I've got a 2000 Camaro SS, bone stock. I'd like to make it faster and sound better, but I know little about cars except how to drive them. Is there a shop in eastern Massachusetts that anyone can recommend that'll work with me to modify my car?
I would, if I knew enough about cars to tell you. In general, I want it to be really responsive and fast. And I want that low mean growl out the exhaust. I hear that updated cams give it that sound, but I'm not sure. I'm sorry I can't be more specific, but I just don't know that much about what makes cars faster. Turbo charging, super charging, cams, headers, air intake???
I know that the cams change the lift and the duration of the piston stroke to allow more air in the combustion chamber. But I don't understand the relation between lift, duration and horsepower. Basically, I am a perfect example of "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing".
actually the camshaft changes rotary motion to up and down motion with each of the cam lobes.This information is transferred to the valves via a rocker arm. some cams have cam followers(lifters) and push rods.some cams(overhead) do not use lifters.
The shape and size of the cams determine how much the valves open and how long they stay open and when this happens.Start with the basics like I originally said. Improve the exhaust system and the intake system first.As power increases you will learn whats next. Everything costs money,think awhile before buying.
Thanks Vinnie. But I thought the 2000 Camaro SS came with a high performance exhaust system already? (Maybe a Bilstien system?) Are you saying that this system should be upgraded?
The Camaro has a lot of good parts.You can upgrade all of them.Hang out at a local car show or club meeting and look at similar cars.Up here in Canada we have gatherings at AnW/ whitespot/Canadian tire,etc.just a bunch of hot rodders show up and bench race and talk about how good we thought we were.
You have a very good starting car with lots of options,look at other guys cars,,,
I'd take a look around for a Camaro-specific forum. Find one you like with good info and active, pleasant members that nerd out at length and know the cars inside & out.
You'll find out all sorts of tips, tricks, & products to use on your car.
That said, I'd suggest going simple & bolt on for more speed & sound at this point.
The top 2 things I'd be looking for with a 2000 Camaro would be an upgrade to the air intake and a tower strut brace to stiffen the handling but that's just my taste. I have both of those upgraded in my 2010 Challenger R/T & I like it.
Maybe search around on those forums and see what they think of the K&N or Volant CAI system. You could also try just dropping an OE style high flow filter first too. I did a quick search on a major online parts supplier and it turned up a couple CAI boxes and a "Power Tune Kit" which included things like thicker plug wires, nice new spark plugs, a Throttle Body Velocity Stack/Spacer, & a 160º Thermostat. Most of these things are bolt-on & non invasive mods. I'd be wary of the thermostat in MA though as it could end up in a big red R sticker for emissions.
Then crawl under your beast & see what the exhaust situation actually is. If you've already got a nice system, keep it or change the mufflers out to something louder. If you're running stock, look into a Cat-Back exhaust system but keep in mind that'll likely run you at least a grand installed. If you go this route, look into a High Flow Catalytic Converter & Headers while you're at it. While I'm on Headers, those you could probably do for around or under $500 _IF_ you install them yourself, which, if you're inexperienced, will be a _very_ frustrating learning experience. You're also gonna want to try & make sure whatever system you get will mate up to your existing gear or the gear you're installing with it.
Do all or some of this stuff & you've done a bunch to get more out of what you've got AND free'd up your intake & exhaust to take on future mods. This is all stuff you'd need to do along with things like cam swaps, lifters, roller rockers & boosting.
What I'd suggest you get (FIRST!) if you don't already have, is some of those Mechanix style gloves & some thick leather/hide gloves (you will tear your hands up plenty), some decent & comfortable shop goggles (you will get rust & debris in your eyes), a flannel/cotton long sleeve work shirt (poly doesn't get along with heat) * some good respirator masks. Then get some basic, good quality tools. This will help keep the fun in your project by filtering out some of the pains.
If you're just getting started and don't know a lot my best advice to you is be VERY SKEPTIC of anything you read in most forums. The internet has a way of making everyone sound like an expert and I've seen a lot of guys follow bad advice because they thought that it was good advice.
Subscribe to some car magazines, they're like $10 for a year. Yes they are paid to endorse products (so again be skeptic) but they usually do a good job at introducing beginners to basic concepts.
Join a local car club. Often they meet once or twice a month and the veteran members LOVE new guys and showing them the ropes.
That all being said you'll probably want to change your exhaust first, then a cam and a tune, and then the air intake system. Those are the three most common things done to newer cars and will make the biggest difference in sound and power.
You have a very good car to start with and aftermarket support is huge, which is great for parts selection, but it also means there are a LOT of people just aching to tell you what to do when they don't have a clue themselves.
If you want some more ideas and info feel free to PM me.
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