Tram

iTrader: (14)

I've got an 2000 LS1 Trans Am.. Basic head/cam package and some suspension.

The car used to be a daily driver. Now, it's just a go fast toy. I drive it maybe 1,500 miles a year.

I'm thinking about putting it under the knife over the next year or so and slowly do something to it..

I'm basically debating going with a huge cam, etc or just FI it..

If you had a similarly setup TA sitting in your garage, what would you do?

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Depends on your goals. Assuming it runs well and makes typical power for an average H/C/bolt-ons setup, this would be plenty for me for a weekend toy/cruiser so I would just leave it as-is until/unless there was a problem.

If you are looking to build a race/competition level car, then further modifications would depend on what type of competition in which you intend to participate.

If you just want a project and more power, then your budget will dictate what route is best. FI will likely cost more up front, but a BIG cam may come with tuning and driveability hassles that you might not enjoy, so your tolerance for quirks is also going to be a factor.

Tram

iTrader: (14)

Yeh, it's plenty as is, I should really just leave it alone and spend the $$ somewhere else. That's kinda why I haven't done anything yet.

Every year abotu this time, I drag it out and start driving it, get big plans for it, then in a few months, it'll be time to put her back away and I won't think about it for another 4 or 5 months. LOL

CO_BlackHawk

Sounds like, you should continue to enjoy it as is... then if something breaks, spend the money to fix and upgrade.

JDEP162

In your shoes, I would slap the big procharger F1X or whatever on her. Tons of power, awesome sound, and reliable.

palutZ28

If money isn't an objective and the car is reliable then do it. Can never go wrong with more power in your toy.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

When I've found myself feeling this way about a car but then went ahead and pulled things apart anyway, I've always regretted it. New projects and new builds come with unexpected challenges and downsides that you might not realize until it's too late. Are the challenges and downsides worth it? Sure, if you're not happy with the car as it sits. But if you're generally satisfied, then fixing what isn't broke is usually not the answer. If you get really bored with it or decide that more power is worth it no matter the cost or trade-offs, then THAT would be the time to start with a new build for it IMO.

MonmouthCtyLS7

iTrader: (6)

Huge cam/cubes could lead to undesired street habits, I was debating the same thing a few years back and chose to go the FI route. Plus you can always bump up the boost if you get bored.

ragtopz28

iTrader: (57)

Or you could just spray it (when you want another 100-150 rwhp)

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

im a fan of cubes with room for potential later. a well thought out big cube build can be streetable and you can add FI or spray on top of it.

MonmouthCtyLS7

iTrader: (6)

Boost is the replacement for displacement...All depends on your pocket book, no need for an expensive stroker build if you plan on going FI...if anything Heads/cam your motor and throw some forged rods and pistons in while your in there.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

more cubes equals more power in any build. why are manufacturers using more cubes with FI motors than a few years ago?

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Not sure where all the talk came from regarding bigger cubes? OP only mentioned going with a "huge cam" to replace the current basic heads/cam setup, or maybe doing FI. There are several possible downsides with a monster cam, depending on the purpose of the car and personal tolerance for those trade-offs and/or issues.

FormulaZR

iTrader: (7)

I would do FI.

My last Formula had a 383 stroker with a large-ish cam. It was fun and sounded good...but ultimately, when I modify the current Formula I will be going with a single turbo.

Big cams sound great...but as I get older I prefer a slightly quieter car and one that is more streetable.

MonmouthCtyLS7

iTrader: (6)

Sure that's true but if this guy doesn't plan on running down Fr8train or Scorch on the Hwy a boosted stock cubes motor will do just fine for street duty.

Vmack

I am with ragtop spray it

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Sometimes you just get an itch for a new project. It's not that the car is unsatisfying the way that it is, you just want to do something different with it - the usual goal being more power, whether you can use it or not. But it's an irrational urge, as compelling as it may seem. As RPM says, it can mean opening Pandora's box - once the demons are let loose, it's hard to get them back in the box.

JDEP162

Very true. I'll second the vote for nitrous, I did it mainly due to price of a blower setup. Spray is relatively cheap and fun. And only there when u want to play.

Defined1983

iTrader: (20)

I basically did this. I rarely put any miles on my car as well. More than 1,500 a year but still hardly not a lot. I just drive it on the weekends and once in a rare while run it at the track. I personally love the sound of the procharger and it's great for a power adder so i went that route and now i'm building a lsx 427 with an F-2 procharger. Should put down some real good hp