I know a lot about parts and engines, in terms of what can be read some place. A lot of what I say is based not on my own builds of these vehicles and engines, but rather what I read, and what people who have actually worked on their cars have come up with.

Reading here in the G8 boards, the talk is about what everyone is going to be doing to that performance-gift-from-heaven L76 engine or the suspension. But a question: how are you going to get the work done? Has anyone here actually ever swapped out a camshaft before? Or put on their own supercharger or turbo system?

The G8 will be the first car I've ever modified by myself, I've helped add the CAI to some other cars before, but nothing actually to the internals of the engine. Stuff like a air box or headers are pretty much just bolt up parts (on the headers, you better not forget the seals!).

I think the best performance for the G8 though will come from a retune and camshaft (for the money), which leaves me with the odd question: just how do you swap camshafts? Every time I've seen it done, the engine is complete disassembled and the heads are added after the cam is already in: is this required or can you get the camshaft in without tearing down the whole engine?

Same here the G8 will definately be the first car that I will be modding besides wheels and sound system. It will be my weekend toy so it will be a blast getting uder the hood in my garage.

I like to think of myself as very mechanical but i have never swapped a camshaft myself. As far as i know on a v8 yes you need the heads off because he lobes of the camshaft lift the push rods which open the valves which is all in the heads. So you would have to pull the motor, remove the intake manifold, remove the heads, remove the timing chain, then pull the camshaft out. to get the motor out you will have to disconnect the exhaust, all electrical running to it, all hoses, either bring the tranny with it or take out all the bell housing bolts to remove it from the motor, and probably remove the radiator, not sure what to do with the ac compressor probably take it off the motor, otherwise you have to disconnect the hoses. But other than that its probably a piece a cake. if i was planning on doing that i would save up all the money i needed to do any performance mods to the motor and tranny, turbo kit, clutch, short shifter, cam, under drive pulley perhaps. Because i would not want to do that more than once.

In my past years I have done a lot of my own work on cars, whether it be my street cars or the drag cars. Anymore I lack the time and the patience to do the work myself...so I take my stuff to a local speed shop that builds some of the baddest street cars in Vegas if not the country.

As for the G8, here pretty soon I'll have an extra LS2 laying around which might be built to handle a turbo kit to go in once I take delivery of the car. Nothing wild, just something that runs good as a daily driver.

I won't be planning on doing anything too ridiculous, as I'm planning on driving this car daily and need it to remain reliable and last a substantial amount of time! As in the thread in tech, I'll probably just do as they have, simple CAI, exhaust and tune, results have supposedly shown as large of gains as 50rwhp, which would put you over 400 at the crank.

I'm going to add a CAI & a tune. Also, I'm going to add the "boy racer" wing (I like that look). And depending on the stock catalytic converter & exhaust restrictions (restrictions as in horsepower, not EPA) I'll do an exhaust system.

Then if I need more, I'll gauge how the "mild" cam swaps are going and possibly go that route and add a new camshaft and supporting cam mods.

Have I mentioned this wait for this car is killing me!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have I mentioned this wait for this car is killing me!!!!!!!!!!!!

You and me both! It's actually probably a good thing for me financially that the M6 variant won't be out until late 2008, because I'm buying a house in the spring and know that I otherwise wouldn't have enough self control not to go ahead and buy one!

If I do end up buying a G8 GT ( or GXP ), and the stock exhaust sounds like the single clip I've seen \ heard, then I'd likely only have one modification in mind - an axle back or cat back exhaust.

I had this done to my Corvette - amazing to me that the 'Vette had a quieter & less ‘interesting’ exhaust than the Grand Prix GXP . . .

Odd.

- Ray
Still waiting for my test drive . . .

Get rid of the hood scoops!

I plan on intake,cam,headers/exhaust and a tune. That should about do it. It's going to be my wife's car.

:burnout: I plan on taking the wheel on family trips.

