But you will have a $1,000 to spend on a top swap? Sounds like you answered your own question. But just know that when you do the top swap it won't be enough and you will want more, and will snowball from there.Originally Posted by lilmidge12
Lets look at the costs for full bolt on kits:
Top swap
from Supercharger Conversion | 3800 Supercharger Kit | 3800 Series 2 Supercharger Kit
$1,349.99 with install kit
S/C belt: $23.99
Gates - Serpentine Belts #
total= $1,373.98
Now you are at stock GTP power which we all know is never fast enough-time to add some headers and an intake:
Speed daddy headers since everyone and their mother recommends them even though they are ****ty headers and need fabrication to make fit just right:Stainless SS Racing Manifold Header Exhaust Grand Prix GTP Regal Impala 3 8L V6 | eBay
$237.98
for cheap arguments sake homemade intake-$30
total now: $1,641.96
Sweet! Headers out of the way! what's next for more power hmmmm cam or rockers? Lets go with rockers for the cheapness of arguements sake.
ZZPerformance - 1.9 Ratio Modified Rockers #ZZ-19MR
$299
Might as well pick up some 105lb springs just in case you decide to go cam later:
Valve Springs
$109.99
Since you stated you didn't have the large chunk of change at the beginning it's safe to assume this will be done at a later time:
lets add that install kit:
ZZPerformance - Rocker Install Kit #ZZ-RIK
$39.99
total now: $2090.94
Now you are starting to work your way with more power what's next. Intercooler time and those rails to clear that awesome M90 along with a port:
ZZPerformance - Intercooler #ZZ-FSIC-38
$1379.99
Total now:$3,470.93
Whats next? Maybe a tune to tie everything together? Lets go that cheap route again and just get a shelf tune instead of buying a tuner:
3800 PCM | 3800 Performance PCM | Performance PCM | Powertrain Performance
$129.99
And let's not forget that modular pulley system now so you can quickly interchange pulleys:
$99.99
grand total- $3700.91
Let's move on to a turbo kit shall we:
Non intercooled Z3 base turbo kit with PCM and 42lb injectors
ZZPerformance - ZZP Z3 Turbo Kit #ZZ-Z3TK
Grand total-$2744.99
which still leaves you a grand to find an intercooler or other mods such as cam etc.
want more power from there? Buy a boost controller and twist the knob for more power, and more importantly smilie the days of swapping pulleys for weather, daily driving, or dragstrip are over.
need I say more?
Even if you argue utlizing used parts instead of new ones the argument still stands as turbo being the cheaper route. OP, regardless of which you decide I wish ya the best of luck. Have fun and enjoy the car that's all that matters.
