okay...i have a 1997 gt 4.6L 2v, automatic transmission. My car is going to stay N/A with no nitrous, and my goal is to get 300hp to the wheels. My only current mods are slp o/r xpipe and flowmaster 40 series mufflers. Let me know if you think my current mods and the ones i list will put me in the 300rwhp range...

Steeda cold air intake
Accufab 70mm throttle body/plenum
Steeda Underdrive Pulleys
SLP Longtube Headers
Chip (not sure what kind yet)
Dyno tune everything once done


thats all i was planning on doing...give me your estimations considering my current mods and the ones i am planning to do...thanks

 

I think you should do the PI head swap.

 

like he said, get a PI swap... and even with that you won't be in the 300 hp range(unless you have a super freak) With some ported PI heads, and cams, you will have a much better chance.

 

what exactly are PI heads? aren't they the heads that come on the 99+ stangs? and why not slp heads...they are supposedly the best long tube headers around..

 

We are not talking about headers here it is http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996-...spagenameZWDVW

 

Ok, first, lets explain the whole heads/headers thing. Heads, or the correct term, cylinder heads, are mounted to the block. This is where the cams, valves, springs, and everything else associated with the valvetrain resides. This is what the air goes through after leaving the intake manifold. In order for you to reach 300 rwhp, you have one option. Ported PI heads. PI heads, or power improved (I believe), were brought out in the 99+ gt's. There is no way you will get to 300 rwhp without having some ported. Some great porters are VT engines, or Modular powerhouse. Now, onto the headers. SLP headers are GREAT, they are pricey, but the fit, finish, and gains from them are wonderful. You will definately need longtubes to get to your goal. Another absolutely necessary thing to get you to 300 hp is a new set of cams. The most popular brand right now seems to be VT, they make a stage one, stage two, and blower cams. You should be fine with either the stage ones or twos, but if you do the stage twos, you'll need new valve springs. Once again, you will not get to 300 rwhp without new cams. Everything else you have listed seems to be fine. I personally, would skip the Steeda cold air and save the money for something more expensive like the heads. As you can see, this is not a cheap way to get to 300 hp, so nitrous wont sound so bad once I give you some prices. Heres what to expect:

Ported heads: 1500-2000 dollars
Cams: 569.99 here for the VTs. If you get the stg. 2's, the new springs are about 200
Full Slp exhaust: 720 for headers, 400 for midpipe with cats, 400 for catback
Accufab plenum/tb: 410
Steeda pullies: 200

This is a fun way to get there, but not cheap. Also, with all the added airflow, you will definately need a dyno tune/chip. The only way to go in my opinion is a custom burnt chip from an SCT dealer. They have the best tunes out there and some of the best tuners to go along with it.

This guide should kinda help you, but you definately need to do some more research. Sorry its so long, but this is just the tip of the Iceburg. Good luck getting there, but honestly, its cheaper to get a supercharger and be at 400 hp than to go n/a for 300-320 hp. Just my opinion, its your money, do as you wish.

 

Okay so maybe I am going the whole wrong route in getting my goal...thanks guys atleast i have an idea now how to go in the right direction...also, what are some good sites that sell the cams you were talking about for my car?? If i was to get cams, would i have to do anything else to my car or would just intalling the new cams work? thanks

 

Cams alone will help, a tune will get the most out of them. I plan to get the VT Stage 2 cams from MT personally.

 

Well, you can only get the cams I was talking about if you have PI heads, otherwise, you may have piston to valve contact issues. MT used to sell them, but I dont think they are anymore. You could get them from VT's website, or you could look some other places. Their prices went up, so a lot of dealers arent selling them anymore.

 

well how much hp do you think ill get just from my current mods and the stuff i listed?

 

if you get cams, u will be close, not sure if it will top 300 or not.

 

Dont forget though, hes non pi. Just cams wont get him anywhere close to 300.

 

well if you had to give me an estimate on my current mods and the ones im planning to do...what would your guesses be?? to the flywheel and wheels...

 

you need ported and polished PI heads. and stage 2 cams. as well as long tubes. custom tune. and all the bolt ons

 

You won't get close to 300rwhp without a PI swap.

Full Bolt on PI cars are pretty stout though. I'd give that a shot. Then spray on top of that and be done with it.