Help me decide on an AI package
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TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,130
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From: 6,000+ feet
Help me decide on an AI package Disclaimer:
First off, I have already spoken with AI and I will of course follow their recommendations. I am going to be emailing Ron for a quote for everything I'll need soon.
What I want here are ideas, and opinions based on actual H/C/I user experiences.
I fully realize the final decision is up to me and no I dont plant to use the internet as a crutch and just throw a bunch of parts together and "hope" they will run. Nor do I need anyone to hold my hand.
Whew, now, that out of the way let's get on with it.
Some things I need ideas with are 190cc or 200cc head package.
and what cam.
This will most likely be on a stock 89,000mi shortblock. Unless I get the extra budget room to do a forged 355 using the stock crank.
The car must be reliable for weekend use on the street. I live 30miles out of town so it's not like I can drive down the street to cruise.
I also would like to be able to drive it to the track, race, and drive back home. Closest track is like 1.5hrs from me, so definitely not looking for a trailer queen.
At this point I'm thinking
190cc heads
custom cam based on the 230/238
ported intake
I know the 200cc package isn't that much more but I dont want to run more cam and spin the stock shortblock much over 6200-6300.
Also I feel the 190 will keep up the port velocity and be an awesome street setup.
Those who have been there and done it, let's hear from you. Remember I am at ~6,000ft elevation so I need a little more to compensate for that. I want 400 to the ground, not one hp less.
I think a realistic goal with that package is low/mid 12's on motor, and mid 11's on spray.
Let me have it.
Thanks,
Greg
First off, I have already spoken with AI and I will of course follow their recommendations. I am going to be emailing Ron for a quote for everything I'll need soon.
What I want here are ideas, and opinions based on actual H/C/I user experiences.
I fully realize the final decision is up to me and no I dont plant to use the internet as a crutch and just throw a bunch of parts together and "hope" they will run. Nor do I need anyone to hold my hand.
Whew, now, that out of the way let's get on with it.
Some things I need ideas with are 190cc or 200cc head package.
and what cam.
This will most likely be on a stock 89,000mi shortblock. Unless I get the extra budget room to do a forged 355 using the stock crank.
The car must be reliable for weekend use on the street. I live 30miles out of town so it's not like I can drive down the street to cruise.
I also would like to be able to drive it to the track, race, and drive back home. Closest track is like 1.5hrs from me, so definitely not looking for a trailer queen.
At this point I'm thinking
190cc heads
custom cam based on the 230/238
ported intake
I know the 200cc package isn't that much more but I dont want to run more cam and spin the stock shortblock much over 6200-6300.
Also I feel the 190 will keep up the port velocity and be an awesome street setup.
Those who have been there and done it, let's hear from you. Remember I am at ~6,000ft elevation so I need a little more to compensate for that. I want 400 to the ground, not one hp less.
I think a realistic goal with that package is low/mid 12's on motor, and mid 11's on spray.
Let me have it.
Thanks,
Greg
I don't think it's overkill at all. The car will still be a reliable DD. Ult. the cam will determine the streetability. Plus you said you may at some point do a 355. The 200cc heads will be good for multiple set ups in case of a future build. Especially if you are looking at the 230/238 cam which AI claims to be their largest M6 cam they offer. Myself, I would go the 226/230 .565/.565 on either a 110 or 109 lsa.
I'de go with the 200's and the stock intake for now if your budget is limited. Maybe do a ported intake later if you want to squeeze every last bit of power out of it. #'s in sig with 200's and unported intake. Cam is <230 on the intake side. I have no lack of torque from idle to the 6700 limiter. The heads/cam have been reliable, the rest of the car not so much. 
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Definitely go with the 200cc heads. If you don't want to spin that high I would suggest a smaller cam. A cam that size will pull to 6500 or so. Even the cc503 cam pulls past 6000. I'd go a step below that on the cam but step up on the heads.
I agree on the cam size. I would look into that one I suggested or something close to it.
You can see track times in my sig from my old 190cc setup. I bought them about 6 months before the 200cc ones came out. I was very happy with my setup and ran a cam similar to what you are looking at.
If I was in your position, I would follow Speed_Demon24's advice. Get the 200cc heads now if your budget is tight and leave the intake until later. I loved the 190cc setup and would recommend it to anyone, but if I was given the option of 190s/ported intake v. 200s/stock intake, I would take the 200s.
Get a setup that starts you off with more potential from the get go. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I've probably shared my stories, tips and tricks with more than 20 people by PM. I've run lots of setups and parts from various manufacturers and porters.
But like your first post says, ultimately it is on you. Ron/Phil won't steer you wrong...they've got a little bit of experience in this area. =)
If I was in your position, I would follow Speed_Demon24's advice. Get the 200cc heads now if your budget is tight and leave the intake until later. I loved the 190cc setup and would recommend it to anyone, but if I was given the option of 190s/ported intake v. 200s/stock intake, I would take the 200s.
Get a setup that starts you off with more potential from the get go. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I've probably shared my stories, tips and tricks with more than 20 people by PM. I've run lots of setups and parts from various manufacturers and porters.
But like your first post says, ultimately it is on you. Ron/Phil won't steer you wrong...they've got a little bit of experience in this area. =)
Do yourself a favor and freshen the shortblock. If you are shooting for 400+ HP and want it to last for a while at least give it a quick hone, rings and rod bearings.
You will probably find some wear on your front cam bearing with that many miles so I would plan on replacing those too.
You will probably find some wear on your front cam bearing with that many miles so I would plan on replacing those too.
Thread Starter
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 4
From: 6,000+ feet
Thanks guys! On the cam though, AI's site says 6300 rpm redline so that's why I was thinking about that one.
It will ultimately be something between the 226/234 and 230/238. Whatever AI thinks will accomplish my goals.
Driveability
"Street" performance
Increase DCR
Not "peaky" (want to road race / auto x with the car some)
MPG (not a huge concern, but dont want 10mpg either)
etc, etc.
You have helped steer me towards the 200's though, we'll see what Ron and Phil have to say but I like the idea of being able to use them on a stroker motor in the future.
It will ultimately be something between the 226/234 and 230/238. Whatever AI thinks will accomplish my goals.
Driveability
"Street" performance
Increase DCR
Not "peaky" (want to road race / auto x with the car some)
MPG (not a huge concern, but dont want 10mpg either)
etc, etc.
You have helped steer me towards the 200's though, we'll see what Ron and Phil have to say but I like the idea of being able to use them on a stroker motor in the future.
