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Originally posted by Dante:
Good morning all!Here in the D.C./ Baltimore area during the summer months the high heat and matching humidity dosen't agree well when my engine is hot ( OBC-II starts adjusting mix/timing , I was wondering if anybody has any thoughts on 1) Use of an octane booster and brand name ( I always run Hi-Test ). 2)I've heard of people installing just a 160 degree t'stat ( would that interfere with the computer? ). 3) Would just an after-market air filter be bad or good? 4)Use of a fuel injection cleaner ( I'm in traffic alot ). Lastly, I heard a mechanic talk about something called engine top clean out..what is that? I keep my SS stock so I'm alittle nervous about using items not mentioned in the owner's manual. Thanks!!

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Hi, first time visiting this board. I've been on the SLP board for awhile. I was referred by an SSOA member so I thought I would come check it out.

Anyway, to answer your questions...

1). Without reprogramming your computer or modifying the internals, you will gain nothing with an octane booster. In fact, it's possible to actually lose HP because high test racing fuel actually contains less energy than standard street fuel. It just burns longer to take advantage of higher compression.

2). No, a 160 thermostat wouldn't have any effect on the computer. Some say the computer can't take accurate readings until the engine temp is above 180. I have never seen any proof of this. The computer is isolated and the sensors are capable of taking readings in a huge temperate range.

3). An aftermarket filter is an excellent idea. The stock paper filters are terrible breathers. Yes, even the beloved Donaldson. They also don't trap as many particulates. In addition, they are non-reuseable. I suggest a Holley Powershot. And so will most on the tech boards like www.LS1Tech.com. Plus you get the side benefit of a few extra HP and slightly better mileage.

4). Fuel injector cleaners are fine but you can usually get a decent detergent mixed in at Chevron, Shell or any premium gas station. I wouldn't waste my money unless the car has over 100K on it.

5). Engine Top Clean Out.... Hmmm, never heard of it. But I doubt you need it. Assuming it cleans out your valvetrain or intake manifold, with regular oil changes and less than 150K miles, your entire engine should look pretty nice inside. Especially the top end. Sounds a little like snake oil if you know what I mean.

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Originally posted by Dante:
Thanks BullSSeye, Can I get away with just that filter--if so I'll order one today, my Delco filter is starting to get alittle dirty ( the air here is terrible ).

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No problem. The beauty of the Holley Powershot filter is that it fits like a glove. The K&N requires a gasket that wraps around the perimeter of the filter. This is because they decided to use the same filter for the V6 and V8 rather than engineer a properly fitting filter solely for the V8. Kind of a cost cutting way out. A lot of people have had problems with the gasket slipping or shifting out of place. And the Holley is less expensive to boot.

Here's the link to the place where I got mine:
http://www.thunderracing.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=subcategory&subcategoryid=1023. I had it on my doorstep in 2 days.