How should I spend $3000
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
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11 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: columbus, ohio
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
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; Mar 15, 2007 at 09:25 PM.
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.
Its amazing how much power even a cam only LS1 with bolt-ons makes. I'd get the heads last.
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: ALBUQUERQUE, NM
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.....
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.....
Originally Posted by shkettle
find a car with some mods already. then u can figure out what to do from there
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.
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
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
10 hookers and a nice hotel room!!!! 
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
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Arlington, TX
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.
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.
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
https://ls1tech.com/forums/vehicles-sale-lsx-powered-only/675225-h-c-i-9-rear-1998-z28-m6.html
