3k to spend...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: Owatonna MN
3k to spend...
Hey all,
I'm expecting a $3k check from uncle sam, and think this would be a great opportunity to add some go-fast goodies to my new car (had her one week).
What would you guru's suggest for a bone stock '00 FRC as far as first mods go? Keep in mind I'm wanting to stay NA, so no FI stuff. The eventual goal is to go with new heads/cam, maybe stroke it, but I figure I should exhaust the bolt-ons first. ;)
I was thinking of something like a Blackwing, some long tube headers, and x-pipe, maybe a cat-back (not sure if they actually make more power, I'd appreciate feedback; I don't care about how it sounds, other than anything obnoxiously loud is out of the question). My budget is pretty firm at just over $3k, and labor would have to be included (likely going to XMSEngineering in Tempe, since they are a local vette shop).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts,
Sorny
I'm expecting a $3k check from uncle sam, and think this would be a great opportunity to add some go-fast goodies to my new car (had her one week).
What would you guru's suggest for a bone stock '00 FRC as far as first mods go? Keep in mind I'm wanting to stay NA, so no FI stuff. The eventual goal is to go with new heads/cam, maybe stroke it, but I figure I should exhaust the bolt-ons first. ;)
I was thinking of something like a Blackwing, some long tube headers, and x-pipe, maybe a cat-back (not sure if they actually make more power, I'd appreciate feedback; I don't care about how it sounds, other than anything obnoxiously loud is out of the question). My budget is pretty firm at just over $3k, and labor would have to be included (likely going to XMSEngineering in Tempe, since they are a local vette shop).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts,
Sorny
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Podunk IL
Re: 3k to spend... (Sorny)
Easy enough. 1st get 4.10 gears, biggest bang for the buck and you will see the best results (besides nitrous of course). A set with hardened shafts will run you about $1300. Install will be $400. That leaves enough for a Blackwing (install it yourself, it only takes 20 minutes), shifter, and headers (if you install yourself). With those mods, you'll have an easy low 12 sec car, then you can start saving for tires. :smash: :cheers:
Definately get the gears, I love mine so much, and so does everyone who gets them (read up on them). Other than my nitrous system, gears were the best money I spent on mods. Enjoy!
Definately get the gears, I love mine so much, and so does everyone who gets them (read up on them). Other than my nitrous system, gears were the best money I spent on mods. Enjoy!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,814
Likes: 1
From: FT Lewis WA
Re: 3k to spend... (Sorny)
I understand labor cost is a factor, since you mentioned a shop would be doing the installs. Do they have a dyno & LS1 Edit capability? If so, IMHO get a baseline dyno# and if you decide on some long tube headers an LS1 Edit tuning is not required but very helpful. The Pro LG LT Headers system is best RWHP/RWTQ money can buy.
Do you have an auto or stick tranny? An A4 w/2.73 needs to be replaced with a 3.42 rear diff, IMHO. If you have a stick w/3.42 factory rear, then step up to at least 3.73 or even 4.10 gears.
Take a look at some of the CF SIGs or check out My Homepage
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/326343/1 for mod ideas.
Good luck,
[Modified by Cary, 12:29 AM 2/12/2004]
Do you have an auto or stick tranny? An A4 w/2.73 needs to be replaced with a 3.42 rear diff, IMHO. If you have a stick w/3.42 factory rear, then step up to at least 3.73 or even 4.10 gears.
Take a look at some of the CF SIGs or check out My Homepage
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/326343/1 for mod ideas.
Good luck,
[Modified by Cary, 12:29 AM 2/12/2004]
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Podunk IL
Re: 3k to spend... (Cary)
Do you have an auto or stick tranny? An A4 w/2.73 needs to be replaced with a 3.42 rear diff, IMHO. If you have a stick w/3.42 factory rear, then step up to at least 3.73 or even 4.10 gears.[Modified by Cary, 12:29 AM 2/12/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,298
Likes: 0
From: Tyler TX
Re: 3k to spend... (Jimmy Smits)
Do you have an auto or stick tranny? An A4 w/2.73 needs to be replaced with a 3.42 rear diff, IMHO. If you have a stick w/3.42 factory rear, then step up to at least 3.73 or even 4.10 gears.[Modified by Cary, 12:29 AM 2/12/2004]
All hardtops are 6 speeds.
