Hello again,
I would like to get an additional 23-25 rwhp on my current setup. My goal is 500 flywheel HP N/A. I have about 474 flywheel now according to the formula....rwhp divided by .85=fwhp.
Anyway I've searched for the past couple of days off and on trying to figure out a direct simple play of action. Problem is...My wife is on the summer project ideas etc, etc, etc... so I only can shell out about $500 very very quietly so that I don't raise any suspicions. I do not want to dig into the engine again. Any calculated low budget plan of action would be very very appreciated. (to the moderators...I didn't know which forum to post this question, I apologize if it in the wrong one.)

Thanks

-Tim

 

Used nitrous kit...way to easy...

 

My thoughts exact.

 

Remove the cats,add a cutout. Check the thread in the LSx section for dyno proven RWHP gains on the cutout.

 

Electric waterpump?

I see in your sig youre running a stock one. If the car is just a weekend toy and/or race machine, going to a electric water pump wouldnt be as much of a risk. Plus I believe a company has a monitoring system so you would be able to tell if your water pump failed on you.

I think a E-water pump on your set up would probably net you the power youre looking for.

 

are you just looking for flywheel power numbers?

 

He said N/A as in Naturally Aspirated, not Nitrous Assisted.

 

I 2nd the EWP notion

 

Leave the highflow cats on. Stinks to much without them and your only loosing a couple of ponies. As was mentioned, go with the EWP if you don't put alot of miles on the car, and install a cut-out. One last thought would be to have LE port an intake for you if you didn't already have this done. With these 3 things I would expect between 20 to 25rwhp.

 

Eeehh ok, but really we all know it's gonna get him the best results for $500...and probably less work than the EWP, but if he doesn't want it I understand.

 

Here are my ideas:

- Set the rockers with about .002" lash. For one reason or another, this made the most power on the dyno on a hydraulic roller.

- 58 mm TB if you don't already have one.

- Intake manifold porting. If done correctly, this alone can net 20 rwhp.

- Synthetic oil has gained up to 5 rwhp.

- Try narrowing the spark plug gap. We've gained 1-2% power by finding the sweet spot in the gap and it was somewhat less than factory recommended.

- Not sure what sort of muffler GMMG has, but for $60 a Hooker Aerochamber will support alot of power. If you can, measure your backpressure with a gauge. If it's over 5 psi, you need a better muffler.

- Electric water pump like everybody else said.

 

I definately wouldn't do an electric wp unless it was rarely driven...the guys I know personally that used them said they were prone to letting your engine get a lil warm...not worth it for a couple hp IMO.

 

I ran an ewp for about 1 1/2 yrs and never had any problems with overheating. The car was driven about 45 minutes one way to work and then back home or whever else i decided to go. Never had the first problem.

 

Another vote for an E-WP and also an ASP 23% underdrive balancer. This doesn't technically qualify as a bolt-on but you also might consider some higher ratio roller rockers. (Didn't see that in your sig anywhere.)

 

It would be hard to run a nitrous kit safely for $500. My setup was more like $1200.