1999 Chevy Camaro SS Intake & Exhaust Upgrade

Our intent is to show that the increased performance we enjoy tweaking out of our beloved GMs can be legally had no matter the state of current emissions laws-or more significantly, what the future will certainly bring.

Our first installment showcased us remedying the car's malfunctioning clutch system via new GM hydraulics and an LS7 clutch, and while we were at it, a B&M shifter was installed. These items have delivered flawless performance and smile-inducing driveability ever since, so it's high time we embark on our quest for additional, 50-state-legal horsepower. The first set of tricks up our sleeve are K&N intake and Edelbrock exhaust upgrades, so check out the photo captions for installation details and dyno results for these CARB-certified bolt-ons.

Speaking of such, CARB-legal intake systems don't require many design changes from those that we're used to installing in GMHTP, but the situation is a bit different for headers. We're constantly touting the benefits of a good set of long-tubes for a big jump in LS power, but unfortunately, there's a problem when it comes to their emissions legality under the California regulatory regime. Theoretically, a properly designed system with a good set of catalytic converters wouldn't emit significantly more emissions than a factory setup under normal driving; but the major issue arises during so-called cold-start scenarios. Simply put, the cats are located too far downstream from the exhaust ports to get up to operating temperature quickly enough to satisfy the state's stringent testing methods (and be awarded an E.O.). That being said, no reasonable person would expect nearly as large an increase for the CARB-legal "short-tube" Edelbrock TES system we're installing this issue (gains ranging from 8 to 28 rwhp are advertised on the company website, depending on application), but any increase that can be had from such a system--especially while running through the stock catalytic converters--should be considered a success. And, these style headers will actually prove to have an advantage over long-tubes when another emissions-legal mod is performed down the line (stay tuned).

For now, the product of our efforts is an F-bod that, aside from carrying some added ponies (and in all likelihood, additional fuel efficiency), sounds like the Camaro gods surely intended. The nonexistent factory exhaust note has been replaced by a baritone rumble strikingly similar to one of this author's favorites: that of my father's bygone 1996 Camaro SS LT1. As fate would have it, that mint-condition machine was instantaneously transformed into a total insurance write-off when he valiantly sampled the combination of 26 psi of boost, slick highway pavement, and a Lexus dealership holding lot located just beyond the shoulder. (Such a feat is made all the more impressive when you realize few police reports have a double-digit number written in the "vehicles damaged" box--especially when only one of them was actually being driven.) Ah, the memories.

Next issue, we'll take a breather from power-related mods and instead grab some suspension pieces to improve CT's handling--and possibly even prevent a similar future disaster in the process!