Atrus

iTrader: (1)

Hello guys. I think this is the right board for this, if not let me know.

I have a 98 TransAm. Has about 83k miles, T-56 transmission, 3.42 torsen diff. I have done the following to it:
Performance shocks/struts/springs(lowered)
Lower and upper panhard bars (adjustable lower).
Lower control arms (adjustable).
ZR1 wheels(17x9.5 front, 17x11 rear)
Kumho Ecsta XS tires
Air Lid
Cold air intake (from the bottom) with ram air
Smooth Intake bellows
High perf. MAF (SLP)
Custom true duals, with cats still in place, x-pipe, and two bullet style mufflers in back.
Drilled/slotted rotors with high performance brake pads
Stage 2 clutch and tick clutch master cylinder
Short shifter replacement stick
And had the PCM tuned as well for all the prior mentioned mods

So I have some extra cash, and I want to do something worthwhile. I can't make up my mind. In consideration I have the front Z06 corvette brake upgrade, headers, intake manifold, front/rear sway bars, subframe connectors, or possibly cam (but with everything else you should do at the same time as the cam it might be a bit more $$ than I want to spend now). I need help deciding. As far as things that require tuning, its no issue, I can have it returned for just $50 at any time. So any suggestions on what I have listed, or anything I have not thought about is very welcome. My objective is for this car to be more of a track car. Thanks!

PS: Not a requirement, but I'd prefer to stay smog legal as long as possible. As it is now, the car passes smog with no issues.

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

I would go with an ls6 corvette intake manifold and heads, which can usually be had for under $800 for the gaskets and everything. Or a mild cam which will be a little more involved. But I would change the heads first seeing as the 98 ls1 heads are the least desirable. It would def open up some more airflow for the engine. Probably worth a good 20 hp at the wheels which you will feel.

salemetro

iTrader: (5)

I'd do 3.73 or 4.10 gears, complete the exhaust (headers), then look at a better intake. That's just a bang-for-buck mod path. Obviously, the 10-bolt will only last "so long", but should live for a while depending on how you treat it. Then save for heads and cam,injectors,TB (do them at the same time), and have the car tuned. After that, better clutch and rear end.

Just my $.02

arock24

iTrader: (4)

I would definately start off with SFC's and headers. From there it's up to you, but you need to be thinking about a back up plan for your 10 bolt..a 9" or s60 will run you any where between $1500-3k.

If you wanting to upgrade front to back- ls6/fast intake, heads, cam, supporting valvetrain (dual springs, rockers, lifters, etc.) All depends on your budget..on the low end you could do used 243's, ls6 intake, and a mild cam kit from tsp for ~$1200, or you could go all out and get TFS 220's, fast 102 intake, fast tb, and aggressive cam kit for $4000+

2000PewterT/A

I would go with the headers and subframe connectors. I would save up the money and do the intake, heads and cam at one time just because it would be easier to only take it apart once. And that way you would only need 1 tune.

Sales@Tick

iTrader: (3)

Just a FYI we have an emissions cam now that I think would work awesome in your set-up or we have two other small new cams that could work as well although one of them will be pushing it on the smog legal side. Here are the two smaller cams....
http://www.tickperformance.com/tick-...1-ls6-engines/

http://www.tickperformance.com/tick-...1-ls6-engines/

Siraaj Haque

Id sell it and buy a Toyota Camery

Z28Drifter348

Good one bro. Maybe tonight while your making stupid comments to someones post you will overdose on some elbow juice and your mom will find you a day later.

punisherls6

All good suggestions from all the posts what it boils down to is your budget and then go from there to see what you can get the most bang per buck but I agree I wouldn't do a can and heads till you can do it in one pop it ..lots of good performance goodies you can do first sounds like these guys gotcha on the right track so I won't ad to any of that just wanted to throw my 2 cents in and wish ya luck on the project happy shopping

Atrus

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys, thanks for all the great suggestions, I really appreciate it. I'm seriously considering doing the intake manifold, then heads (ill probably do headers at the same time I do the heads) and cam. From what I've been reading it is gonna be the biggest hp boost. Plus everyone says the stock 98 heads and intake manifold really suck. First I'm gonna buy the intake manifold I think (and do the ls6 PCV conversion while I'm at it). Now I've been trying to decide if its worth the extra $$ for the fast lsx intake manifolds or if I should just go for an ls6 one. Also, someone told me the aftermarket underdrive pulleys are supposed to be a decent upgrade (for seat of pants). Any thoughts?

arock24

iTrader: (4)

For your application the ls6 will be just fine, plus save some $$. Under drive pulley is a good upgrade to consider but dont do it if you have an audio system or a plan for one. I would still do subframe connectors before anything though.

Atrus

iTrader: (1)

Why the subframe connectors before everything else?

arock24

iTrader: (4)

It prevents everything from flexing, some would argue that it's the first thing to have done on these cars. You would be surprised how much these things flex..

Atrus

iTrader: (1)

Does it change the way the car feels quite a bit?

Atrus

iTrader: (1)

Also, if I get them, should I bother going with the chrome molly or just go with the mild steel? (It's like and extra 100 for the chrome molly)

poloaa009

For your application the ls6 will be just fine, plus save some $$.

Ws6kid.

ls6 intake 243 heads and cam.
that should really give you some good numbers