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How should I spend $3000

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Old 03-14-2007, 05:13 PM
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Default How should I spend $3000

In the next couple of weeks I'm going to pick up an LS1 rather it's a Camaro or a TA most likely a 98, or 99. I want to spend about $3000 on performance parts. I'm going to do the work myself i just want to know what i should get to produce the most power. I definitely want to keep the car streetable and reliable. The only thing I am against is nitrous. aside from that, all input is appreciated. Thanks
Old 03-14-2007, 05:26 PM
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A nice heads/cam setup.
Old 03-14-2007, 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Optimus_Prime
A nice heads/cam setup.
+1 that'll eat up 3000
Old 03-14-2007, 07:44 PM
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Buy a used basic turbo kit off someone in the forum. Put it on yourself.
Old 03-14-2007, 07:51 PM
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Don't go with forced induction when you're on a budget, you will always end up spending more than you want. I'm saying this from experience too.
Old 03-14-2007, 07:59 PM
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full bolt ons......tires and suspension ....if a auto buy a stall..........you will be low 12s
Old 03-14-2007, 08:49 PM
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This is way too advanced for me..


im going to go surf the regular forums..
Old 03-14-2007, 08:57 PM
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find a car with some mods already. then u can figure out what to do from there
Old 03-14-2007, 09:37 PM
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I would buy the speed inc budget kit

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...parts/lt1.html


Similar though not identical to the company's LS2 head & cam package offerings, Speed Inc.'s LS1 system starts off with Stage 2 ported Patriot LS6 heads using 2.02 and 1.57 valves and a 59cc chamber. As to the valvetrain, the COMP cam of your choice is accompanied by COMP pushrods.



An ASP underdrive crank pulley also is included, as are NGK spark plugs and coated Pacesetter long-tube headers with an off-road Y-pipe (neither exhaust item pictured). All necessary hardware and gaskets are also included in this price, as is mail-order tuning. Optional upgrades include AFR heads ($900), an LS6 intake for older F-cars, and Dynatech Supermaxx headers with cats ($850). To get the gains shown in the accompanying dyno chart, you will also need a free-flowing cat-back exhaust (not included).

Speed Inc. Heads & Cam Package
COMPANY: Speed Inc.
VEHICLE: Camaro / Firebird
PART NUMBER: N/A
PRICE: $2,649.99

Last edited by linn.35; 03-15-2007 at 09:25 PM.
Old 03-14-2007, 09:47 PM
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Naturally aspirated is the way to go (in my opinion) if your concerned about maintenance and reliablility. Boosted cars sure do sound like alot of fun though. I've always shyed away from boost for fear of maintenance/tuning concerns.

Its amazing how much power even a cam only LS1 with bolt-ons makes. I'd get the heads last.
Old 03-14-2007, 10:08 PM
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Cam, headers, stall if automatic, if not, spend the money getting some head work done -- ported, matched, polished, maybe new valves (I think this is cheaper then getting new heads).

I second the input on forced induction (don't do it) -- I have a blower on my car, and yes, it is a lot of fun, but i ended up spending thousands extra to get it to all work together.....
Old 03-14-2007, 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by shkettle
find a car with some mods already. then u can figure out what to do from there
You gotta be careful with that one. I thought that too until I bought a modded car.

I basically ended up relacing just about everything anyway. The parts where either out of date, or they broke. Either way, I paid...

About the only thing I haven't replaced are the 12-bolt, headers, and lid.

If I did it all over again, I would buy a car that was not modded, clean condition, and go from there.
Old 03-16-2007, 03:48 PM
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you really won't be able to properly do a heads/cam install on $3k unless you get everything used...

figure I spent:
$800 for used headers/exhaust
$1005 for cam/associated install parts
$450 tuning
(all labor by me except the tune)

even if you get a cheap set of heads, the extra gaskets add about $100 to the price as well.

IMO, do headers (if you can, smog ***** may hurt you here), exhaust of your choice (there are lots out there, find one you like the sound of), cam/springs, tune, and put the rest of it into your suspension (subframe connectors!!! , torque arm, etc). put some away for exterior customization, as the car is never cool to you until you make it your very own
Old 03-16-2007, 03:55 PM
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H/C, but only with budget heads like Patriot, and budget headers like TSP.

youl prob spend about 3500.00
Old 03-16-2007, 04:03 PM
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10 hookers and a nice hotel room!!!!
just and idea!!!
Old 03-16-2007, 04:16 PM
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i'd say full bolt-ons, stall(if a4), gears, cam, m/t streets, and a few suspension mods. that would set you up pretty well into the 12's. worked for me on a budget.
Old 03-16-2007, 04:22 PM
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I would buy an unmodded car definetly, atleast that way the likely hood of the owner ragging it out are lower plus you get to enjoy putn on all the bolt ons. I would either do full induction lid all the way to ls6 intake mainifold, then long tube headers full exhaust. then save money up for cam and heads. If you buy an auto then do full induction full exhaust and a 3200-3600 torque converter. cam and heads would definetly be fun and you would get a lot of power but with out the supporting mods for the c/h the engine would be getn choked. just my .02
Old 03-16-2007, 05:12 PM
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bolt on stuff-- lid, pulley, throttlebody, cat back, long tube headers, cam

hardly anyone in here is mentioning headers. everyone is either assuming you have them already or just skipping them. you will need them to get the full gains from a heads and cam setup.
Old 03-23-2007, 11:50 PM
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well i did buy a car with mods on it already...but it's defanitely really solid we put it up on the hoist and checked it out. and it was off someone here on the forums. couldn't be happier with it.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/vehicles-sale-lsx-powered-only/675225-h-c-i-9-rear-1998-z28-m6.html
Old 03-24-2007, 12:03 AM
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i say buy the car. have some fun..... learn how to drive it.... then get a 408 short block. use you heads and i9 bugger cam check my old posts. and save for a H/C/

have funn@!!!!



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