HELP!! Standard LS1 (5.7l) - Needs a tune up, BADLY - tune & cat-back / full exhaust

[bluecommondore]

I've had a VYII 5.7l commodore for about 5 years, now, done 80,000k and just love driving it. I cannot justify changing it for a new model. It's chewing 17-18l / 100km at the moment (usualy 14s though). To give it a new lease on life and improve economy, i'm thinking about getting some work done. I've spoken with two different places:

1. First place (best i don't name them) has advised a 300 pipe, mafless tune (not sure if terminology is right) and a 2.5 Cat-back mild steel exhaust. The price seems pretty reasonable (about $1500). Alternatively, i can go a full exhaust (3-to-1 again, sorry if terminology is wrong) and tune up for about 2k.

2. Second Place has told me to go for a cold air intake, full exhaust system (4-in-1 sorry if terminology is wrong) and tune up (over $3000).

I'm not into racing, just want the car to run smooth, a bit more economically and sound nice like a V8 should (without a drone). Could anyone tell me which way should go or alternatively, recommend a mechanic?

Thanks heaps!

Bluecommodre

[Vulture]

A bit hard from the information you have supplied but option 1. would seem better as much more cost effective. No need for a CAI as you can just get the Monaro cold air intake from Holden and save a bundle (do a search for that or MCAI on the forum). A full exhaust won't change things as much as the catback and tune + MCAI.

[andy15762003]

Mate best advise is to go and see one of the forum sponsors and they will steer you in the right direction.
If you are in the southeast of Melb I can recommend either Chevs in Carrum Downs or APS in Frankston and both will look after you really well.

Andy

[bluecommondore]

Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it. I have spoken with Chevs and found them to be really helpful. I reckon I'll proceed with option 1.

Thanks again

[JT]

Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it. I have spoken with Chevs and found them to be really helpful. I reckon I'll proceed with option 1.

Thanks again
once you drive it,
you will be kicking yourself for not doing it sooner

[jwilson]

I've had a VYII 5.7l commodore for about 5 years, now, done 80,000k and just love driving it. I cannot justify changing it for a new model. It's chewing 17-18l / 100km at the moment (usualy 14s though). To give it a new lease on life and improve economy, i'm thinking about getting some work done.

Wherever you decide to go, make sure you explain that it's recently lost a fair bit of fuel economy. It could be indicative of a fault/failure that might be made worse with bolt-on performance parts or worse, might mean you get less bang-for-buck. At 80,000kms I'd hazard a guess that the O2 sensors might need replacing which could explain the loss of fuel economy.

Also, make sure *YOU* are happy with the tuner/workshop you choose. Don't just go on forum recommendations. It pays to decide for yourself what you think is important and make sure they make the grade for you and what you want.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes.

[payaya]

Its called damn Melbourne traffic. Its gotten to the point of major screwed up! Cant imagine how it will be in a few more years time.

[bluecommondore]

Sorry for the delay in reply! I've had a 2.5 catback, full service and the car is running heaps better. consumption droppped from around the 18 mark to high 12s around town. V happy. Problem is, car's picked up about 25rkw and now i've got the bug!!

Thinking about finishing off the exhaust with Tri-Y headers and hi-flow cats. Could anyone recommend whether this is the right way to go (rather than 4-1's)?

Thanks again!
:)

[markone2]

Sorry for the delay in reply! I've had a 2.5 catback, full service and the car is running heaps better. consumption droppped from around the 18 mark to high 12s around town. V happy. Problem is, car's picked up about 25rkw and now i've got the bug!!

Thinking about finishing off the exhaust with Tri-Y headers and hi-flow cats. Could anyone recommend whether this is the right way to go (rather than 4-1's)?

Thanks again!
:)

I always rely on the humble Tri-y's till the cars drop under 11.5....great value and great bit of gear ,the old Paccie Tri-y's imo

.

[TUF8SS]

I just picked up some magnaflow s/s met sub performance cats off ebay for $189ea. Been quoted $150-200 to fit. Been quoted $150-200 to fit extractors too. With fitting extractors been told you also need the o2 loom extensions, been quoted $120 for these, 4 I think.

From my research,
Tri Ys - Better low down torque, more streetable, bit cheaper, better ground clearance.
4-1s - Recommended if you plan more mods -blower, heads/cam, etc, not much more expensive - $55 in paceys, seem better for big hp/lower et's, seem more common.

Like has been said, people running some pretty serious numbers with TriYs though. Think the 4-1s might have a better note but the rest of the exhaust has alot to do with this. I'll be interested to see which way you go, might affect my decision.

Cheers
Levi

[highlander_69r]

i still run pacie try ys on my H+C ss, they seem to do the job. After reading Markone2s comment about sub 11.5s, well if the weather holds off il be trying that out tonight