Wife has a 94z28 m6 that has accumulated it's share of issues over the years. Head gasket is leaking and we're burning some coolant so now it's time to pull the heads off. While we're there, I figure let's do a mild build: cam, headers (medium/long tube), head work, and tune. We will be doing the work ourselves so labor cost is not part of the conversation except for outsourcing for heads or whatever else I can't do in the garage. I'd like to spend less than $3k. I'd like to get tuning software so I can get a good tune, even if I have to buy a 'custom' tune from someone like MadZ28 (who I can no longer find) and make small adjustments as I need. I'm probably going with the LT4 HotCam and some 1.6 rocker arms, and don't want to waste HP or efficiency by not putting the right parts on it.

So here's what I ask of our community:
Is there anyone out there who still tunes these old PCMs??
Headwork even worth it? It's been over a decade since I sent a set to the shop and that shop is closed and it doesn't appear as though there are many left. Used to be $300 would get your heads revamped but who knows nowadays... Headwork or JEGS.com???
LT4 HotCam sounds good, adds some ponies, but is rather expensive ($520 +/-). Any alternatives that have proven reliability with similar performance?

Any input will be appreciated and I thank you all in advance.

 

I answered your question about tuning in the PM. MadZ28 is still out there but he no longer does LT1 tuning because he feels these older cars are not being maintained properly, and he gets blamed when the tunes don’t produce good results.

For your limited budget you want to have your stock heads ported by a reputable shop, and let them match a custom cam reflecting the flow numbers on the heads and your preferences for drivability. Porting stock heads is far more economical than starting over with aftermarket heads. Stockers will easily support 360-420 rear wheel HP. But you can’t get that for $300. More like $1,000-1,800. Good news is the head porting typically includes new valves, springs and retainers. Cam will add $300, Lloyd Elliott can do that:

http://elliottsportworks.com/

You will need additional upgrades like larger fuel injectors, throttle body, 1.6X full roller rockers.

Pacesetter make affordable long tubes with possible minor fit up problems.

Finding a reliable Opti is very difficult. Seems like a lot of people are opting for systems that replace it, like those from EFIConnection ot Torqhead. But that’s an additional $1,000-1,500.

Going to be a stretch with you budget.

 

Keep in mind that camshafts are hard to find and there are extreme supply chain issues getting cast cam blanks. Most shops that make custom grinds (Lloyd, Tick, etc.) are charging around $450 for a cam and it will be billet steel instead of cast, which isn't a bad thing but I think the days of $300 cams might be behind us.

If you need supporting mods like headers, etc. too you might be stretching your budget.

Hotcam isn't a bad kit if you want a little more power and a nice sound, but for a little more money there are better options that could net you another 20-30hp cam-only without sacrificing much drivability. Also the springs included in the hotcam kit are barely sufficient for the cam with 1.6rrs