All hardtops are 6 speeds.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,389
Likes: 0
From: Raceland Louisiana
Re: 3k to spend... (LittleBoyBlu99)
I would check the boards for a H/C package. You can find some real good ones for 2k.. I know right now Corvette Poor is selling a Cartek stage 2 h/c package for 2k. Install and get tune.. you should be right around the 3k mark.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 331
Likes: 1
From: Black Forest Colorado
Re: 3k to spend... (Sorny)
Heads, cam and FLP's took my '99 FRC from 319 RWHP to 393 RWHP (no tuning). I went with A & A's stage II heads and a 220 220 cam from Andy as well. Although I haven't had any experience with them, I've also heard the Patriot Heads may be the best deal as far as price and performance goes.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 7
Re: 3k to spend... (Sorny)
For 3k I would do the following
LG Headers 1500
Whichever exhaust system you like - around 550
Intake - - Halltech - Blackwing - Vararam- Halltech and Vararam are more expensive 500 vs about 250 for the blackwing.
So you are right around 3000 with install and tunining. You will get an honest 30+ rwhp with those parts and your car will be running great.
Good Luck with your car, and get ready for the mod bug to bite. Once you start it will never end
:D :D :D
[Modified by Ruby6spd, 10:36 AM 2/12/2004]
[Modified by Ruby6spd, 10:37 AM 2/12/2004]
LG Headers 1500
Whichever exhaust system you like - around 550
Intake - - Halltech - Blackwing - Vararam- Halltech and Vararam are more expensive 500 vs about 250 for the blackwing.
So you are right around 3000 with install and tunining. You will get an honest 30+ rwhp with those parts and your car will be running great.
Good Luck with your car, and get ready for the mod bug to bite. Once you start it will never end
:D :D :D
[Modified by Ruby6spd, 10:36 AM 2/12/2004]
[Modified by Ruby6spd, 10:37 AM 2/12/2004]
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Podunk IL
Re: 3k to spend... (Ruby6spd)
For 3k I would do the following
LG Headers 1500
Whichever exhaust system you like - around 550
Intake - - Halltech - Blackwing - Vararam- Halltech and Vararam are more expensive 500 vs about 250 for the blackwing.
So you are right around 3000 with install and tunining. You will get an honest 30+ rwhp with those parts and your car will be running great.
[Modified by Ruby6spd, 10:36 AM 2/12/2004]
[Modified by Ruby6spd, 10:37 AM 2/12/2004]
LG Headers 1500
Whichever exhaust system you like - around 550
Intake - - Halltech - Blackwing - Vararam- Halltech and Vararam are more expensive 500 vs about 250 for the blackwing.
So you are right around 3000 with install and tunining. You will get an honest 30+ rwhp with those parts and your car will be running great.
[Modified by Ruby6spd, 10:36 AM 2/12/2004]
[Modified by Ruby6spd, 10:37 AM 2/12/2004]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley CA
Re: 3k to spend... (Jimmy Smits)
I'm not so sure gears really make the car that much faster, they might just make it "feel" faster. ;) Anyone have solid back to back track results 3.42s vs. 4.10s, stock motor, all else being equal?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Podunk IL
Re: 3k to spend... (Terry Burger)
Gears make you accelerate faster, thus lowering your ET. I knocked .5 off my ET with the gear swap, not to mention countless street races won. It's all about getting out of the hole fast (in racing...lol).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,814
Likes: 1
From: FT Lewis WA
Re: 3k to spend... (Jimmy Smits)
Do you have an auto or stick tranny? An A4 w/2.73 needs to be replaced with a 3.42 rear diff, IMHO. If you have a stick w/3.42 factory rear, then step up to at least 3.73 or even 4.10 gears.[Modified by Cary, 12:29 AM 2/12/2004]
All hardtops are 6 speeds.
All hardtops are 6 speeds.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 1
From: If you can see the car behind you, your not going fast enough
Re: 3k to spend... (Sorny)
Headers, Cam, Then Vararam...
Vararam Rules... The G5-X2 Cam rocks... The G5-X3 cam is Awsome too... And the LGM Headers are the best on earth... literally...
Build cost tally...
Cam - 900 from LGM
Headers - 1800 from LGM
Vararam - 300 from WCC
110 more HP for under 3000 - Priceless
Vararam Rules... The G5-X2 Cam rocks... The G5-X3 cam is Awsome too... And the LGM Headers are the best on earth... literally...
Build cost tally...
Cam - 900 from LGM
Headers - 1800 from LGM
Vararam - 300 from WCC
110 more HP for under 3000 - Priceless