... As far as i know on a v8 yes you need the heads off because he lobes of the camshaft lift the push rods which open the valves which is all in the heads. So you would have to pull the motor, remove the intake manifold, remove the heads, remove the timing chain, then pull the camshaft out...

From someone who has changed a few cams in a previous life: You do not need to remove the heads, or the whole motor, to change a cam. You only need to remove the intake, front timing chain cover, radiator, and a few related accessories to R&R the cam. The heads and exhaust can stay, you just need to remove the valve covers so that you can loosen the rockers and remove the push rods. Then once the push rods are removed you pull out the lifters from inside the intake valley, and finally you remove the cam out the front.

Get rid of the hood scoops!

As far as appearance goes, that's also pretty high on the list. Additionally, I'm not a huge fan of any of the wheel offerings, so that may also present an opportunity to change out the wheels. I'm interested to see what Pontiac will offer as far as that goes on the GXP model.

If I do end up buying a G8 GT ( or GXP ), and the stock exhaust sounds like the single clip I've seen \ heard, then I'd likely only have one modification in mind - an axle back or cat back exhaust.


From another post I have read (quote below), it sounds like the exhaust will be really restrictive...and should be the first thing to change. If it is as bad as they say, there should be some performance gains from opening it up, and also some weight loss as well.

The stock exhaust diameter is 2.20" exactly and it also has alot of restriction. 2 cats, a single muffler in the middle, 2 resonators and then 2 mufflers near the end.

From someone who has changed a few cams in a previous life: You do not need to remove the heads, or the whole motor, to change a cam. You only need to remove the intake, front timing chain cover, radiator, and a few related accessories to R&R the cam. The heads and exhaust can stay, you just need to remove the valve covers so that you can loosen the rockers and remove the push rods. Then once the push rods are removed you pull out the lifters from inside the intake valley, and finally you remove the cam out the front.

Bingo. Rotating the cam 360* will also push the lifters up into their
bosses. Another option is to remove the intake plenum, valley cover (where our knock sensors are), and using a strong magnet to pull up the lifters will also do the trick, but you do not need to pop the heads off as stated.

Awesome, this is one of the few times I'm glad I'm wrong.

I too am interested in tweaking out a few more horses. I'm thinking K&N air filter and flowmaster exhaust. This would let it breath in and out a little better without taking away its everyday driving ability. Does anyone have any better or more quick modifications? Are there any better stuff out there as far as filters and exhausts go? My goal is to get 400hp out of it without messing with the computer or taking the engine apart.

I too am interested in tweaking out a few more horses. I'm thinking K&N air filter and flowmaster exhaust. This would let it breath in and out a little better without taking away its everyday driving ability. Does anyone have any better or more quick modifications? Are there any better stuff out there as far as filters and exhausts go? My goal is to get 400hp out of it without messing with the computer or taking the engine apart.

If you take a read through on this thread:

http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190

It basically shows you that on the VE, 50rwhp gains are only a tune, CAI and exhaust away...which is AMAZING for any non-FI car.

Supposedly the stock tune on these cars is going to be terribly restrictive, as they will be able to run on 87 octane. You can get a 91 or 93 octane map and probably pick up a decent amount of horsepower off of that alone. If you also take a look at how the exhaust is routed (muffler, pair of resonators, pair of mufflers) an aftermarket set-up is also a pretty sure thing for power gain.

I have been wondering how anal the dealerships are going to be with mods on this car. I know the tune will throw the warrenty out the window, so I hope can be switch back to the factory map. Does any of the goat guys have a response on headers and exhaust.

I was wondering the samething. Will ant mods kill the warranty? Where does one buy things like the CAI, exhaust and get a retune done. When i was younger we used to go to summit racing for parts. What does CAI stand for and how easy is it to put on?

The wait is killing me too......

I was wondering the samething. Will ant mods kill the warranty? Where does one buy things like the CAI, exhaust and get a retune done. When i was younger we used to go to summit racing for parts. What does CAI stand for and how easy is it to put on?

The wait is killing me too......

