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Currently, I have on my 99 A4...3.90s & TC, Heads & Cam, LT Headers, & CAI....370 RWHP.
I am thinking of a Maggie s/c next...that will cost approx
$10K-$12K...especially if I swap my 3.90s for 3.42s...which I think I would need to do if adding the Maggie?!?!
The maggie should give me about 100 more horses...BUT, as I understand it....the 3.90s makes the car run (0-60) as if it had about 50 more horses.
So, if I swap the 3.90s for 3.42s and add the s/c...will I "net" only 50 horses?????? If so, for $10K Plus....that doesn't seem worth it!
I thought with a heads and cam package you roughly should get over 400 rwh most of the time. I have a 99a4 as well just starting to ask questions about it
It would be nice to know your goal & use of your car.
Since you went from 2:73 stock gears? to 3:90 gears I asume you race your car? Track or strip? What stall convertor?
You should be able to find a used maggie for 4k or less, (another 1k for hood.) That would put you at approx. 470 RWHP. Since the maggie runs out of boost after 5000rpm, your 3:90 gears shifting at 5500rpm?may run out of gear in 1/4 mile, Plus at that power level your stock trans won't last. Cost of upgraded trans (by RPM Transmissions) approx.$2,500. New gears 3:42 $1,200 with trade (you will not lose 50hp with 3:42 gears, the 3:90's just feel like 50 more hp)
I would spend the 10 to 12k plus on ECS Paxton Supercharger $9,000. installed, new trans $2,500. $1,200. gear trade, switch out the cam for stock. That will put you approx. 530RWHP (with a restrictor plate) That will max out the strenght of your stock bottom (pistons & rods) Now you have room to grow when your motor gets old. with the Maggie route you are done before you start. My $.02
I went from 3.15s to 3.90s (3.73s weren't available at the time). Its a DD, just looking for most street power/performance.
Not sure on the TC (think its a 2400)...but could find out if that helps any.
I know the 3.90s don't give HP...just the "feeling"....but on pure 0-60 or 0-100...if I swap the 3.90s and add a s/c...my pure performance gain seems like only 50HPs....or my gain is if I had an equivalent gain of 50HP.
My friend down the street has a maggie and 3.90's. Other than traction being difficult at times, he loves the way the car is set up. Just leave the 3.90 rear till you need a rebuild.