay with 2.25". Personally I have huge power and I have Borla on still. I have a y-pipe that I uncap for racing. I might leave it permanently uncapped if it's not too loud.