Thread: Intense Stage 4 Package?

So as any of you know im building an engine for my Grand Prix, since Im going to have to buy a built trans any way i figured i would make my engine worth the money. I wanted to run a big cam in my GP for a long time and the IS4 cam seamed like a good option for my build. So i was just thinking id buy the whole IS4 package. What do yous think? Worth it to buy the whole package or just buy items individually? Im planning on staying supercharged for a while, have no interest in going turbo as of right now. So Id like to get as much out of my S/C set up as I can.

Right now I have:
-GenV
-Stage 2 Intercooler
-Diamond Forged Pistons
-42.5 Injectors (probably gonna upgrade to bigger injectors)
-ZZP Billet Fuel Rails
-N* TB
-L67 Block
-Pace Setter Headers
-Stock Heads (for IS4 core charge)
-ZZP Ported LIM

and im sure there is more im missing...

All the items listed above are not on the car, I still have my GTP with an engine and trans that will be pulled out and left aside, in case i ever demod.


The INTENSE™ Stage 4 Heads & Cam Package includes:

• CHP-674 - INTENSE™ Stage 4 CNC Cylinder Heads
• CAM-xxx - INTENSE™ Stage 4 3800 Camshaft
• 3800-JPP-TCD - JP Performance Double Chain Timing Set
• CSG-1226 - Permatex® Copper Spray-A-Gasket Sealant
• VLS-875 - Comp Cams "OE R Series" Hydraulic Roller Lifters
• PRE-705 - INTENSE™ Extreme Duty Oil-Restricted High-Performance Pushrods
• HSK-671 - ARP Head Stud Kit
• HGP-052 - Cometic/INTENSE™ .052" MLS Head Gaskets
• CIK-L67_32 - INTENSE™ Cam Installation Kit
• GMH-TCD - GM Timing Chain Dampener
• PCM-xxxxx-xxxx - INTENSE™ Stage 4 Custom Powertrain Control Module

so you think the IS3 package is a better option for me?

I had the is3 and I loved it! It was streetable, loud and the idle was amazing! You'll want a 3k stall with it.

was it worth the money in your opinion?

I got it used but had have the heads worked on a little which ended up evening it up. But yes it was worth it. Even if you end up not liking the cam the heads will go with any cam.

i think id be satisfied with the stage 3 cam and heads, i need to save up some money for everything still so i still have time to browse

Tons more WHP + FWD = you should invest in a built trans and a good set of tires to put it to the ground first.

Then address the motor.

Because with a heads/cam pulley envy car...you'll grenade that trans in a month.

i was gonna buy a built trans i had the cash and drove all the way to MD to pick it up i guess you didn't hear my story... trust me the engine isn't going in on a stock trans i know not to be stupid lol

im building a whole other engine so im not just putting heads and cam in the engine i have now

do you have any advice for me on what built trans to get havent decided on what trans i wanna go with yet.

For lifters avoid the comp cam and get LS7

the IS3 and even the IS4 Cars are nasty when setup correctly.

Tuning is gonna be the most important thing, a canned tune is not the correct way. I have tuned some of these cars and they are fun

Originally Posted by darkhorizon

canned tunes work pretty well. They like to be on the lean side and really the timing is not a very big deal.

Either way, big cam/head setups are pretty annoying and a dirt cheap turbo kit will make you faster.

Yeah, lets talk about exactly the opposite in the real world, but apparently in Moscow, everything is bass ackwards.

Canned tunes run rich.

Canned tunes have "meh" timing tables.

Canned tunes are junk and are dumbed down for people that just want something better than stock but aren't going to benefit from a custom or WB tune...even though every car will.

Dirt cheap turbo kits also aren't dirt cheap for everyone that can fab up all the pipes needed to make it work in their parents basement either. But who am I to judge; keep at this $300 turbo kit business and telling everyone the other end of the spectrum is where it's at, when it isn't.

Eddie, in the REAL WORLD...a base turbo kit, or a used one...will run you at least $1,500...as that is what most Z3 or equivalent kits ship for off the forums...maybe a little less if there are missing pieces or the kit has seen some mileage. Will a turbo kit out perform a stout heads/cam M90 build? Most likely. Is it hard on the transmission...yeah, just as bad a dumb blower setup.

You'll still break sh1t, and you'll still be wanting more after a week of beating on the new setup...been there, done that. Just a friendly heads up.

Originally Posted by blueguy91

Yeah, lets talk about exactly the opposite in the real world, but apparently in Moscow, everything is bass ackwards.

Canned tunes run rich.

Canned tunes have "meh" timing tables.

Canned tunes are junk and are dumbed down for people that just want something better than stock but aren't going to benefit from a custom or WB tune...even though every car will.

Dirt cheap turbo kits also aren't dirt cheap for everyone that can fab up all the pipes needed to make it work in their parents basement either. But who am I to judge; keep at this $300 turbo kit business and telling everyone the other end of the spectrum is where it's at, when it isn't.

Eddie, in the REAL WORLD...a base turbo kit, or a used one...will run you at least $1,500...as that is what most Z3 or equivalent kits ship for off the forums...maybe a little less if there are missing pieces or the kit has seen some mileage. Will a turbo kit out perform a stout heads/cam M90 build? Most likely. Is it hard on the transmission...yeah, just as bad a dumb blower setup.

You'll still break sh1t, and you'll still be wanting more after a week of beating on the new setup...been there, done that. Just a friendly heads up.

thanks for giving me good info, ive only been on here since January and so far ive seen about 2 turbo kits go for in the price range like you said. id love to get a turbo and it would be a great way to go if i found one for the right price. im not familiar with turbo's so it will defiantly be something to read up on. i still have time to figure out exactly what i want to do. i think if i find a turbo kit for the right price ill jump on it.

my friend has a tuner and he should be able to hook me up, its gonna be a while before i get it. just wanna have a goal on what i want to get so i can save my money for it.

Custom cam > vendor cam.

Find something tailored for the car...and have the block balanced and the cam degreed after install; as everyone just seems to plop it in and run...it works, but gains aren't maximized.

Also, lightweight valvetrain FTW...my car revved like a rabid ass ape. Titanium retainers, roller rockers, billet flexplate...you get the idea.

Originally Posted by darkhorizon

canned tunes work pretty well. They like to be on the lean side and really the timing is not a very big deal.

Either way, big cam/head setups are pretty annoying and a dirt cheap turbo kit will make you faster.

Annoying to the wallet lol

Anyways, I will always agree that cost-power ratio... Turbo will always be better than a full built supercharger setup..

But if you have your heart set on a big blower build, then go for it bud

You'll definitly need tires, traction was difficult

If you decide to go turbo in the future the heads will compliment it very nicely.