CAI stands for Cold Air Intake...One is using a higher air flowing filter and plumbing into the intake. Some will come with an insulated box that houses the filter and it prevents heat from the engine soaking in. It helps cooler air make it into the motor over the stock air box that tends to get heat soaked from the engine compartment.

anyone ever contimplate putting a either electric or manual cutout on the exhaust? how beneficial would this be? pro's? con's? i would like to do this bc ive done it in the past, but would a full system benefit me better? thanks in advance :)

I would like an exhaust for the perfomance gains, but i dont like the loudness. Wortec has a cool exhaust that supposedly doesnt lose any hp gain by switching in silent mode, and its all done by fliiping a switch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2OYnotBL3M

thats very similar to a cutout... i just didnt know where to locate the cutout and what would be the best spot for it...

For those of you wondering where to buy CAIs, cat-back exhausts, etc., just wait until the car comes out. Most vendors that supply GTOs, LS1 cars, and Gen III & IV trucks will carry parts for this car. With so many companies selling these parts, price shopping will be a benefit. Oh, & I plan on wide rear wheels & tires, some suspension mods, and basic bolt-ons (listed above). Plus a small cam wouldn't hurt.

First, debadged.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c117/ttamrettus/debadgedrear2.jpg

Then tinted windows, then exhaust, CAI and tune, then lowered, maybe some UD pulleys if available, painted/powder coated calipers and brackets.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c117/ttamrettus/loweredblackedout2-1.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c117/ttamrettus/exhaust.jpg

The last thing to do is a good cruising CD and then to roll.

My first mod will be fitting a 305 rear tire, Then CAI!

I have been wondering how anal the dealerships are going to be with mods on this car. I know the tune will throw the warrenty out the window, so I hope can be switch back to the factory map. Does any of the goat guys have a response on headers and exhaust.

No dealer service scan tool can tell what "tune" you have. Meaning, a technician with a TechII can't scan your fuel and spark mapping tables to deduct that you've altered them. Any changes you make in the PCM to settings such as speed limiter, rev limiter, etc, are all within stock programming parameters (otherwise the PCM wouldn't let you do it in the first place), so even if you change some of this, as long as it's an OEM option/setting, you're fine.

No dealer service scan tool can tell what "tune" you have. Meaning, a technician with a TechII can't scan your fuel and spark mapping tables to deduct that you've altered them. Any changes you make in the PCM to settings such as speed limiter, rev limiter, etc, are all within stock programming parameters (otherwise the PCM wouldn't let you do it in the first place), so even if you change some of this, as long as it's an OEM option/setting, you're fine.

good to know.

I have been wondering how anal the dealerships are going to be with mods on this car. I know the tune will throw the warrenty out the window, so I hope can be switch back to the factory map. Does any of the goat guys have a response on headers and exhaust.

Relax, your in the US:

http://www.granatellimotorsports.com/magnusonmoss.htm

get some nice offset wheels to fill out those guards. supercharger. hsv guards- hsv rear lights. hsv dash. MRS suspension. someething along those line...

we're already got a VE/G8 running 9's here in australia and its still street registered.

Relax, your in the US:

http://www.granatellimotorsports.com/magnusonmoss.htm

I know about the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, but I would hate to go that route. Big hassle dealing with the regional rep, attorney and the dough just to prove a point.
I will mod away and then demod, within reason, before dealer visits.

You probably have already done this but check with the GTO forum's on which Pontiac dealers around you are more lenient towards modifications.

I know about the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, but I would hate to go that route. Big hassle dealing with the regional rep, attorney and the dough just to prove a point.
I will mod away and then demod, within reason, before dealer visits.

As mentioned a lot depends on the dealer you use. Some are strictly "by the book". Some (like our Chevy dealer I was at), tend to let things slide because we understood the "cause and effect" relationship.

If you install a CAI and your power window motor goes out, the two aren't correlated! We can't deny you coverage.

However, if you install a CAI, in the process either damage the MAF, or through use of the CAI, damage the MAF, your car starts throwing MAF related codes, or lean codes, etc, then we DO have a ground to stand on and deny coverage.

