Winter project!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 54
From: Brisbane CA
Winter project!
I have a 99 A4 pro charger p1-sc1 dyno at 435 rwhp. I am thinking about either refreshing the ls1 or drop in an ls3 crate engine. I will be looking for a reliable high 600 rwhp when I am finished. I have a $10k budget. What is the best route and its pro and cons? It also has to be smog-legal in CA.
I already have the c6 exhaust manifolds and h pipe installed with my LS1. I am on the fence about the LS3 upgrade. The LS1 has a little over 100K on it and runs very strong. I am just looking for more hp.
I already have the c6 exhaust manifolds and h pipe installed with my LS1. I am on the fence about the LS3 upgrade. The LS1 has a little over 100K on it and runs very strong. I am just looking for more hp.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,950
Likes: 24,705
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Try contacting A&A Corvette in CA. They may be able to help you.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 19,595
Likes: 523
From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'12 thru'22
LS3 is the way to go but, make sure you include in your budget a tranny that can handle that power, as well as beefing up your rear-end for starters. 600 HP is a great goal but, the standard equipment, finds that number obscene...It won't last long. 10K is a nice starting number but, if your outsourcing any of this work, start figuring to add a few-/several thousand more. 
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 200
Likes: 76
I have a 99 A4 pro charger p1-sc1 dyno at 435 rwhp. I am thinking about either refreshing the ls1 or drop in an ls3 crate engine. I will be looking for a reliable high 600 rwhp when I am finished. I have a $10k budget. What is the best route and its pro and cons? It also has to be smog-legal in CA.
I already have the c6 exhaust manifolds and h pipe installed with my LS1. I am on the fence about the LS3 upgrade. The LS1 has a little over 100K on it and runs very strong. I am just looking for more hp.
I already have the c6 exhaust manifolds and h pipe installed with my LS1. I am on the fence about the LS3 upgrade. The LS1 has a little over 100K on it and runs very strong. I am just looking for more hp.
Figure $2,500 for stroker kit, $800 for cam kit (you're gonna want new springs and all that) and then labor and a tune.
Also it might be worth calling Procharger about a headunit upgrade.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,563
Likes: 3,304
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Given that you are in CA, this would definitely be where I would start. They'll be able to tell you exactly what you need to do to reach your goals while still remaining legal. It's that making sure it's all legal that's the tricky part in CA. As others have said, you'll need to upgrade the rest of the car (transmission, suspension, brakes) to be able to handle the kind of power that you're looking for. Also, I'm just curious what you primarily plan to use the car for?
