Doing another LIM job... what performance mods while I am in there?

[Elite6]

Got my wife to approve a very modest budget of about $500 or so while i am in there doing the LIM job.
Here is what I have so far:

HAI
Car fully tuned up
ZZP Wires
3" ZZP Downpipe - brand new

While doing the job I was thinking of a few scenarios

1. Port Gen III SC & TB, SD or TOG Headers, Overkill tune and sell Downpipe
2. Gen V setup & sell DP
3. Gen V setup & use DP

I figure these are all around $500?

I don't want to get into a Cam as I may build another motor on the side eventually
Will any of those setups allow me to drop pulleys safely?

Opinions?
My goal is eventually for this motor to go 13.5's or 103 MPH range
99 GTP coupe

[Tuner-Extraordinaire]

Rockers, LS6 springs.

[blueguy]

Needs a tune for a ported TB...skip rockers...they're boring. LS6 springs are pretty rough on the timing chain tensioner as well...if you want to do rockers...do 1.95 rollers and Crow 105 springs...but then that's the $500 budget alone....lame.

I'd just port the blower...open up the outlet, smooth and polish the inlet...HAI = yes. Get a tuned PCM and headers IMO...two best things...keep the stock pulley or run a 3.6"...don't get pulley envy unless you factor in an Aeroforce scan gauge or a way to tune it...

Seriously though; Buy some SSAC's or Speed Daddy's...and a DHP PCM from 3800 Performance.

As for plug wires, **** those crappy ZZP ones, get either MSD's or PRJ's. Clean the coil terminals and the ICM under them. Toss in some new AL605's, gap them at .050". I'd replace the PCV/fuel filter/change the oil/oil filter, and flush out all the old dexcrap and put in the cheap yellow or green stuff, and follow with a 180* T-Stat. Flip the upper dog bone mounts...that's free. If the lower mounts are toast, good time to replace them is when the LIM and everything is off...more room to move around. Get a solid rubber engine/trans mount in there...the non-fluid filled ones. That should tap out your $500 budget give or take a little bit.

[Elite6]

I am concerned about headers to be honest, some people say install is brutal, other say it is ok. If I go with SD headers, I need 4 clamps? 2 - 3" and 2 - 2.25"? Will the install be significantly easier with the SC & LIM out of the way? What about leaks (something that will bug me to no end if I can hear it)

When you say DHP PCM, you mean one of the v1.0's for $125?

[Z34Phoenix]

headers really arent that bad. you drop the sub frame in the back to get the rear in. I'd say headers should be top of the list. and im sure he does me the v1.0 DHP.

as for porting... port the inlet gasket match the TB to the SC and open up the outlet a little maybe tap and plug the coolant passages in the LIM, if you dont have emissions inspection have the EGR removed in the pcm and delete it while you are in there.

[thomas mcnulty]

if you have the intake and valve covers off....the headers become cake.

[JoRoW99]

$200 headers minus selling DP
$250 60# Injectors (E85)
Squeeze a pulley and tune out of whats left.

[txslow6]

If you only have $500 to spend you can scratch TOGs off that list. They are $500 used, but the cheapest I've seen them is $450.

If you would be happy with 13.5's the. I'd throw some rockers on there do a tune and call it done.

[matt5112]

Leave the blower/TB alone, the TB will require an in car tune.

Gen V does not cost $500, unless you throw your stock TB back on, which is pointless IMO.

Like I said in other thread: you can not do emissions compliant headers for $200, by the time you pay shipping and duty you're near $280. Quality cat is $200. Replace flex and its another $30-50 for the piece. The flex leaks right out of the box.

If you or one of your buddies can't weld, then you'll probably pay around $80-150 to have those two pieces installed.

Agreed on DHP PCM. Agreed on rockers as well. Suggest 105's or L76 springs instead though.

[addzradd]

Depends on how much time you have, I would think a $50 die grinder and a $60 set of head gaskets and you could have a fully ported engine with some elbow grease, and then $200 for headers that will be easy as pie with half the top of the engine gone and get used modded 1.9's and ls6 springs, could probably get to low 13's on that.