wanting to begin my upgrade, need advice...

[wvbrett]

ok so i have researched a lot, and would like to start to PLAN my winter project on my 2000 5.7L LS1 M6 trans am. i would definitely like to do at least a cam upgrade, maybe heads and intake or more if needed. it is currently bone stock aside from a catback exhaust. i have answered some of the questions that were in a write up so it should be easier to help me out.

As stated early my engine is stock 5.7L with stock heads and everything. I would like to see the power from my cams more mid range than high. i have looked at the MS and Torquer cams, according to the description their peak bands are in the mid 6k range. i'd like to see something below that. a "choppy" idle is not my MAIN concern, but i would like something a little choppy or aggressive than stock idle.

this will not be a daily driver but it is not a drag car either. i want a summer car i can pull out of the garage on a nice day and just cruise. but if i pull up beside someone who wants to run, then i can run with most. if i take it to the drag strip it will merely be for fun. honestly, if i can break 400rwhp i'll be wayy happy!

i know for sure i'll be getting LT headers and an ORY. what i really need help with is do i need some new heads or just port and polish my stock ones? i've looked at getting an LS6 intake manifold, if i get that do i HAVE to get a throttle body and/or heads? i already know my rear end will need to be strenghtened up and my susupension needs upgraded. i'm also going to go with either 3.73 or 4.10 gears.

i want to do this right, money is not an "issue" but i dont want to get too far above $5k for just my engine upgrade. that means my suspension and rear end upgrades are not included in this. so all you experts, help a newbie out please!! i'm open for opinions, constructive criticism, or anything else to point me in the right direction.

[TXZ28LS1]

You will be able to get everything you need with at $5K budget for sure.

I would give TSP a call. They have great options for you with that budget. For cam i would atleast go with a cam the size of the TSP Torquer 2. Its a 232/234. I think that is a good size cam. I honestly wouldnt go any smaller than that. I have never rode/driven a cammed car and i have a 230 duration cam and it drives so smooth and so much like stock.

I would check classified section for people selling other bolt ons like a airlid, Longtube headers, ory, and probably even a catback to.

[Spaz]

first things i'd start with would be replacing the stock rear... then i'd get sub fram connectors, adjustable panhard rod, adjustable lower control arms with relocation brakets, and an adjustable torque arm...

[wvbrett]

You will be able to get everything you need with at $5K budget for sure.

I would give TSP a call. They have great options for you with that budget. For cam i would atleast go with a cam the size of the TSP Torquer 2. Its a 232/234. I think that is a good size cam. I honestly wouldnt go any smaller than that. I have never rode/driven a cammed car and i have a 230 duration cam and it drives so smooth and so much like stock.

I would check classified section for people selling other bolt ons like a airlid, Longtube headers, ory, and probably even a catback to.

thanks for the input. i've been lurking on TSP's and Thunder Racing's sites seeing what they got.

first things i'd start with would be replacing the stock rear... then i'd get sub fram connectors, adjustable panhard rod, adjustable lower control arms with relocation brakets, and an adjustable torque arm...

thanks

[Knight]

Agree with Spaz. It is best to build up the drivetrain to handle the added power, and then increase the hp. Otherwise, you'll spend more time fixing it than enjoying it.