meangreenformula

iTrader: (2)

Hey all

For this summer I am planning a head and cam swap for my 97 formula. It has 111k miles on it and is my dd so reliability is a major concern. This is a motivation for doing this work as I would like to replace the lifters and springs and rockers and pushrods and what better time to do that then with a head/cam swap. My goal is to be around the 400hp mark, while still maintaining decent mpg (around 15). I emailed AI about possibilities and they quoted me at $3172 for their 200cc heads, intake porting, cam kit, and gasket and head bolts. This is a bit more than what I wanted to spend, I was hoping to spend around 2500. What are my other options given my goals?

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

It sounds like alot, but that's about what you should expect to pay. They include everything you absolutely need (given that reliability is your major concern). Don't forget you'll need a PCM tune as well.

IMO, you could probably deal without the intake porting and save some $$$.

gregrob

iTrader: (8)

Drop it to the 190cc package and drop the intake porting for now.

Maybe put together the upper valve train (rockers, guide plates, pushrods etc) yourself to save money.

Also use a comp cams grind based on AI's spec instead of their billet core. Yes the billet is better but many people get along just fine with comp stuff.

That should knock a good chunk off and still let you meet your goal.

FbodyFreak

iTrader: (5)

Ai is a great company. LE (Lloyd Elliots) is another. i woul say just cut back on the ai kit... maybe trash the intake porting. they will probabaly get you to the 400hp mark that you are looking for. IMO these are the 2 companies that i would go with in your possition.... the are well known and will give you what you pay for.

meangreenformula

iTrader: (2)

thanks for the responses guys,

Got an email back from llyod elliot. Right now I am thinking running LE2 heads with his custom 226/230 cam. Then using his recommended valvetrain components:

GM 12499225 lifters
Comp 1305-16 rockers
ARP 134-7103 studs
Trick Flow 30400623-8 guide plates
Trick Flow 21407100 pushrods
Mr Gasket 5716 head gaskets

Totals at $2250. I also want to replace my timing chain (i have already replaced the opti and waterpump) What timing set would you guys recommend. Also with these mods, would I need to think about bigger injectors?

Low N Slow

iTrader: (4)

You probably will need injectors, do yourself a favor and freshen the bottom end if you want your engine to last a while. Building half an engine usually doesn't work out in the long run.

Tireburnin

iTrader: (42)

I had about 10k on my Ai 190 heads. I know people who put that many PER YEAR on the same setup. Ai has killer reliabiliy and top notch machine work and tolerances.

A solid budget setup would be the 190 package, valvetrain, gaskets and bolts. You could leave the intake until later and still be very happy.

Your budget is a bit unrealistic. $2500 can't work with new parts. Like everyone else has said, factor in injectors, tune etc and it will quickly hit 3500+.

If reliability is important to you DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

Elliott's94Z

iTrader: (12)

Another good package Hold off on buying the pushrods and measure for the correct length before you buy. Timing chain I would just stick to the OEM replacement #10128485. Camshaft Timing Sprocket #10128349, Crankshaft Sprocket #10128346. Injectors YES. Look into some Delphi 37# That's what I am currently running on the LE2.

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

That is a nice kit. Good cam choice too. The valvetrain you listed is basically what I am running in my car.

x2 on measuring required pr length before you buy pr's.
x2 on getting a oem replacement timing set.

That's what I would do.

gregrob

iTrader: (8)

I may be doing the same thing. I'm only gonna have about a $2500 budget this time looks like.

Ill be saving my pennies for when the dart block comes out for the next build *evil*

meangreenformula

iTrader: (2)

Thats a good point.

How good will a mail order tune be for these upgrades? I already tuned my pcm with madz28 for my rear end gears and he said that future upgrades are $50 which sounds good.

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

MadTuner will work fine.

mhissstic

May also be a good idea to PM StealthFormula, he has a very similar cam/head set-up compared to what you are lookin into. Good luck with it

skinnies

iTrader: (33)

I'd use Lloyd Elliot, I've had great luck over the years with his head/cam combos, well over 40,000 miles on my different setups, no problems.

meangreenformula

iTrader: (2)

Also I have an auto. How important is a stall with the le2 heads and 226/230 cam?

meangreenformula

iTrader: (2)

maybe like a yank 3200?

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

Pretty important. They will wake your car up, seriously. That and gears are essential to optimizing your set up.

I don't think you can go wrong with that stall. Some even step up to a yank SS3600, but I am not an auto expert, might want to ask around.

michaelz28lt1

I would run something around a 3600 stall. The stall will also help your car idle better with that cam.

PNYKLR-TA

iTrader: (1)

Without the stall the car is gunna feel like it wants to take off while stopped. You will have to mash the gas down, and surge might get even worse.

Get a stall and tranny refresh before the heads cam.

Maybe do a stall, tranny refresh, and cam and valve train components. Forget the heads until later unless you are really dead set on the heads.

meangreenformula

iTrader: (2)

I had the trans rebuilt about 6k ago.

How big of a difference would a 3200 to a 3600 be? Since its a DD i would like to save some mpg and i thought a larger stall could hurt that