People like to throw the Mag/Moss act around. I can't count how many times I had it thrown in my face in service. Thing is, it's there to protect the dealership also, as much as it is to protect the consumer. Fair is fair, right?

If you modify something, you need to accept some level of responsibility, right?

As mentioned a lot depends on the dealer you use. Some are strictly "by the book". Some (like our Chevy dealer I was at), tend to let things slide because we understood the "cause and effect" relationship.

If you install a CAI and your power window motor goes out, the two aren't correlated! We can't deny you coverage.

However, if you install a CAI, in the process either damage the MAF, or through use of the CAI, damage the MAF, your car starts throwing MAF related codes, or lean codes, etc, then we DO have a ground to stand on and deny coverage.

People like to throw the Mag/Moss act around. I can't count how many times I had it thrown in my face in service. Thing is, it's there to protect the dealership also, as much as it is to protect the consumer. Fair is fair, right?

If you modify something, you need to accept some level of responsibility, right?


Well stated. I think much of the anxiety stems from dealers denying warranty coverage for non-correlated things, say, a slipping transmission because the owner of the vehicle might have bolt-on modifications installed. The dealer will state that the tranny wasn't built to handle any increased power. Baloney!

Well stated. I think much of the anxiety stems from dealers denying warranty coverage for non-correlated things, say, a slipping transmission because the owner of the vehicle might have bolt-on modifications installed. The dealer will state that the tranny wasn't built to handle any increased power. Baloney!

In the case of the G8, most bolt-ons probably will not generate enough additional HP or TQ to significantly shorten the life of a tansmission.

But in cases like ( for a long time ) the Audi turbocharged motors, and ( more recently ) the BMW 335’s lovely twin turbocharged motor, a chip will allow a BUNCH ( a great, steaming pile ) of additional HP and TQ. For well under $500, in the case of something like the Juice Box for the 335, you can ‘bolt-on’ enough added power that I suspect we will see some trans. failures related to these modifications, eventually.

And I do ** NOT ** believe that BMW ought to be responsible for repairing a failure, in any such case.

And that is one primary reason why I would likely choose a G8 V8 over a 335 that could be made to run in the 12s for such little additional $$s

But that’s just me.

- Ray
Doomed to see at least 2 sides to every story . . .

In the case of the G8, most bolt-ons probably will not generate enough additional HP or TQ to significantly shorten the life of a tansmission.

But in cases like ( for a long time ) the Audi turbocharged motors, and ( more recently ) the BMW 335’s lovely twin turbocharged motor, a chip will allow a BUNCH ( a great, steaming pile ) of additional HP and TQ. For well under $500, in the case of something like the Juice Box for the 335, you can ‘bolt-on’ enough added power that I suspect we will see some trans. failures related to these modifications, eventually.

And I do ** NOT ** believe that BMW ought to be responsible for repairing a failure, in any such case.

And that is one primary reason why I would likely choose a G8 V8 over a 335 that could be made to run in the 12s for such little additional $$s

But that’s just me.

- Ray
Doomed to see at least 2 sides to every story . . .

I see what you're saying, Ray. I just don't want to be denied coverage when all I have installed is a catback, tune and CAI. The sticky part of that trifecta is the tune, and if the dealer notices the change from the stock set-up, they can link it to a variety of issues. Problems faced with the catback and CAI are typically only sensor issues.

I see what you're saying, Ray. I just don't want to be denied coverage when all I have installed is a catback, tune and CAI. The sticky part of that trifecta is the tune, and if the dealer notices the change from the stock set-up, they can link it to a variety of issues. Problems faced with the catback and CAI are typically only sensor issues.

I think the issue with a tune will come down to whether or not the ‘tune’ includes modification to the TCM ( assuming it is separate ) and specifically includes reducing or eliminating the Torque Management.

