What's the best bang for about $2000

**RealQuickNeon** · 02-09-2014, 10:50 PM

Hey I'm newer to the forum so forgive me if this has been discussed before (and I'm sure it has been). But tax season is upon us and hopefully I'm gonna have a few bucks to throw around. I'm wonder where about 2 grand will get me. I was thinking maybe a cam swap but I know there more to a cam swap than just "the cam swap". I'd love to do a pro charger but I just don't have the money (I don't think) to buy a 6000-8000 dollar supercharger kit. I'd dig money up to get a used kit maybe for 3-4000 but I just haven't seen any for sale let alone at a good value. Soooo the question is what should I do with $2000 to my 2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 Convertable?

**basballny2** · 02-09-2014, 11:44 PM

It depends what your goal is for the car. If it's stock I would start with headers/exhaust (1500-2000) subframe connectors (150-200) and a cold air intake (250+)

**RealQuickNeon** · 02-09-2014, 11:51 PM

Ya it's stock for the most part. I have a magniflow cat back. Other than that it's only cosmetic stuff, a set of C6 vette wheels and some stero stuff.

**basballny2** · 02-10-2014, 12:13 AM

The mods above are all bolt on's. Since u have an exhaust already and are happy with it another easy bolt on to do is under drive pulley.

**98RedTA** · 02-10-2014, 03:40 AM

I just put headers on my car and I must say its money well spent.

**tatertot91** · 02-10-2014, 06:23 AM

Before anything else I'd recommend a set of subframe connectors and a few other suspension upgrades to somewhat beef the stamped steel components these cars come with from the factory. To get the most of your money headers and a cam swap would be pushing out but doable for 2k, especially if you can turn the wrenches yourself.

**0rion** · 02-10-2014, 06:56 AM

if you do the work yourself that $2k will go much much further. You could do quite a bit for 2 grand really if you're wrenching on the car. Headers, sub frame connectors, and drag radials would be high on the list. Have you done lid or anything? I would do lid, polished thottle body, headers w/e-cutout, drag radials and sub frame connectors.

***SMWS6TA*** · 02-10-2014, 07:29 AM

you also don't need to spend $1200 on an exhaust system. Pacesetters offer a great budget header (Ceramic Coated) for around $450 with ORY. I've had them for several yrs and have had no issues.

**RealQuickNeon** · 02-10-2014, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by tatertot91

Before anything else I'd recommend a set of subframe connectors and a few other suspension upgrades to somewhat beef the stamped steel components these cars come with from the factory. To get the most of your money headers and a cam swap would be pushing out but doable for 2k, especially if you can turn the wrenches yourself.

Really think a cam swap and headers could fit in that budget? Wouldn't I have to do (at least) springs and a tune as well? I feel like that would eat a bunch of that budget.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 02-10-2014, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by RealQuickNeon

Really think a cam swap and headers could fit in that budget? Wouldn't I have to do (at least) springs and a tune as well? I feel like that would eat a bunch of that budget.

Yes, with a cam you also want to do an upgraded oil pump, hardened push rods, an upgraded timing chain, and new valve springs.

It took me about 6 years worth of saving to get all the shit done to my car I have done. Be patient and do it the right way

With that said, I would also start with suspension components - having a lot of HP/TQ and doing nothing but spinning the tires or breaking things isn't much fun.

**2002ssslp** · 02-10-2014, 04:28 PM

Cam, springs, push rods, timing chain, oil pump and you may have something left over for a decent set of headers.

**RealQuickNeon** · 02-10-2014, 05:19 PM

Oh ya I forgot to mention its and auto... Prob gonna need a stall. Anyone know what torque converters go for?

**35th-ANV-SS** · 02-10-2014, 08:23 PM

Yes, that would be my first mod on an auto, and if you plan on getting a camshaft too, you need to match the stall to the cam.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 02-10-2014, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by RealQuickNeon

Oh ya I forgot to mention its and auto... Prob gonna need a stall. Anyone know what torque converters go for?

Depends how high end you want to go but generally 400 to 800ish for single disk and 1000+ for multi disk cinverters.

**2002ssslp** · 02-11-2014, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by RealQuickNeon

Oh ya I forgot to mention its and auto... Prob gonna need a stall. Anyone know what torque converters go for?

A Yank 3600 converter seems to be a popular choice.

**RealQuickNeon** · 02-12-2014, 12:22 AM

3600 seems a lil high... Would that be ok to run stock until I get a cam in? Also what kind of numbers could I see from a cam and tune...

**Too Fast** · 02-12-2014, 02:49 AM

3600 is about right for a stock LS1.

What kind of numbers.................all depends on the cam, silly. From 35-60. Much more if you have ported/better heads, and long tubes/ORY.

**RONS98TA** · 02-12-2014, 03:44 AM

My 1st stall was 3200 tci. I hated it. I now have a vig 3600 and love it. There really isnt much dif over a stock conv as far as street ability. Now at the track you will see anywhere from a 1/2 second improvement or better. Dont be scared of the high "sounding" stall number. It really isn't that bad with the auto trans in these car with overdrive. On the highway with the trans in complete lock up mode, you cant tell the diff at all.