Weaknesses of F-Bodies?

[rhummer37]

If I wanted to spend some money on my 1997 Pontiac Firebird WS-6, LT1, what are some weaknesses I should focus on?

I was thinking of picking up a Flowmaster cat-back system to start.

What are somethings I can focus on improving?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

If I wanted to spend some money on my 1997 Pontiac Firebird WS-6, LT1, what are some weaknesses I should focus on?

I was thinking of picking up a Flowmaster cat-back system to start.

What are somethings I can focus on improving?

What are your goals? straight line acceleration or handleing?
For either sub frame connectors are a good place to start.
The exhaust is really restrictive so a cat back is good too.

[Z Ya Later]

What are your goals? straight line acceleration or handleing?
For either sub frame connectors are a good place to start.
The exhaust is really restrictive so a cat back is good too.

I second that. I would shy away from Flowmaster myself. There are many other cat-backs around that will give you a better sound and better performance for around the same cost, sometimes cheaper. Also, unless you plan on swapping it out, strengthening the rear is sometimes a good idea. A good cold air kit will help as well, along with better lower control arms for the rear. If you're working on a budget, let us know. We can always whip up a quick list

[MN6WS6]

The weakest stock part of an f-body is the rearend. The first upgrade though should be subframe connectors. Why? $139 versus more like $2,500

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

Subframe connectors are always good.

Catback will give you customized looks, sound, AND performance. WS6 exhaust should be less restrictive than the stock T/A, though not as good as a 3" catback.

If you have a manual than I'd suggest upgrading the shifter.

The rear differential is the week point in the powertrain, but if you have an auto, that should take some stress off of it. I'd only worry about it if you were making repeated drag runs with a set of really sticky tires or if you have a manual and like to do high rpm clutch drops...

[rhummer37]

I second that. I would shy away from Flowmaster myself. There are many other cat-backs around that will give you a better sound and better performance for around the same cost, sometimes cheaper. Also, unless you plan on swapping it out, strengthening the rear is sometimes a good idea. A good cold air kit will help as well, along with better lower control arms for the rear. If you're working on a budget, let us know. We can always whip up a quick list

Which exhaust companies do you like better? The system on their now is working fine, so I do not want to spend too much money on a new system.

And do you think a K&N or SLP cold air intake would work much better than the Ram Air system Pontiac gave me?

[fastTa]

Which exhaust companies do you like better? The system on their now is working fine, so I do not want to spend too much money on a new system.

Inexpensive:
Magnaflow
SLP Loudmouth (raspy sound though)
Random Technology
Hooker
Spintech

Expensive:
Corsa
GMMG
Borla

I personally like the Spintech catback as far as sound and they are cheaper than the more expensive catbacks.

And do you think a K&N or SLP cold air intake would work much better than the Ram Air system Pontiac gave me?

No. The Ram Air actually inhibits pressure drop within the intake tract. And it already is providing the motor with cool outside air.

[Z Ya Later]

You can also go with the Loudmouth 2, which is quieter and less "raspy" than the orig. Loudmouth and they're the same price. I've got a modified Loudmouth with a Sweet Thunder steel pack...I have yet to have someone tell me my car doesn't sound good (although some don't like the "noise" lol ).

[roastm]

i've had 4 of the above and now its the borla ajust. and ill NEVER go back its worth the money once vrs the thousands wasted on elimination