[Marine Corps]

For the most part I've always had a performance car of one type or another. From a Plymouth Road Runner, a Plymouth "Cuda", a GTO, and five different new Corvettes (1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, & 2008) the 2004 Z06 was right off the truck. I now have the 2016 Camaro 2SS with all the options except the decals. Up until the other day I still believed that I needed to upgrade my SS with more aftermarket goodies.

Well, not anymore. I've done months of research and have found that, for the most part, most of the bolt-ons are just not worth it. A few additional HP doesn't justify cost. I've been told that for the most part a legal CAI system isn't available in California. The dealers that do sell them tell me to just switch it back to factory before the smog test. Another vendor said that the NPP is more than enough and to just leave that option on my Camaro. Another vendor mentioned a new sway bar set-up. He also mentioned a custom program tune. Still another mentioned a different cam, headers, or larger throttle body.

I can't see it. Short of a supercharger the other "stuff" seems like a money pit. The gains aren't worth it, IMO. My car with all it's factory options is plenty fast enough. I'm going to stop waiting for a California-legal CAI and all the hype that I read about on line and just be happy with my $50k Camaro. There, I'm done venting!

[irmb]

Originally Posted by Marine Corps

For the most part I've always had a performance car of one type or another. From a Plymouth Road Runner, a Plymouth "Cuda", a GTO, and five different new Corvettes (1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, & 2008) the 2004 Z06 was right off the truck. I now have the 2016 Camaro 2SS with all the options except the decals. Up until the other day I still believed that I needed to upgrade my SS with more aftermarket goodies.

Well, not anymore. I've done months of research and have found that, for the most part, most of the bolt-ons are just not worth it. A few additional HP doesn't justify cost. I've been told that for the most part a legal CAI system isn't available in California. The dealers that do sell them tell me to just switch it back to factory before the smog test. Another vendor said that the NPP is more than enough and to just leave that option on my Camaro. Another vendor mentioned a new sway bar set-up. He also mentioned a custom program tune. Still another mentioned a different cam, headers, or larger throttle body.

I can't see it. Short of a supercharger the other "stuff" seems like a money pit. The gains aren't worth it, IMO. My car with all it's factory options is plenty fast enough. I'm going to stop waiting for a California-legal CAI and all the hype that I read about on line and just be happy with my $50k Camaro. There, I'm done venting!

I'm amazed at the amount of BS people put on their camaro's.

So much time energy and money spent to do nothing other that look different (not even look better).

Unfortunately many camaro owners are more concerned with cosmetics than actual performance.

[KenH.]

I feel the same way. I'm still on the fence with all the issues i'm having with my car, but I'm seriously temped to drop 13k for over 700bhp. This engine does have tons of potential I just don't think it's in the shade tree tuner market.

[raptor5244]

Same here. I've been down the mod path before on previous cars. You have to cam or supercharge it before you will actually feel a difference.

[Mud Z06]

Originally Posted by irmb

I'm amazed at the amount of BS people put on their camaro's.

So much time energy and money spent to do nothing other that look different (not even look better).

Unfortunately many camaro owners are more concerned with cosmetics than actual performance.

Colored engine covers! Stripes/graphics/lines/inserts everywhere! Airbrushing!

gahhh!

I have pretty much stopped going to car shows and especially the Vette meets.

[Techn9cian805]

Originally Posted by irmb

I'm amazed at the amount of BS people put on their camaro's.

So much time energy and money spent to do nothing other that look different (not even look better).

Unfortunately many camaro owners are more concerned with cosmetics than actual performance.

I'm one of those that wont waste much time and money on "performance" mods because they are useless to me. I don't track it, as most, and the car already has more than enough power. to me, cosmetics are more important now. a simple spoiler swap and vinyl wrap color changes are enough. to each their own, bro.

what I don't get are people who spend thousands on performance mods that they wont be able to use on the streets without breaking some laws. now if you track it, then that's something else.

[irmb]

Originally Posted by Techn9cian805

I'm one of those that wont waste much time and money on "performance" mods because they are useless to me. I don't track it, as most, and the car already has more than enough power. to me, cosmetics are more important now. a simple spoiler swap and vinyl wrap color changes are enough. to each their own, bro.

what I don't get are people who spend thousands on performance mods that they wont be able to use on the streets without breaking some laws. now if you track it, then that's something else.

yup.

you can get in all kinds of trouble with 455 HP. I have taken mine to the track and will continue to do so.

next upgrades include square stance wheels and possibly sway bars. Don't need anything more than that.

[SkipNWis]

When isn't 170 miles per hour fast enough?

[Capisce]

Originally Posted by SkipNWis

When isn't 170 miles per hour fast enough?

For lift off

[SSDan]

I'm with the consensus thus far - I am not performance modding this car. I put a ton of performance money in my 5th Gen (cam, cai, headers, full exhaust, short throw shifter, lowering springs and sway bar kit, 3.91 rear gears, electric cutouts, wider rims and tires). And with all that - my stock 6th gen is just as fast in a straight line and definitely better in the curves - plus has a ton better interior, instrumentation - etc.

I also learned the hard way that you must "pay to play" when after 17K miles the aftermarket cam and the lifters started eating each other. That cost me a top end rebuild and when I sold the car I got zero dollars back from all the mods.

I'm quite happy with this LT1 just the way it is - especially with the NPP exhaust.

[KenH.]

Originally Posted by SSDan

I'm with the consensus thus far - I am not performance modding this car. I put a ton of performance money in my 5th Gen (cam, cai, headers, full exhaust, short throw shifter, lowering springs and sway bar kit, 3.91 rear gears, electric cutouts, wider rims and tires). And with all that - my stock 6th gen is just as fast in a straight line and definitely better in the curves - plus has a ton better interior, instrumentation - etc.

I also learned the hard way that you must "pay to play" when after 17K miles the aftermarket cam and the lifters started eating each other. That cost me a top end rebuild and when I sold the car I got zero dollars back from all the mods.

I'm quite happy with this LT1 just the way it is - especially with the NPP exhaust.

I'll admit I have thought about doing the short throw shifter. Would you care to give your opinion on that?

[GP86]

I have to agree with you. I am the type to always mess with something whether it needs it or not. However, I am finding that my 2SS is just right. I may get bored sometime down the road and put on a supercharger or something ridiculous. But right now, this car is just great as is. It is all sorts of fun just as it comes off the assembly line.

[EMTNLSS]

Yea I agree. I plan on just doing cosmetic stuff and maybe suspension. If I want power i'll add a supercharger down the road.

[fastball]

With modern engine design and engine management systems, car companies in general are getting the most out of the engine as they design it the way it comes from the factory. It's not just the Camaro - you'd be hard pressed to find much more power in any modern engine without massive upgrades and spending a ton of cash.

In the old days you could get good results a few bolt ons. Now that won't give you much of anything. Don't fall for the ploy of cold air intakes - they are useless in modern cars. Other than for sound.