So, you've been putting aside a little cash every week in order to make some improvements to your ride. Provided that all your other bills are paid and your significant other's birthday has already passed, it sounds like all systems are go. As you sit at work, home, or on the throne, there's always a copy of Super Chevy or your favorite mail-order performance parts catalog within reach. Flipping through, the array of goodies is dazzling, but ask yourself: "How will these items benefit my ride?" Answer: Research, research and more research.
Many motorheads (including yours truly) have spent thousands of dollars on performance parts without plotting out a game plan. Next thing you know the credit card is maxed at 10 Gs, and you're lucky if you can salvage half of the useless items purchased. While these parts may be good for another combination, they may not be for yours. Don't be swayed simply by marketing. Take your time and research all possibilities in order to achieve goals within your budget (all the while keeping future plans in mind).In this first part of "Performance Pack Picks," we have put together a few options for the budget-minded car nut who has set aside 15 Benjamins for their ride. While we could have filled every page in this issue, we've compiled a few different, simple options. As previously mentioned, do your homework, as some of these options may not be right for you.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of "Performance Pack Picks," as we up the ante to $5,000.
Is your Chevy small-block sluggish? Do you crave more power? Summit Racing offers this top-end package featuring all Edelbrock components. It includes virtually everything you need, and is designed to significantly increase horsepower and torque. Best of all, a weekend warrior can perform the installation within a day or two. Pricing is $1,409.95, which will leave you a couple bucks for shipping and fluids.
* Performer aluminum cylinder heads (2.02-inch intake, 1.60-inch exhaust valves)
* Intake manifold bolts kit
* Double roller timing chain and gears
* Cylinder head bolt kit
* Performer EPS, dual-plane intake manifold
* Hydraulic flat-tappet camshaft, .420/.442 lift
* Intake manifold gaskets
* Hardened steel pushrods
Edelbrock
(310) 781-2222
www.edelbrock.com
Summit Racing Equipment
(800) 230-3030
www.summitracing.com
OK, so you're satisfied with the power and reliability of your engine, but those stock exhaust manifolds and two-inch exhaust pipes are holding you back. How about some 1 3/4-inch, ceramic coated headers from Hooker. These Super Competition headers feature tuned primary tubes to create optimal pressure between the intake and exhaust passages. Estimated cost: $639.95.
In order to finish off the exhaust system we've selected a complete Flowmaster American Thunder exhaust system. With 2 1/2-inch mandrel-bent tubing and aluminized steel construction, you have performance and longevity in one package. Every Flowmaster kit comes complete with all hangers, clamps, and mounting hardware, along with the distinctive sound that we have all come to love. Estimated cost: $369.95.
While the headers and exhaust are out of the way, now is the time to replace those worn engine and transmission mounts. Energy Suspension's polyurethane mount kits provide strength for the track, along with smoothness for the street. To top it all off they look good too. At approximately $128.99 that's cheap insurance.
Tired of that heat-soaked starter leaving you stranded for hours at a clip? GM Performance Parts has just what the doctor ordered. While the engine mounts and exhaust are removed, you have easy access to the starter. GMPP's mini-gear reduction style starter is manufactured to handle high-compression engines time and time again. Approximate cost: $215.
This brings our grand total to an estimated value of $1,353.89. We achieved an easier breathing, better starting, and more secure engine with a couple of bucks to spare.
Energy Suspension
(949) 361-3935
www.energysuspension.com
Flowmaster
(800) 544-4761
www.flowmastermufflers.com
GM Performance Parts
(800) GM USE US
www.gmperformanceparts.com
Hooker Headers
(800) 246-5539
www.holley.com