I am thinking about selling my 4-wheeler(almost never use it) and will have about $3500-4000 to spend after selling it.

I already have a lid, air filter, shorty headers w/hollowed out cats and 3" catback w/electric cutout. Everything else is pretty much stock without the 1LE package. With more power I may need some suspension upgrades. This will be a daily driver too.

I can also do most the work myself since I am a mechanic and have all my own tools w/access to a lift/torch/welder if needed . As far as machining goes, I may be able to get a discount through my shop at the local machine shop. I also get a nice discount on anything from Napa, Auto value and stuff from a GM dealership .

Some things I was thinking of:
I'll probly need a clutch with new hydraulics (Z06 setup?).
Maybe nitrious and beef up the lower end.
Heads & cam.
Wheels and tires.
LT headers an Y-pipe (worth the cost over what I have now?)
Oil pump - been hearing how these go out somewhat frequently.
Upgrade PCM.
Lowering springs.
Other suspension stuff.
LS6 intake.
Other cool stuff.

I know I can't get everything mentioned, but just wanted opinions on what you have/would do.

If possible include estimated cost of stuff

 

go with a h/c setup from cartek, gtp, or mti, or maybe even jpr

or get yourself some QTP longtubes (wtf you doing with shorties dude?) with an x pipe and true dual exhaust the sound is bad *** yo, you can really hear the power in the car w/ true duals. get yourself an ls6 intake, ported t/b, new maf, and if you still have cash left over, get yourself a nice nitrous kit

or get yourself some slicks w/ a brand new 12 bolt with 4.10 gears in the back... cuz if you try putting slicks on the stock, you'll be riding down the track without your rear - it'll look mad funny so lemme know when you do this so i can video tape it, lmao j/k

if i were you though, i'd sell the shorties, get QTP LT's, true dual exhaust, ls6 intake, ported t/b w/ a new maf and all that junk, and probably ls1edit or some programmer... then save up your money to get yourself a really nice h/c combo and you'll be rocking 425hp+ hp N/A if you've got a complete list of boltons, peace bro

 

who does the set up and dont you loose ground clearence? a shop from home says it looks bad as in not good. hangs to low

 

me personally would be 12 bolt and full suspension. then with the grand or so left over get some hooker long tubes or jet hot long tubes and a ls6 intake.

 

I'd do the 12 bolt and other suspension mods. With the left over money I'd go for some long tubes definatly. You'll have enough money for a cam. The G5X2 cam just made 400+ rwhp with STOCK heads. Now you're probably pretty low on money. It's possible you may have enough for an LS6 intake and/or underdrive pullies. I'd grab those too. Finally, I'd save up some money for some nice stage 2 heads to go with that cam. And wow! You'll be making 450+ easily.

 

go with heads and cam

 

word, ditch the shorties

 

i have flps and got 23 rwhp

 

yep longtubes fo sho, qtps, flps, or tts. def check out that lgm g5x2 cam, and 12 bolt is good idea.

 

http://www.laneswheels.com/custom_duals.html

you dont loose that much groudn clearance... just gotta watch out yo over those speed bumps and ****, but the sound is bad *** man,

 

Sell your shorties and go for longtubes. Get an lg5x-2 cam and good springs, ls6 intake, ram vds clutch, 12 bolt, slicks, lower control arms, and subframes (so you don't get ripples like mine did). I'd also get tuning. This will be over 4000, but you can sell your shorties to help you out also. Also check the for sale forums for things that people are selling that are still new. If you do this, you can probably get damn close to 4000 after selling your shorties.




-Josh

 

Well thanks for your input. Looks like the Sportsman has to go!

As for the shorty headers, they were on the car when I bought it.

I'll definatly get a clutch. A new shifter too. The cam looks very promising . Will need pushrods and springs for it too. When I put the cam in I'll probly add an oil pump as some say the 98-99 can go out early. Add longtubes and sell the shorties. A 12 bolt rear will be a must as I am already doubting my current rearend . Tuning then LS6 intake if enough money left. Then SFC's and lower control arms as cash flow allows. Heads will probly wait till the car is paid in full .


BTW what do used shorties go for? Mine are Hooker brand and don't look like their coated.

 

SFC's are a must, what's the goal for your car?

 

I have a hardtop so I was goin to get the tubular SFC's if I had the $140 left, otherwise it may be a few weeks after. I guess the goal is to go faster, but maintain reliability as a daily driver. The handling is adaquate for my needs now, but will later be upgraded. I don't want to go overboard with the motor and not have a drivetrain that can't handle it.

I was also thinking maybe to save a little $ I would have a local shop build a 12 bolt to meet my needs. And I know the guy at the machine shop so maybe I could get a really nice discount on porting the heads I have. Can I put larger valves in the heads too?

 

I'd use sponsors of this board and ls1tech. They are proven time and time and again and stand behind their product. If you read some of the horror stories, 99% of the time the sponors over there have been there to back you up. Local guys alot of times also seem to have bad results in comparison to sponsors as far as LS1 head porting goes. TEA is known to have some sweet budget heads. You can put oversize valves in the heads, but I wouldn't worry about changing stock valves until you get to where you need every last bit of flow.

BTW: Subframes are definately a must!! I had to get them on my car.. as I learned my lesson with my lt1 waiting til 100k miles. It had ripples all the way up and down the quarter panels and made tons of noises, squeaks, etc! I'd get them a.s.a.p!

Good luck in your choices