Hey guys I just bought a 06 black on black 6spd GTO last week and kinda played around on here lookin around till I decided to join. I came from NASIOC I use to drive a subaru and we had a lot of threads about 1st mods and so on. Yes , It was a bigger site but I was wondering what you guys thought would be a good first mod for my gto. Id like to do a exhaust but a lot of what I have seen is that you only make like 5-10 hp and I would like to try to get the best for my money. So just let me know what you guys think. thanks

My Route:
1. K&N CAI - debatable how much this helps without tuning
2. Magnaflow Catback - good for change in sound
3. AMW Oil Catch Can - I like the concept
4. BMR Drag Bags - Helps with the issue of wheel hop
5. Kooks Long Tube Headers - Kind of expensive, but could feel performance boost
6. Dyno Tune - My understanding is that this is required to make the most of the previous modifications

Full list of mods below in my signature.

-K

I would agree with phantoms list of mods except id leave the catch can out its really not needed and will net you no gains.

so how do you guys feel about the programmers do they help at all ???? Or is it just a waste of money ???

also is it said to be that the KN intake is the best one to use or is it just the one that is most popular with everyone

also is it said to be that the KN intake is the best one to use or is it just the one that is most popular with everyone

I am not certain that the K&N is in fact the most popular with goat owners. While being popular, I think that there are a lot of Volant and LPE installations. My readings would lead me to believe that the LPE CAI is the most popular, but then again...I could be wrong.

-K

I would agree with phantoms list of mods except id leave the catch can out its really not needed and will net you no gains.

Agreed. That is why I mentioned that I like the concept of the catch can. Besides the AMW catch can looks cool. ;)

-K

so how do you guys feel about the programmers do they help at all ???? Or is it just a waste of money ???

For a stock (or nearly stock) GTO, I think there is some benefit associated with a hand-held programmer such as the Predator. However, I do not know how well it will keep up with major modifications (i.e., cam, heads, etc). To realize the full potential of the car, I think that most people would be better off with a dyno tune.

-K

Agreed. That is why I mentioned that I like the concept of the catch can. Besides the AMW catch can looks cool. ;)

-K
thats true it gives it that racecar look.

also I use the k&n cai and its very good and easily installed.I also put a corsa sport catback because it bolts right in and makes the car sound like a muscle car should plus it would help the headers at a later date.

I also put a corsa sport catback because it bolts right in and makes the car sound like a muscle car should plus it would help the headers at a later date.

Think (Typing) Out Loud
I am not sure how much performance benefit one would get changing out the stock (2005) catback. When I replaced my catback, I noticed that there was a crimped section of pipe on the passenger-side. Even considering this, I can't imagine that the flow would be significantly better through the pipe. However, I would expect slightly better flow because of changing the stock mufflers.

I believe there is the benefit of weight reduction, even though it is not as significant as replacing the stock exhaust manifolds and catalytic converters with long tube headers and high flow cats (or heaven forbid, no cats). So, slightly better flow and a little less weight...every little bit helps.

I would tell someone interested in making the catback modification that, unless other modifications are in place, not to expect a major increase in performance. In my mind, a catback change is more for the sound. With this said, I don't suspect that I am telling anyone something in which they were not already aware.

-K

yeah your right phantom. I think it mostly a sound thing however check out corsas website they state that thier catback will out flow the stock by almost 2:1 . If this is true and Id think it has to be at least close or theyd have been called on it long ago then there is a potential for better power when matched up to the long tube headers .Otherwise you put the LTs on and the restriction moves further down the pipes to the crimped area and the restrictive stock mufflers. The headers will by themselves definetely increase power by a great deal more than the catback but you also need to reprogram the car after putting on the headers where as the cat back will provide a very modest increase in power but doesnt hurt the stock tune . In terms of dollars per HP the headers are a much better value.