Beginner upgrades for '05 Monte Carlo SS?
 

I have been doing research on some beginning upgrades to my stock '05 SS and just have a few questions. I read the upgrade plan by bunpin and have decided to get a CAI from cold air inductions, exhaust cutout, and maybe the downpipe.

For the exhaust cutout where is the best spot to put this and what size should I get? I have seen people put them between the cat and o2 sensor. Is this the best spot for them or is there spots that are easier to install them and will work better?

For the downpipe the guide says get the ZZP 3" but what will be the difference between the 3" and 2.5"? I'm short on cash so if I don't have to spend more on the 3" I don't want to. Also I have heard if you downpipe you should also get the plog from them as well. Is that mod necessary and what benefits will I get from it because like I said, low on cash lol.

LoL by the title of your thread I thought you're talking about the actual starter itself.

Lol whoops I'll change that to make it a little less confusing :P

get the 2.5 down pipe,it will take care of the U bend where the second 02 sensor sits that's the most restrictive part of the exhaust,and while your there id go ahead and spray some PB blaster on the exhaust bolts so they don't become rusted on over time,i got lucky with mine

I have a 2005 Monte carlo SS.
I installed a Stainless Power Log & a ceramic coated crossover pipe from ZZP & a high flow cat & down pipe from summit racing, cold air intake I made with parts. from ebay & auto zone & home depot




https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hp...d4&oe=56060DAC

My exhaust cut out is installed at the bottom of the downpipe. We moved the Hi-flo (Magna-flow) cat towards the rear more, made an extension for the 02 sensor and plugged it in behind the cat.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k...psqma1370j.jpg

Look and you can see the small Magnaflow CAT and on the bend past the CAT you can see the 02 sensor installed on the pipe.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k...pszied0pf1.jpg

So you can install the cutout before the cat and o2 sensor without any problems?

I also installed my cutout where the downpipe bends at the firewall. My cutout faces straight down to the ground. You can install the cutout anywhere after your up stream o2 sensor. The down stream o2 sensor can be turned off with a tune an d the cutout can be in front of it with no issues.

Next I would just buy headers if I were you. Why piece together a plog and down pipe when for not much more you can have headers. I'm assuming your supercharged with being a 05. Once you get a intake and headers, get a step colder plugs and drop the sc pulley size to make more boost for more hp. (This will require a tune as soon as you change this pulley!)

Yep its supercharged, will any shop tune it to turn off the downstream o2 sensor or will I need to take it to a performance shop to do it?

Also what headers should I get?

x2 on just get headers instead of a Plog and downpipe.

im probably going to go with pacesetter headers even though ive heard they fit like crap,it could be fixed with a little custom work and I think theyre no more than $600 for the set

Pacesetters are like half that price. So are SSACs and speed daddys

What kind of performance difference will I get by going straight to headers instead of just downpiping?

Headers include a downpipe. A 3" one if you play your cards right. Plus larger primaries than a Plog, in some cases.

Headers flow more than a plog and downpipe setup. I am turboed so I have custom headers for turbo application and I'm not real familiar with the header brands for the sc platform.

It would have to be a speed shop or anyone with hp tuners that can turn off the rear o2.

the way I see it on headers is they all do the same thing,some are just built better but in the end they all increase airflow,you could get headers,180tstat,CAI,oversized radiator from zzp and you should be able to drop a small size in your pulley and run colder spark plugs,i think this should be a good way to start off

Alright so if I go with headers what are cheap ones that are fairly easy to install. I'm not super good with cars but I have an uncle that is and will probably have him help me however I don't want to deal with a bunch of modifying and tweaking to get the headers to fit if I don't have to

Also how do I scan for KR? Will the shop I take it too to get tuned be able to scan or do I need to get a scan tool for it? If so what tool should I get?

You won't need a oversized rad. I'm making over 500whp on stock rad.

The dyno shop can scan for kr while tuning for sure. It's still a good idea to have a gauge so you can monitor it as well while driving the car. Look into getting a aeroforce interceptor scan gauge to monitor kr.

I like the Aeroforce Interceptor but $250 is a lot for me ATM :(. Is there anywhere I can get a used one, maybe ebay?

The best place to get a used one is on forums. But again, it will be used, and could have issues. Clubgp, grandprixforums.net, w-body.com are all possibilities to find a used one.

Alright I will do my research and continue saving money for these upgrades!

You can also use a ScanGauge II or Ultra Gauge to monitor KR and other settings (like fuel trim). They cost less and sometimes can be found on the used market. Down side, don't look as cool as an Aeroforce on the pillar.

I run a ScanGauge II and worked with the company to get programming for some changes to it. I published that info here:
https://montecarloforum.com/forum/fw...ettings-52465/

I also figured out to build a pass-thru cable for the ScanGauge so I did not need an ODBII splitter to connect other diagnostic gear in the car. Here's that info:
https://montecarloforum.com/forum/fw...u-cable-51593/

Now, I have had a laptop and Snap-On scan tool hooked up watching sensor reads. Those items do respond faster to changes then the ScanGauge II (especially the laptop). Not sure how that stacks to the AeroForce (never used an AeroForce).

For my needs, the ScanGauge II is sufficient (and I got it from a guy on another forum for $50 shipped). Food for thought if you are on a tight budget.

yes..always check for KR,you don't want to spend all that money on it to have it break down