Raven

Hey guys, now that I have pretty much done all of the bolt-on mods except perhaps roller rockers (or a supercharger if you consider that a bolt-on mod), I have started to think about the money I have spent on mods vis a vis the horsepower gained.

There are many threads with posts which refer to some mods as "good bang for the buck" ones. If that's the case, then what is a good ratio of money spent per horsepower gained?

Installation Labor costs should NOT be included in this ratio because some people do thier own wrench turning, plus some places charge more or less than other places to do the same install.

So what do you think would be a good Dollar-per-Horspower number?

For instance, I spent roughly $800 on parts for my cam install (HotCam kit, Comp chrome moly pushrods, Ported TB, SLP dbl roller timing chain).

With PCM tuning, I gained 39 RWHP which would result in a $20.51 Dollar per Horsepower Ratio If you include the cost of the Dyno Tune ($400) then the ratio is $30.76 per Horsepower gained

Personally, I think $20 per horsepower gained is a pretty good ratio. $30 per Horsepower gained is an OK ratio, but I suspect that it is pretty average for most mods.

Anybody else have any thoughts on this? what would be a good Dollar per Horsepower figure to base the "value" of a mod on? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

-Bradster <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

<small>[ March 30, 2003, 10:54 AM: Message edited by: Raven99 ]</small>

Speedfreaks101

I don't think that there is a "Good" ratio with the LS1 engines. All the parts are just too high. Take a look back at the standard SBC or the SBF and you will find a good dollar/HP ratio. I have really questioned myself for even owning one of these cars because of that very reason. I know that time goes on that there will be more and more manufactures and price will come down. I know that there are a lot of times when the equipment is costly that makes the parts but sometimes I just don't get it. Like headers and superchargers. If you look at SOME of the headers the most expensive part is the flange, which can be bought from GMpartsdirect for 28 bucks a pair. What is so different about the superchargers for a LS1 car form the LT1? Brackets? Sorry for hijacking your thread....just ranting.
Later,
Bart

bdawg/98mechamta#9

if you can go 30 to 1 , thats great , i dont wanna talk about my last 2 + years with my car , i would say i did a h/c/ls6 intake that probably got me 90 to 100 horse for 5500 installed = 55 to 1 , so i added a stroker for 8700 that so far has taken horses , because of a bad cam , so my final ratio when all is said and done will be a very sad it will be if im lucky 560 hp @ the motor to 13000 to 14000 , this doesnt include d/s rearend gears , tires , sfc"s , stb , new anti sway"s ,etc... , so lets say 15500 / 210 added motor hp when im done = <img border="0" alt="[cry]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cry]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[bang head]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_banghead.gif" /> $73.81per added horse , god i hope other people do alot better

Chris99WS6PWTMET

Buy a 150 HP wet kit and you're looking at $5 per 1 HP in initial kit cost. Now thats CHEAP!!

NickMapleT/A

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Chris99WS6PWTMET:
<strong> Buy a 150 HP wet kit and you're looking at $5 per 1 HP in initial kit cost. Now thats CHEAP!! </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I agree 110%

Raven

No doubt, Nitrous is easily the biggest "bang for the buck" upgrade you can do. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Anybody else have any thoughts on this? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

johnnyC5

other than NOS, not sure which would be the best bang for the buck....

but, i think HEADERS are probably the worst...considering their cost, and the cost to install and the gains.

even if u can install them yourself, the $$$/hp is still up there. i have never been a big fan of headers and their gains relative to their cost.

<small>[ March 31, 2003, 02:56 PM: Message edited by: johnnyC5 ]</small>

Rice Burner

Win a NX Single Stage EFI Kit at a car show in Daytona, over spring break, and life is good. And kinda fast... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[burn out]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_burnout.gif" />