97 A4, 130K. Jet Hot LT w/ true dual's, couple of bolt-ons.

Not sure how to spend me tax refund? Maybe $1500-2200?

Thinking of a GM847 cam with 1.7RR and all the other crap that goes with it.

OR LE3 Heads/Cam and not sure what else goes with it???

I might want to add a SC, just a small one. But it would be after engine work.

SO??? Where am I going to get the most HP for least cost?

 

Do the LE cam and heads,and ask him for his setup for stock compression.
She won't last long with boost, of any PSI.

 

keep saving
its gonna cost more then your refund to get all the right parts that will need upgraded

boost kills LT1's

 

I was going to put "don't spend all your money" even with heads and cam it will be a short time until a rebuild.

 

So what should I do with the $2000?

 

my motor lasted about 40 miles after i did my head and cam but thats just my luck. i think you should to a le package

 

This!!!
And save for a rebuild later or do it during the head-cam install.
New set rod bolts,rod resize(if you don't have PP rods),check crank,forged pistons,rings & brgs and oil pump.Boil block,hone,check everything and new cam brgs.

A blower is the biggest bang for the buck----but you have to have a fairly strong bottom end and the starter kit for 10PSI is over $2500.00 not including the engine.
I think you could get decient heads and cam for your 2000 and another 2000 for the "get by" rebuild that will go a long time maybe 40-50,000 miles with no breakage and the right choice of rings and brgs.

 

Thank you for the awesome advice!

 

Good luck with whatever you choose to do and keep us posted.

 

stock bottom end, dont sweat it. just keep the install clean and pay attention to detail

my point was that you will spend $1800 on a head and cam package but there are many other things you should/will need too upgrade as well
timing set, rockers, lifters, injectors, tuning($$$), converter or clutch, 12bolt if M6, gaskets, bolt set.... etc. etc.

i agree tho, i would do the LE stuff
but 1st i would keep saving and make a list and budget for parts that you will need along the way

 

OK OK - The price now goes up to $4K. Sounds like I can get all the CAM and Head stuff (1.7rr, gaskets, bolts etc) and the LT for sure.

Maybe I skip the SC and do a 100 shot?

 

stick with either 1.5 or 1.6 rockers
alot less valvetrain ear with them and lift should come from the cam anyway not the rocker ratio
no need for 1.7's especially with an aftermarket cam