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Is My Mod Math Correct?

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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 07:41 AM
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Default Is My Mod Math Correct?

Looking at doing mods and before I do, I want to compare some things based on relative value of cost versus HP. Are these generally correct -not assuming install cost? Also, what my I consider that is not on this list?

Modification HP Cost Cost/HP
Headers 25 $1,500 $60.00
Hurricane Intake 20 $370 $18.50
MAFS 12 $370 $30.83
Cam 45 $2,500 $55.56
Heads 30 $2,500 $83.33
Tune 20 $500 $25.00
Procharger 100 $6,000 $60.00
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 07:53 AM
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Originally Posted by ENERGY
Looking at doing mods and before I do, I want to compare some things based on relative value of cost versus HP. Are these generally correct -not assuming install cost? Also, what my I consider that is not on this list?

Modification HP Cost Cost/HP
Headers 25 $1,500 $60.00
Hurricane Intake 20 $370 $18.50
MAFS 12 $370 $30.83
Cam 45 $2,500 $55.56
Heads 30 $2,500 $83.33
Tune 20 $500 $25.00
Procharger 100 $6,000 $60.00
If you are going to include cost of installation labor, you should be a bit more consistent. It's hard to find a good set of headers installed for a total price of $1500, but pretty easy to get a cam & kit installed for $2500. Heads can vary widely in price, and install is pretty EZ. I can get a good dyno tune for around $300.

Not sure what MAFS is, but you should also include a ported intake, and a FAST intake. Again, install costs will vary.

I assume that a Hurricane intake is pretty good, but 20 HP may be optimistic. Vararam and Honker intakes are much more common. Also, does that Hurricane price include installation?

You're on the right track, but I'd suggest adding another column for installation costs.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 08:05 AM
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Your HP figures for headers and Procharger are low. From what I've seen (we're talking rear wheel figures): headers: 30-40hp Procharger: 150+hp You also have to take install prices into consideration. For example: the Procharger will cost quite a bit more than $6000 once you have it installed. Sounds like you're doing your homework though. Good Luck

Last edited by Bushong572; Mar 2, 2007 at 08:10 AM.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by ENERGY
Looking at doing mods and before I do, I want to compare some things based on relative value of cost versus HP. Are these generally correct -not assuming install cost? Also, what my I consider that is not on this list?

Modification HP Cost Cost/HP
Headers 25 $1,500 $60.00
Hurricane Intake 20 $370 $18.50
MAFS 12 $370 $30.83
Cam 45 $2,500 $55.56
Heads 30 $2,500 $83.33
Tune 20 $500 $25.00
Procharger 100 $6,000 $60.00
imo, the gains are not as cut-and-dry as they may seem.

mods. need to be considered with perspective to the end result.

certain mods. will compliment others, etc. etc.

for example, certain cams will work better with certain heads, etc. etc.

otherwise, you're on the right track.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 08:46 AM
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While you are at it look at pullies. If you are doing a cam they may as well do pullies while they are in there
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 08:49 AM
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I updated a few based on my SWAG. Dropped the hurricane HP, a Vararam may net 20 but I dont think a Hurricane would. I am curious what a MAFS is. New MAF housings? MAF Translator? I think $2500 for a cam is way too much but I could be off myself there. Figure a cam is $400, where is the other $2100 coming from. I bumped it down to $1500 which I still think is high. I also bumped the Procharger to 150 HP. Also added a ported LS2 intake and underdrive pulley.

Originally Posted by ENERGY
Looking at doing mods and before I do, I want to compare some things based on relative value of cost versus HP. Are these generally correct -not assuming install cost? Also, what my I consider that is not on this list?

Modification HP Cost Cost/HP
Headers 25 $1,500 $60.00
Hurricane Intake 15 $370 $24.67
MAFS 12 $370 $30.83 (I donno what this is...)
Cam 45 $1,500 $33.33
Heads 30 $2,500 $83.33
Tune 20 $500 $25.00
Procharger 150 $6,000 $40.00
Ported LS2 Intake 10 $250 $25
Underdrive Pulley 10 $280 $28
Whats interesteing to see is how the ported manifold and the underdrive pulley are just about as cost effective as the intake but they are overlooked a lot. Myself included. Also the cam (based on my $1500 price) is not far behind although it would require a tune as well.

Last edited by 5 Liter Eater; Mar 2, 2007 at 08:52 AM.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 09:18 AM
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Whats the real question? HP divided by Cost = what?
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 09:42 AM
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Excellent perspective on this and will true-up some of my numbers as I got most of these from previous threads and was a guesstimate on my part.

Also, MAFS = Mass Air Flow Sensor - maybe I made up a new acronym.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 09:44 AM
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No way in hell a new MAF is going to net 1-2 HP never mind 12. I'd whack it from the list.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 09:47 AM
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Originally Posted by BADC64GO
Whats the real question? HP divided by Cost = what?
Seems to me that cost/HP is an unbiased way to look at what you are actually getting for the $ spent, basically its a very crude HP return on investment. Trying to narrow my list of mods to those with most value.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by ENERGY
Seems to me that cost/HP is an unbiased way to look at what you are actually getting for the $ spent, basically its a very crude HP return on investment. Trying to narrow my list of mods to those with most value.
If cost per HP is important don't figure mufflers and over-axle pipes (mistakenly called cat backs). Up to $1500 and maybe 5RWHP.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 11:49 AM
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Gains for mufflers dont total even 5rwhp. Cartek's repeated testing shows no gains at all. The hurricane intake at 20+ is false too. None show a gain on a dyno.

MAF's like the Lingenfelter 100mm can show a real substantial gain coupled with a proper tune to dial in the MAF tables but its in the 900 range with the associated tune.

I think the 'add up the mods' approach is silly and you should consult a tuner to get a proven package to get where you want to go. Start with what the application is. If this is a street car then anything you do beyond heads/cam at 450rwhp will yeild no speed gains under 100 mph. Getting H/C and a power adder like a S/C is a waste on the street. Get one or the other.

You mentioned no mods for traction. At 600+rwhp you will have a fine 12 second car on street tires which is eaxactly what you have now.

Add in 1300 for Z06 rear fenders, 800 for widened rear wheels to fit 345BFG drag radials for street use, and 650 for the tires every 6 months. I would suggest 4.10 gears and stop adding power when you cant get it to the ground in any application. This yeilds 10 second 1/4 times with a good H/C package.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 12:02 PM
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The key decision factor for a lot of these mods is NA or FI. And it depends on how far you plan on going. If you go with the cheap mods (CAI, ported LS2 manifold, underdrive pulley) and then decide to go FI you will need to scrap the underdrive and intake. Some of the mods are good either way, like the headers; that is unless you go with a turbo kit (other than STS). If you go with a H/C package that makes good power NA it will most likely not be ideal to strap a blower onto.

If you don't plan on going big and just want some cheap power adders this table is a good tool to know when to stop.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 12:17 PM
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You will not see gains in HP that total the sum of the parts. I would not pay a nickel for 2 hp but that same part added to another may gain 25 hp. The point is you need to consider the entire package working together. I wouldn't get caught up in the HP game which is mostly a marketing tool. The right combination of heads, cam, intake, exhaust , gears and tune can gain you big HP numbers but relate to pretty high dollar per HP cost. Nitrous and turbochargers are another story altogether.
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Bushong572
Your HP figures for headers and Procharger are low. From what I've seen (we're talking rear wheel figures): headers: 30-40hp Procharger: 150+hp You also have to take install prices into consideration. For example: the Procharger will cost quite a bit more than $6000 once you have it installed. Sounds like you're doing your homework though. Good Luck
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