Monaro Mods

[350plus]

My car is approaching her 3rd birthday – usually the point where I trade up for a later model…. But hey, I love my Monaro and she’s not going anywhere!
Instead I was thinking of giving her a birthday present and doing a few basic mods (she is pretty stock standard at the moment).
Here’s where I would really appreciate some advice as I am noob when it comes to aftermarket mods on cars.

I do want to highlight that I’ve done literally hours of searching on here, and while it is often an entertaining read… I am still unsure of some of the basic jargon.

For example.. the general consensus seems to be that an “edit” is the way to go.. but I have no idea what that really involves, what it would do, and how much I should pay. If someone could point me to a a useful thread or explain I would be very grateful.

Secondly, a mate (mates always seem to have the answers don’t they!) tells me to simply strip away the exhaust resonators just before the tail pipes and that will greatly improve sound, and add a little more kws. Is this recommended (and I suppose I should also ask if it is legal)?

And finally, I really would like to give it a face lift by swapping to a VZ bonnet. Any suggestions as to best place/means to do this?

[SS_Fury]

Ok - i would leave the edit till after your mods...an edit is more or less updating the computer program so your car runs better all round - includes usually better fuel consumption, better torque, runs better, more power etc. Its best to do it last though coz it 'ties up all the other mods you do into one package' i guess. Email Delco (Dan) as he is a sponser on here or talk to WA Performance as they also are sponsers. I have found both are good to deal with.

i wouldnt strip the resonator as the exhaust may tend to drone - your better off going an aftermarket exhaust system if you wanted a better note

im not sure a VZ bonnet would even fit a monaro? happy to be proven wrong though

[350plus]

thanks for that.

about the bonnet, I misstyped. I meant the later models scooped monaro bonnet.

[VT-099]

You can purchase the bonnet from several sponsors around the place but expect to pay about $850-$900 for a genuine steel one, plus maybe $250 for paint if you know a painter. Aftermarket ones retail for about $550 and there's a guy on eBay from Rooty hill selling excellent replicas.

I have one of the replicas and in my opinion you'd be better off going for the steel one, I will if there's a next time, better all round fit and less hasels with insurance.

The VZ monaro bonnet will bolt straight on, you'll need to use the struts and latch from the original bonnet though.

Hope this helps.

Andrew

[350plus]

Thanks Andrew. Exactly what I was looking for.

[mad_monaro]

go the bonnet, you will not look back, I love the way it makes mine just that little bit different .

I have aftermarket zorst with no res, and all you need to do is ask NickS how its sounds :headbang:

http://www.excelerate.com.au/downloads/mad_monaro/DSC_0048.jpg

[motomk]

Sorry if I sound repetative here but one of the best posts to read is by jeff3205 from a few years ago, it explains a lot of the information.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=388537&postcount=7

motomk

[Vulture]

If you've enjoyed your standard Monaro for the last three years you will go absolutely gaga over it once you do exhaust, intake and edit. A better third Birthday present for it couldn't be imagined (well maybe a turbo kit!). You'll feel like you HAVE got a new car.

[ssberlina]

I couldnt drive mine without the resonator on mine. The drone was shocking.

The best mods as far as I am concerned are:

Diff gears - 3.91 if manual, 3.73 auto. Can go 3.9 in auto
Ceramic coated pacemaker tri Y headers
twin 2.5" exhaust with resonator!
Ripshifter if manual or 2800 stall if auto
Small cam (if you have the budget)
OTRCAI or as a min GTS pipe and twin hole mod
maffless tune

Also I think that you will find that if you put the new bonnet on that it impedes the OTRCAI. So if you are looking at that you may need to reconsider the bonnet.

[350plus]

Thanks all for the feedback and encouragement. I gotta say I am really getting excited about this (I'm starting to sound like Big Kev) . Better double check the dollars first and come up with a plan with an order that makes best sense. (I was orignally planning about $3-4K but was hoping to have some change left over for adding a decent subwoofer in the back.)

My other love is Home Theatre - I can see how this could quickly become another "project" that never ends. :D

[VACATIONER]

Howdy, I would consider diff gears as one of your options...!

Last Sat I was parked next to a Monaro with two ethnic gentlemen inside
the passenger wound down his window and said he liked my SS and asked how low it was.? after a small chat the driver said did I want to RUN ( when the lights changed ). Yep was the answer and my wife smiled at me :rolleyes:. Any how after I left him for dust and he was trying, when at the next set of light he asked me if I had :nos:
Nope I said just an EDIT and 4.11 DIFF gears. This combination turns your car into a weapon.

My 2 bob's worth, and something to consider

I don't normally race from the lights but these ethnic gents thought they were smart with their Fully Sik Naro.

[350plus]

Sorry if I sound repetative here but one of the best posts to read is by jeff3205 from a few years ago, it explains a lot of the information.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=388537&postcount=7

motomk

Thanks for that link. I finally had a chance to read all of it and it explained a lot.

[drbob]

2 hole mod to air box.
Extractors.
Cats and cat back system.
If auto 3.73 diff gears(Harts in Brisbane)
PCM edit (Chipmaster)
This is what I did.
I am very happy with results.