As you may be aware, newer Corvettes ( such as my 2007 w/A6, 6L80 – much like will be in the G8 V8 ) can be ‘tuned’ – and some, most, or perhaps even all of the Torque Mgmt can be removed.

Reportedly, this ‘tune’ results in dramatically quicker shifting. My ** GUESS ** is that this would also result in accelerated wear of some internal trans. components.

If the ‘tune’ is confined to the motor, and ( for example ) recalibrates it for use with premium – and you use premium all the time, I would not expect any significant issues.

But I’m just speculating here . . .

- Ray

As you may be aware, newer Corvettes ( such as my 2007 w/A6, 6L80 – much like will be in the G8 V8 ) can be ‘tuned’ – and some, most, or perhaps even all of the Torque Mgmt can be removed.

Reportedly, this ‘tune’ results in dramatically quicker shifting. My ** GUESS ** is that this would also result in accelerated wear of some internal trans. components.

One of my GTO friends has the older 4L60-E in his '04. The tuning program he has/had allowed for a strong change in the shift calibration. I'm sure some of that comes from lowering or eliminating the TM. So far, he hasn't told me of any transmission trouble. But, he has backed down his programming of the transmission.

Does anyone know if the tune will override the displacement feature which the G8 is supposed to posses? It would be nice to et four cylinder gas mileage with 400 plus horses when you step on the gas.

Does anyone know if the tune will override the displacement feature which the G8 is supposed to posses? It would be nice to et four cylinder gas mileage with 400 plus horses when you step on the gas.

I believe it will depend on the companies doing the programming for the tunes. A program like EFI Live or HP Tuners may offer a way to turn off AFM, but each shop will ask you if you want it turned off.

I think the issue with a tune will come down to whether or not the ‘tune’ includes modification to the TCM ( assuming it is separate ) and specifically includes reducing or eliminating the Torque Management.

As you may be aware, newer Corvettes ( such as my 2007 w/A6, 6L80 – much like will be in the G8 V8 ) can be ‘tuned’ – and some, most, or perhaps even all of the Torque Mgmt can be removed.

Reportedly, this ‘tune’ results in dramatically quicker shifting. My ** GUESS ** is that this would also result in accelerated wear of some internal trans. components.

If the ‘tune’ is confined to the motor, and ( for example ) recalibrates it for use with premium – and you use premium all the time, I would not expect any significant issues.

But I’m just speculating here . . .

- Ray

Every GM vehicle with an electronically controlled transmission, (I.E. any trans with an "E" at the end of it's name... 4L60E for example) since the early '90's has had a "torque management" setting. Not just Corvette's.

And when someone tunes it out, they aren't actually tuning it out. They are simply adjusting the tables that run the torque management program to "0". That isn't voiding any factory warranty as it is "technically" a factory setting!

Does it cause accelerated wear on components when it's tuned out? Absolutely! This is why GM implemented it. To increase longevity of the drivetrain components.

So much as above modifying, if you're making the choice to modify the "TM" by tuning all it's associated tables to "0", then you have to accept responsibility for any transmission failure as a result. Especially if you run a higher stall converter, and have increased line pressure for firmer shifts.

Where do you get a tune done (Names) and how much does that usually cost? Thanks.

I have learned that Dealerships make their own rules. Check with your dealer to see what will and wont void the warranty.

Typically, dealership modifications will not void your warranty. They may cost 15% more, but your full warranty will remain in tact. In most cases, the dealership will also warranty the mods.

The dealership I deal with will add anything to their vehicles from suspension, catback, superchargers, paint, 10 tv's.....anything you want to pay for.

My plans on the G8GT: Forced Air Induction, Catback exhaust w/banged out cats, and some eibach springs.

From a documented warranty perspective, unless the dealer can prove that your modification caused the failure in whatever part you are trying to get warraty-repaired, then they are bound to perform the repair under warranty.

Granted, a ECM tune may very well envelop any component on the engine, but nonetheless...

Hey guys,

Just registered. I'm really interested in the g8, and even more interested in a gxp version. Came across this forum while looking for aftermarket parts.

