ringo234

If you had $3000 to spend how would you spend it?

1. Paint Job – My paint is only SO-SO
2. a. Sub frame connectors
b. Big Brake Upgrade
c. Headers
3. 383 Stroker

I got a Xmas bonus and I already spent it several ways in my mind.
Not sure what to do.
I was thinking since my 305 still runs OK get the rest of the car ready for the increased Horsepower. So what do think I should do? I could spend 3 times this much if I had it.

Thanks for any Help

2000GTP

Personally, I would hate to have a car that is fast but looks like crap. If your paint is in need of a refresh, then that is what I would do first.

Wacky Tower

A good paint job will cost every penny of that 3k if not more

ringo234

I know, that's why it was the only item listed in option 1.

byrons1502

rear gears and a good posi rebuild, 3000 stall converter, nice exhaust, nitrous, trango shift improver. that would be my start

streetheatz28

It really depends on your goals. If you want to build a monster 383 down the road do suspention mods and a $1500 paint job. If you want to be as fast as you can now, get a bigger cam, full exhaust and a decent set of heads <<(only if you can do the work yourself) You might be able to find a sbc already built and a turbo 350 trans for around 3k, thats always fun. What ever you do have fun!

Randy92Z

I would get a used L98 or a 350 short block assembly, AFR 195 Eliminator heads, a cam like a TPIS ZZ409 226/226 .520/.520 112*, Holley Stealthram intake, and a good exhaust.

I suppose you gotta be careful getting a used 350 short block. Something out of a TBI truck would work.

That combo of parts would give you a nice 400 hp 350 motor! Thats what I do.

ringo234

Thanks Randy

Here's the thing, this Camaro is my daily driver (California). I much as I would love 400HP would my unibody hold up the to torgue. The Holly Stealth Ram isn't legal in Califronia. I would have to go Super Ram form what I've been reading on these boards.

Should I spend the money now getting the frame ready for that much power and maybe upgrade the brakes to stop that power.

I appreciate your opinion.

Randy92Z

You are correct on the whole Stealthram not being legal, well that sucks! Let me ask you this, what are you running now for intake/exhaust mods? Do you already have a 3" catback exhaust? Largetube runners? Is your Camaro a T-top car? or a hardtop?

Your not gonna bend your frame at all. Hell, I have a convertible with my 383, and I havent bent my chassis! Ive had my Z since '97, I do have subframe connectors welded in. Around a $200 mod. That would be all you really need. Id bet if you'd ask around these boards for a pic of a thirdgen car that has the unibody all bent up from some 400 hp motor, you wont find one. The point is, dont worry about your unibody right now, your not gonna bend it.

Duke

Do the paint last.

What are your plans for this car? If you're just trying to make it a little faster then I'd start with the rear. Don't waste any money on the 305 unless you plan on throwing a set of 1 3/4" LT headers on it, that way when you upgrade the engine you'll already have the right headers in place. Personally I'd just keep saving.

ringo234

When I got the car I needed to replace the CAT and I found out I had a 3" exhaust from the stock manifolds to the Muffler (not sure what brand muffler). I did put in a 3" CATCO. I do have T-Tops. I was thinking of getting new rear gears and a shift kit.
I don't want top spend money on the 305 but want the car ready for a future transplant of some sort. Headers would be nice, but LT headers hang too low don't they?

Thanks for your Help.

DAKMOR

hmm, if I had $3k, I'd offer it to you for your car. No lie. It's like the exact one I want!

But in reality, probably the suspension upgrades and the appearance.

If you have anythign left over, get those brakes.

Randy92Z

Well if you went with all the mods i mentioned before, they come out to $2200. Steathram and Superram parts are about the same $$ I think. So, you'd still have $800 left over to buy a 350 short block assy. Some headers (shorty) and maybe subframe connectors. You should be able to find a 350 for $3 or 4 hundred. California has all kinds of great deals like that around! LOL

Thats what I do if I were you.

MyNameIsMud

where do you get it? how much is it? what all does it come with? and what kind of horse power is it pushin out the crate

ws6transam

Now there's an idea... That would give you $6K towards something different, like a used Z28 already full of speed parts!