What Are the Top Bolt-On Upgrades to Unlock Camaro V6 & V8 Power?

For years, the Chevy Camaro has been known as a car that’s built for power upgrades. Whether you have a V8 or a V6, there are all kinds of modifications you can make to take your vehicle to the next level. Simple bolt-on modifications are a great way to make the most of your Camaro without having to make massive changes or put in hours of work. If you have a driveway and a few tools, you might be surprised at what you can do. Knowing what some of the best bolt-on upgrades are for your Camaro will help you decide which ones are right for you and your performance goals.

Cold Air Intake

If you’re going to take advantage of the power that’s already available from your engine, you need to feed it the best air supply. Cooler air has a much higher concentration of oxygen, which is ideal for your engine, and a cold air intake lets you get the coolest air possible. By moving the intake away from the engine compartment, a cold air intake helps you give your V6 or V8 the best chance at producing more power by increasing efficiency. High-quality intakes are easy to install and will offer better throttle response and smoother power delivery across the entire rev range.

Cat-Back Exhaust System

Your exhaust plays a big part in how your engine performs and if you can increase the exhaust flow, you can get more power out of it. A cat-back exhaust replaces the entire exhaust system from the catalytic converter to the tailpipe. By upgrading this part of the exhaust, you can improve the flow, which will reduce backpressure in the engine. Backpressure occurs when the engine is producing more exhaust than it can expel, and it can be a major issue if you want the best efficiency. A cat-back exhaust can also help you get a deep, sporty tone from your engine, whether you have a V6 or a V8, and help you fall in love with your car all over again.

Long-Tube Headers

If you want to make big changes to your engine, long-tube Camaro headers are your best bet. These headers can significantly improve exhaust flow by replacing the stock manifolds with wider and longer runners, which help the engine expel gases more efficiently. By installing long-tube headers, most Camaros can get an extra 15 to 30 horsepower, which could be the deciding factor between standard power and high-performance speed. It is important to note, though, that you may also need to adjust your vehicle’s air-fuel ratio if you make this upgrade so you can be sure your engine is running at the peak of its abilities.

Throttle Body Upgrade

A larger throttle body than what comes with the Camaro’s stock engine is another great way to increase airflow into the combustion chamber. A throttle body upgrade will help smooth out the power delivery and improve acceleration. With a V8 engine, it can even add between 5 and 12 horsepower due to the increased airflow. You can also calibrate upgraded throttle bodies to deliver a sharper response and eliminate the lag that often comes with the factory-installed throttle body. If your engine doesn’t feel as lively as you would like it to, this is a great way to improve your low-RPM performance during street driving.

High-Flow Catalytic Converter

While a catalytic converter certainly eliminates the harmful hydrocarbons that are expelled during the combustion process, it can also cause exhaust restriction. Stock converters can create a bottleneck in the exhaust system, and you won’t get the flow you need for efficient power production. Replacing the stock converter with a high-flow option will keep your car compliant with the emissions standards of your state without limiting your engine’s potential. Combining this with a cat-back system can completely transform how your vehicle performs.

Performance Tuning

Whenever you make a modification to your Camaro, you need to be sure to adjust your engine accordingly. Modifications will change the way your engine reacts, and performance tuning will ensure that you’re making the most of your upgrades. Adjusting the ECU to get different ignition timing, throttle mapping, and other important parameters is a great way to make use of your upgrades and ensure that your engine runs smoothly with them in place. ​ No matter what types of upgrades you’re looking for, AmericanMuscle has you covered. With options for all kinds of modifications and performance changes, you can push your Camaro to the limit and give it the boost it needs. Plus, with fast shipping, you don’t have to wait for top-of-the-line power.