I currently own 98 gtp, see sig and love the modding scene. I need my next car to be modable.

I just wanted to comment on the whole tune thing. You can do a lot to screw up a car through tuning, including deleting codes etc. You should only mess with your pcm if you know what you're doing. You'll also need your car to be code free for 2 days or so of driving, or the dealer will know you messed with your comp. Just thought I'd add.

Your best bet for un-noticeable mods are internals like a cam. Can't see it :D

I'm thinking my mod list will be as such:

Spinning air freshner in the AC vent.. Good for 10+ to the wheels
Beaded seat covers.. Mostly felt in your 60' range
Dice for the RVM.. Aesthetically best mod for the $
And I will max out my gains with the car seat in the back!!!!

my plans would be:


visual:

bowtie front end conversion- on the GT, the gxp depending how the front looks
18x11 out back, 18x9.5 up front



performance

Drag radials
CAI
FAST intake
CAM
longtubes
ORY
cat-back-
tune
short shifter
!AFM/DOD


suspension


lowering springs
then...



i want to go the N/A route on this car and hit 10s

and as far as warranty, my bro work at the dealer as a tech, so no worries there

I know a lot about parts and engines, in terms of what can be read some place. A lot of what I say is based not on my own builds of these vehicles and engines, but rather what I read, and what people who have actually worked on their cars have come up with.

Reading here in the G8 boards, the talk is about what everyone is going to be doing to that performance-gift-from-heaven L76 engine or the suspension. But a question: how are you going to get the work done? Has anyone here actually ever swapped out a camshaft before? Or put on their own supercharger or turbo system?

The G8 will be the first car I've ever modified by myself, I've helped add the CAI to some other cars before, but nothing actually to the internals of the engine. Stuff like a air box or headers are pretty much just bolt up parts (on the headers, you better not forget the seals!).

I think the best performance for the G8 though will come from a retune and camshaft (for the money), which leaves me with the odd question: just how do you swap camshafts? Every time I've seen it done, the engine is complete disassembled and the heads are added after the cam is already in: is this required or can you get the camshaft in without tearing down the whole engine?
I have an old Ford Pinto 4 cyl. in the garage I use as a doorstop. HMMMMMMMMM.

My G8 Mod list

Supercharger (Magnusson)
Complete Exhaust (Long Tubes and cat back)
Full suspension (Pedders all the way)
Wheels and Tires (wheels are up in the air, tires will be Nitto 555r's in the back and nt-01s in the front, as big as we can get in there.

If all goes as planned this should all be done with in the first month of the car gettin put in my hands.

I will keep everyone posted on the build.

We will be developing quite a few Items for the vehicle as we go so stay tunned.

For those of you that are worried about modability. Please don't this car is going to be a very fun car to work with and the sky will be the limit with mods.

Thanks
Mike Haddad

LOL guys this is an OHV motor (AKA pushrod). That's why there is only one cam to change and you do not need to tear the top end apart to get to it.

This South australian-based Tuner has modified the VE series and this particular vehicle has just been sold. It competed in the Classic Adelaide Rally in November.

It is worth looking at how a car can be livened up and still remain compliant with the authorities.

VE Commodore with Turbochargers

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=85773


Mike

I dont know that I will. Its gonna cost enough bloody money to buy the thing, there is little that will convince me to modify it and possibly void the warranty. Even if it wouldn't it costs too much.

There is one thing however, that will get me making changes... If a GXP styling looks like the HSV variant I'll add it.

The attachment isn't my photochop; its someone elses. From G8GT obviously.

My list

performance

Cat Back exhaust
Supercharger (Magnusson)
CAI
Tune

Apperance

Aftermarket Rims(Havent decided on tires yet)
Stock Rims will get snow tires
Tinted Windows

Interior

Kenwood Navi/Dvd
XM Satelite Radio
Alpine speakers/Amp/Sub's


Haven't decided on the order yet that i'll do all this. I'm sure i'll break her in for 2 months or so. Then most likely go with the supercharger and cat back(plus tune and CAI). Followed by the Rim's/tires/Snow shoes for stock rims. Interior will be last on my list. :burnout:

Also, I'll be waiting until the 09models. In hope's to see a GXP version, If not I wont be able to stand waiting any longer then that and will just get the GT. I'm already anxious over this!

