I'm a new member and just introduced myself a couple of days ago in the new member section. I just picked up an 02 SS w/o a Supercharger on it in great shape. I'm not knew to mods for performance, but all my experience has been with ford trucks, not Chevy 3800 V6s. I love this car thus far, very happy with it and the welcome I have received.

That said, I am anxious to start on some performance mods. However, I'm a realist and know that high performance = high dollars. This car is going to be my DD and I want to add some pep! This isn't going to the track, I don't want to drag race V8 mustangs or camaros/firebirds on the street either. But I do want some noticeable gains in HP. That said, in what order would you do the following performance mods

CAI - looks like it's a toss up between Wizaired and Cold Air Inductions, I've also read making my own. Got a K&N on my truck but based on what I've read for the Montes w/ the 3800 engines, K&N is not worth the money. Thoughts?

Programmer - Is it worth it (Hypertech maybe, I have had an Edge for my f150 for years now and have been happy with it, but I don't want to buy one early if I should do the CAI or Exhaust first). Would you just scrap the the programmer idea altogether and just do a custom tune after the CAI and Exhaust?

Exhaust - I am a big dual exhaust guy, magnaflow true duals on the f150 and I love the look and sound. Obviously dual exhaust is stock on my SS already, but what about the U-bend delete? Worth it for the money?

Pulleys, headers, rockers, etc... I'm still up in the air on. But obviously if you think these should be done prior to the above listed mods, I'd love to know why you think so.

Again, I'm a newb so please don't be harsh. I'm sure this stuff has been asked before and I do try to use the search function, but sometimes its tough to know how to word everything to get the desired results you are looking for. If there is a thread on this already and I missed it, I apologize in advance and would certainly welcome a link to it.

This is really more of a question of "What would you do first and in what order?" , than "What can I do to increase HP?"

Thanks again everyone,

JK007

 

Jk:
Heres something that has improved most of us with the non supercharged 3800's.

I immediately did a resonator delete...and eliminated the stock mufflers tips. I then added accelerator chambered Muffler tails and tips. So now it sounds a bit beefy without being ridiculous... Exhaust mufflers are always what ever your personal preference is. But I stayed with the 2 1/2 inch pipes.

I also got ahold off Jason (Maniac) and he did a minor tune on my PCM. (He offers a PCM service) Heres a link to his services. https://montecarloforum.com/forum/pr...hlight=service

Which helped mine a bunch..not only did it enhance the performance but also improved my fuel mileage! I still run my stock air filter box...setup as they (Noone)doesnt make a CAI system for mine... I may do a custom setup in the near future.

If you haven't had to yet... or its already been taken care of the 3800 is notorious for the coolant elbows to deteriorate.... Something you may keep in mind if you discover a coolant leak.

Heres another valuable link for problems and fixes... That may come in handy down the road.
https://montecarloforum.com/forum/fw...hlight=service

These vehicles will last you a long time with proper maintenance!
Oil and filter changes regularly along with filter and fluid changes on the transmission.
I hope this helps...
I'm sure someone else will chime in with other info and performance enhancers!

 

My Monte is also a daily driver. One of the first alterations I made was to replace the downpipe to eliminate the u-bend in the exhaust stream. An H pipe was added to the tailpipe section which also gained me a couple of ponies. I also installed a Cold Air Inductions CAI, YellaTerra split ratio rocker arms and had the PCM tuned by Overkill Motorsports.

Obviously it's no ground pounder, but there is a significant increase in performance. Mileage also increased by an average of 3.2 mpg.

I may replace the entire exhaust in the future, but for now I am more then happy with the performance and driveability I have.

 

I am still at Scratch! But I'm getting closer to Performing. Once I'm there I will do some minor performance mods but not a lot. I just want my Monte to go when I say Go, stop when I need to and beat the tires of of every Honda Wannabe muscle car that pulls up to the red light next to me!!!! Hee Hee Hee!!!!!

 

Great stuff everyone. Thanks for all the info. Now all I have to do is wait for the IRS to cut my mod check