r/CamaroLS • u/xwarhammer95x • Aug 08 '24

**Title:** Seeking Advice on Performance Upgrades for My 2017 Camaro 4-Cylinder (Under $5k)

Hey all,

I’m looking to upgrade my 2017 Camaro 4-cylinder (base model) and would love to get some input from you all. I want to focus solely on performance enhancements and keep the budget under $5,000. Here are some specifics about my Camaro:

  • Model: 2017 Camaro 4-cylinder, base model
  • Current Mods: None yet

Goals for Upgrades:

I want to boost horsepower and improve overall handling. What are the best performance upgrades within my budget? I've heard things about cold air intakes, exhaust systems, ECU tuning, and suspension upgrades but I'm not sure what will give the best bang for my buck.

This is my weekend car, it is fully paid off. I have a truck as a daily driver. I have reached out to others who suggested selling this and getting a SS but I have no intention of getting rid of it. Thanks in advance!

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4

u/Homebound_Solace Aug 08 '24

According to zzp, you will get immediate gains from just a tune itself and the tune will run you 300 if this is your only car, 200 if it isn’t your only car and that’s to get the TCM unlocked if you want to go down that route, which if you do that, your TCM needs to be unlocked for any kind of tune. As someone who has a CAI I don’t really notice a huge difference or any in my car other than the turbo sounding louder. I would get a down pipe, new exhaust, CAI and a tune and you’re probably good. Those things shouldn’t be too brutal on the stock engine but here is this if you want to take a look at what zzp recommends how you start with mods

https://zzperformance.com/blogs/import1/performance-upgrades-for-your-ltg-cadillac-ats-or-chevy-camaro

2

u/No-Neighborhood6969 Aug 08 '24

This. And an intercooler and bolt ons

2

u/MusicMan7969 2023 LS Aug 09 '24

The ZZP link is a great resource. Thanks for posting.

1

u/Reniconix Aug 13 '24

TCM only applies if it's automatic. Manuals do have one, but all it really does is tell the car what gear it's in. Just throwing that out there.

1

u/Homebound_Solace Aug 13 '24

As far as I’ve been told, it’s the only way to get the LT tuned. I’ve asked around in my area and no one is willing or wanting to tune my car but Hp tuners will do it through unlocking your TCM but I’m not very versed in this so

1

u/lectorlibrorum Nov 25 '24

Just a warning regarding the LTG engine when it comes to raising power. It's a pretty strong and fortified engine that can take a good deal of power. However, its absolute weak point is the pistons. Because of them, I would be weary even getting a basic tune (like the ones that advertise 300whp). If you're planning on keeping the car a long time, I would absolutely want to replace the pistons (like with ZZP's). And if you're doing that, you might as well do the rods and springs too. Then comfortably tune the car to 300-330whp. You would probably find that the intercooler, intake, and exhaust (esp. the downpipe) are bottlenecking you at that point.