NEWB needs help with some LS4 stuff

[acidrayne280]

Hi all, i've been lurking here ever since I bought my 07 GXP a week or so ago. I'm trying to plan out the upgrades that I'm eventually gonna do to her and I have a few questions. First is about the exhaust. It's either headers OR a downpipe such as the DP7S or DP5S, right? Also, some people are saying that the DP7S with high flow cat is really not much of an improvement over stock, is this true? Also, the shift kits...will doing one of these help prolong the life of my tranny, or would I be better off going with a kit such as the one below? I'm a little confused as to weather or not that is just a do it yourself TEP build. Can anyone with a complete exhaust build and/tranny build chime in please? Finally, I know this last question might be in the wrong part of the forum, but as far as headlights go, are those SPYDER ones crap like I have heard? Would I be better off going with the HID upgrade? Thanks in advance guys.

4T65E High Performance Complete Kit 2003+ GM application

[acidrayne280]

Oh, P.S: I HAVE used the search function, but can't seem to find a definitive answer as to how good the downpipes are...just looking for a little help.

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

I dont know anything about the exhaust.

But that kit you put up is a complete rebuild kit, like if your transmission blew up.

Just buy a trans go shift kit, any shift kits helps. Also a trans cooler is a good idea for the LS4 guys, because the block loves to raise the fluid temp in the trans and cause the fluid to wear out alot faster.

[acidrayne280]

Thanks for the clarification. I have decided on the catted downpipe since I don't want to chance mucking up any emissions stuff. I was just hoping to hear some feedback from the guys that have this particular downpipe.

Rodger that on the tranny cooler. After I get my CAI in, it is the first thing I plan on doing.

I think I'm just gonna contact the guys at TEP and see about buying all the parts to do their upgrade.

[blueguy]

Hi all, i've been lurking here ever since I bought my 07 GXP a week or so ago. I'm trying to plan out the upgrades that I'm eventually gonna do to her and I have a few questions. First is about the exhaust. It's either headers OR a downpipe such as the DP7S or DP5S, right? Also, some people are saying that the DP7S with high flow cat is really not much of an improvement over stock, is this true?

Anything is better than GM factory exhaust, it's awful. To get the most out of the car, I'd say Doug Thorley Headers and whatever catback you want...problem is, HP per $. I'd venture to say you wouldn't see more than 15~WHP with headers and a catback on the LS4 car. They just need more intake/valvetrain mods to make the headers worthwhile. If you don't plan on getting into the motor (ie Cam & Heads), then I'd just get some mufflers of your choice, and a catted downpipe. I'd buy the downpipe from Hogan Performance however, it is the best LS4 unit on the market. I have seen Curt's stuff first hand...and it is top notch quality.

Also, the shift kits...will doing one of these help prolong the life of my tranny, or would I be better off going with a kit such as the one below? I'm a little confused as to weather or not that is just a do it yourself TEP build

Dave @ Triple Edge Performance has great stuff as well, and his shift kits work great. If you are however wanting a more solid, performance feel...lean towards the Intense-Racing Shift Kit. Shift Kit just requires a pan drop, 7-8 quarts of new fluid, and a new trans filter. Which wouldn't hurt at all. Takes a hour or two, actually pretty simple broham.

Finally, I know this last question might be in the wrong part of the forum, but as far as headlights go, are those SPYDER ones crap like I have heard? Would I be better off going with the HID upgrade? Thanks in advance guys

SPYDER headlights suck.

Keep the factory fog lights/headlight capsules...and just get HID's for them, probably 9006's...or 9007's...not sure. I buy all of my stuff from Best HID Kits, HID Headlights online shopping, LCD Projector/Tattoo Kits/CCTV Systems for sale

Never has left me down yet, minus the HID's I put in my sister's Accord...but I blame the source of the car for the issues, not VVME...damn Honda's. hah.

Otherwise...if I had just bought a GXP, I'd go about it like so...

DIY Intake System...ie, make your own.
Catted 3" Downpipe, Some sort of muffler with the stock tips re-used
Poly Upper Dog Bone Mount/Bushing
Shift Kit with the Pan Drop/Filter Change
...then, however you go about it...get that fugger tuned. You can buy HPTuners and do it yourself, or pay someone in NY to do it for you.

[The Guz]

Here are some favorites by the LS4 folks over on ls1tech.

CAI - K&N or from Cold Air Inductions (CAI)
Exhaust - Magnaflow seems to be the choice
Headers - Doug Thorley (currently on a group buy at ls1tech)
Shift Kit - transgo is the kit of choice. Intense has a shift kit that has adjustable settings
Tune - HP Tuners or you can purchase a Trinity Diablew tune.
Intake - you could do the LS1/LS6 intake swap.

You can get more info here or at ls1tech.
GMLS4.com - Index

[acidrayne280]

WOW! Thanks guys!

I'm getting the Cold Air Inductions (CAI) this weekend. I really like the insulated box. After that, I'm probably going to leave it alone for a while until i get my tranny cooler on it. Then its gonna be the DP7S from Hogan and magnaflow catback. I would rather do the downpipe and leave the option to do a turbo open later without feeling like I wasted almost a grand on Doug Thorley Headers.

I just can't bring myself to go getting inside the engine for a while since she's my daily driver.

I spoke to Dave from TEP and he can sell me most of the things i would need to get one of his builds done locally. Also, I found a local place to do a tune for me.

Thanks for the heads up, Blue, it was between spyder and the ones you mentioned for the headlights.

Where can i find the poly mounts for my motor and what would the advantages of an LS6 intake swap be?

[blueguy]

Poly Mounts from...ZZP or Intense...see if you can email them and snag just one set, since you only have one dog bone.

And the intake, well...more flow for sure. The LS4 intake side of the motor is pretty restrictive.

LS6 setup: http://www.grandprixforums.net/succe...ned-24080.html

[joshv]

^ you really only need the TEP tranny if ur planning on running high HP, tranny cooler, and do regualr pan drops and fluid change, not flushes, change filter as well but dont do a flush, also pick up two more transmission magnets. I HAVE ONE POLLY DOG BONE IF UR INTERESTED IN BUYING IT, SEND ME A PM WITH AN OFFER, aswell for exhaust if u want something just as good as a magnaflow but cheaper get a custome 3'' exhaust fabricated. intake honestly isnt worth the money make one, but up to you, when u get a tune, re-search tuning out the DOD or getting it for highway speeds only, it only burns oil up. spyder halo's are gay, and are a POS, H.I.D kit get the 9006 bulbs,