I have been doing my research on a heads/cam package. The most difficult issue for me is the tuning. My options are MTI (600 miles for home) or LS1 edit. I feel comfortable that I could probably get the tuning done via LS1 edit. Worst case, I believe there are a few guys on the forum that do LS1 edit for hire. I hear that Tom is awesome.

With the tuning issue almost resolved, let me throw these options on you. I hear that many MN6’s are hitting near 400 rwhp with a CAM ONLY. However, the H/C cars are hitting 410-425.

Are the Stage II heads really worth the money? I am looking at three basic options.

1. MTI or ARE Stage II Heads and Cam
2. ARE street eliminator H/C package (ported heads, with new stock size valves)
3. Cam and home ported heads with stock size valves

I have an extra set of heads. Cleaning up the ports and runners would not be hard. I know they will not flow like MTI’s or ARE’s, Stage II heads, but for the money is that not my best option?

Let’s say a MN6 car makes 400rwhp with an X1 cam and headers. If it makes 425 with stage II heads is the extra 25hp worth 3k?

I am not trying to bash anyone’s Stage II heads, I now there is A LOT of work involved. I am just trying to get the beast bang for the buck.
What should I do?

 

We have a deal on H/C & computer for $4895, installed. With a 2 yr/ 24,000 warranty.
Here is the link.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=344044

 

This is what you should do: port your spare heads (then the valve job and valve seals done at you local machine shop), get a new cam, timing chain, valve springs, head bolts/gasket set. you will save a ton more money if you choose to do the install yourself. once you get the tuning straightened out, you will have a tremendous sense of satisfaction that YOU put it all together. Sure, your own porting may not rival a CNC machine, but if you have done a lot of porting in the past, you will achieve favorable results.
BTW, this happens to be the EXACT route i am taking. The porting is a lot of work, too. I have about 12 hrs clocked on just one head.

 

do you care about emissions legality?
keeping your cats?

there's a tremendous amount of fluff on the internet (obviously).
while my experience is limited, I've yet to see any emissions legal C5 make near 400 sae corr rwhp with just a cam. nowhere close.

there's also the reliabilty factor, ie, how long do you want to go before needing work?

just food fer thought..

David 99 FRC
only slightly over 400 sae corr rwhp, and have
stage II heads w/2.05 valves
cam
LS6 intake manifold
asp underdrive pully
long tube headers
vortex rammer
bla bla bla