I installed a Roto-fab (which really helped WOT), Magnaflow cat-back (on order) and dyno-tune from a nearby dyno shop in Central Texas. They have much torque management skills regarding the six speed. I also have a suspicion that real time tuning with actual car's specific data will outshine a plug and play ecm that is reburnt. With DOD, I am awaiting a cam mfg. to step up with some options regarding a new profile. I do not want to neuter the DOD for a cam swap; it seems like discarding a viable fuel economy option given the price of fuel is counterproductive and contrary to why I bought the thing to begin with. Another option that might be attractive is a look at Crane cam's 1.8 rocker kit. Non-invasive and retrofitable under warranty concerns...... I also feel a little stiffer strut is in order too. I'm not sure about the practicality of lowering the thing though with the parking lot berms like we have here...

I am looking for the best options for an intercooler and either a turbo or supercharger on a G8 GT (V8). I currently drive a 99 Grand Prix GTP with a turbo and intercooler (www.cartuning.ca) and love it... however, I'm thinking about my next car... What are the options out there that give the best value for the money (ie, most whp and torque for the $ of the modifications....) Suggestions please ... so far, from what I have read, the G8 is an outstanding car for the $

I know a lot about parts and engines, in terms of what can be read some place. A lot of what I say is based not on my own builds of these vehicles and engines, but rather what I read, and what people who have actually worked on their cars have come up with.

Reading here in the G8 boards, the talk is about what everyone is going to be doing to that performance-gift-from-heaven L76 engine or the suspension. But a question: how are you going to get the work done? Has anyone here actually ever swapped out a camshaft before? Or put on their own supercharger or turbo system?

The G8 will be the first car I've ever modified by myself, I've helped add the CAI to some other cars before, but nothing actually to the internals of the engine. Stuff like a air box or headers are pretty much just bolt up parts (on the headers, you better not forget the seals!).

I think the best performance for the G8 though will come from a retune and camshaft (for the money), which leaves me with the odd question: just how do you swap camshafts? Every time I've seen it done, the engine is complete disassembled and the heads are added after the cam is already in: is this required or can you get the camshaft in without tearing down the whole engine?

Go with the Maggie... ALOT of fun. Save the money and go that way!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fajrwIs1SDk

Anyone have any other comments/suggestions to my posting April 14th?
"I am looking for the best options for an intercooler and either a turbo or supercharger on a G8 GT (V8). I currently drive a 99 Grand Prix GTP with a turbo and intercooler (www.cartuning.ca) and love it... however, I'm thinking about my next car... What are the options out there that give the best value for the money (ie, most whp and torque for the $ of the modifications....) Suggestions please ... so far, from what I have read, the G8 is an outstanding car for the $"

FSTG8, sent you a PM...

I installed a Roto-fab (which really helped WOT), Magnaflow cat-back (on order) and dyno-tune from a nearby dyno shop in Central Texas. They have much torque management skills regarding the six speed. I also have a suspicion that real time tuning with actual car's specific data will outshine a plug and play ecm that is reburnt. With DOD, I am awaiting a cam mfg. to step up with some options regarding a new profile. I do not want to neuter the DOD for a cam swap; it seems like discarding a viable fuel economy option given the price of fuel is counterproductive and contrary to why I bought the thing to begin with. Another option that might be attractive is a look at Crane cam's 1.8 rocker kit. Non-invasive and retrofitable under warranty concerns...... I also feel a little stiffer strut is in order too. I'm not sure about the practicality of lowering the thing though with the parking lot berms like we have here...
Whch shop in central Texas?

I'm gonna need some mud an snow tires for the winter...and probably a block heater..as far as mods go...it's fast enough for now..