I am looking for 500 hp

not rwhp

what is the cheapest way to get it?

no spray

A nice head and cam package with a header back exhaust and an intake with a tune and you'll be all set to go! :friday:

I don't know if thats "cheap" to you, but it is probably the most effective way without going forced induction or spray.

Originally posted by dkGTO19@Mar 1 2005, 12:24 PM
A nice head and cam package with a header back exhaust and an intake with a tune and you'll be all set to go! :friday:

I don't know if thats "cheap" to you, but it is probably the most effective way without going forced induction or spray.
I agree..

And at a guess it will set you back $4K-$5K installed and with the tune. But it is all depending on what brand of parts you go with and who installs it.

For:
Heads
Cam
Headers
Exhaust
CAI Intake
Tune

But remember you can go VERY aggressive with the Head and Cam and make a LOT of power. It will not be very "drivable".

I'm quite interested in this as well. Eventually I'd like to take my goat to 500 HP but retain as much driveability as possible. Maybe a supercharger is the best choice, since the extra power will only kick in when you need it. Just a thought.

Ive been looking athtis and lmperformance has a head and cam package that will give oyu the 500 hourse without the expense of exhaust for about 2600. Tha package is from slp if I remember correctly.

What do you mean by "drivable" ?

I never understood that term either. I think it's what a bunch of people use to sound smart like Car and Driver...LOL...

I mean, are you trying to say if a car has too much power it'll go flying in to a wall? Let off the gas pedal genius! LOL! Seriously, it never made any sense to me either.

Get in to a car that runs 7s-10s - No juice. And drive it to work everyday. You will understand then.

A mild cam, tuning, longtube headers will get you there. With a cam only swap in my GTO(mild Cartek grind) I am at 352 RWHP with no other changes and no loss in torque. A cam install w/tuning is in the 1900 dollar range, sometimes cheaper and special. Add in about 1300 or so for the longtubes with installation. Doing your own labor saves a LOT of money. LS series motors are not hard to work on, and the GTO engine compartment provides a lot of room as well.

Originally posted by Sting2114@Mar 2 2005, 12:32 PM
I never understood that term either. I think it's what a bunch of people use to sound smart like Car and Driver...LOL...

I mean, are you trying to say if a car has too much power it'll go flying in to a wall? Let off the gas pedal genius! LOL! Seriously, it never made any sense to me either.
You obviously haven't driven a car around with a big, lopey cam in it. Engine shake transmitted through the passenger compartment, obnoxious exhaust fumes since you will most likely have to eliminate the cats, plus the 1000-1600 RPM idle. Could you drive it everyday? Probably, but the big cam will also cause your car to eat gas and wear engine components(especially valvesprings) like crazy. What is drivable to some is like a nightmare to others, so if you enjoy all the aforementioned "quirks", then it's drivable to you.

so a supercharger would be your best bet then right?

Originally posted by Zero4@Mar 3 2005, 09:51 AM
so a supercharger would be you best bet then right?
Superchhargers are a great way to make power...but they are past the $5000 mark - and then you have to have it installed. So it depends on the $$ amount you want to spend.

About how much would it be to have a supercharger installed?

and I think they all come with programers, are they easy to use?

You are looking at $5k installed for a s/c at a minimum. Cam swap(including parts, labor and tuning) for $1900 or so looks pretty good, doesn't it? With the mild cam and tuning, I picked up over 40 RWHP and the car is tame enough for my girlfriend to drive daily if she wanted to. I will have some track times for my mild cam car soon, just have to wait for the snow to melt off the track. Another alternative for you is an STS turbo system, priced somewhere between a cam swap and s/c.

5000+ for the s/c kit

and then another 5000 to get it installed?? :blink:

Originally posted by Zero4@Mar 5 2005, 10:25 AM
5000+ for the s/c kit

and then another 5000 to get it installed?? :blink:
No way, depending on who you go to, a SC install shouldnt cost more than 1500.

You could always do it yourself if your feeling ballsy.

well thats good to know

I always hear that a SC is the best bang for the buck -- but I have to wonder sometimes....

I mean a Cam/Heads/Headers/Exhaust/intake tune and you are dag-gone near 5xx horsies! and still only around 5K installed..

Do not get me wrong I love Forced Induction! but bang for the buck I bet is more equal than most like to state.

well I know the SLP power pac will put you up to 421hp for like 3000

I think a head cam kit will give you like 50hp not sure,also not sure on the cost

then you could get an intake for like 200 or so, that will give you like 10 to 15hp

not sure how much to install it all



and on the down side I think it would take longer to install. I also think there is more of a risk when you change the heads and cam

also you will have to replace all the bolts and gaskets

Most kits come with the bolts and gaskets...also once you are down that far it is not that much install---- take off the headers to get to the heads...etc....Yes it is more but cost is about the same as a SC.

The below may be an alternative but....I see you are in a cold state with snow and I am not too sure how this system will act in the snow -- or rain for that matter.

Pontiac GTO - $4495 MSRP

STS™ Turbocharger Systems are designed so that they can be installed with average mechanical ability and without the need for specialty tools. Most systems can be installed in 4-6 hours by first time installers.

Our installation manual contains full color photos with step-by-step instructions which are clear and easy to follow. No cutting or modifying of the vehicle is necessary to install our system. All components mount to existing factory mounts and hardware. The system can also be removed in about an hour and virtually leaves no trace that it was ever installed.

STS Turbo Systems utilize top quality Garrett turbochargers and TiAL wastegates to give you years of trouble free driving and consistent performance. All tubing is coated with industry leading HPC coating. Turbocharger systems carry a full 12 month warranty against defects in materials and/or workmanship. With names like STS, Garrett, and TiAL behind you, you can rest assured that you are getting a quality product that you can depend on and performance that you can enjoy every time you drive!

*All systems are for off-road use only in California (CARB exemption is pending). The STS™ Turbo System is installed after the catalytic converter, so for most states your vehicle will pass emissions. Check with your state emissions for specific regulations.

I GOT IT, this is what I will do

I will get the slp power pac, head cam kit, and add the s/c

that should put at like 650+ hp right

Oh yea :woot:

The question of driveability comes up again. If you just did the supercharger doesn't that give you the greatest gains without affecting the ability to drive in harsh conditions?

Originally posted by pmajon@Mar 5 2005, 10:45 PM
The question of driveability comes up again. If you just did the supercharger doesn't that give you the greatest gains without affecting the ability to drive in harsh conditions?
Correct.

OK...all of these engine-mods and prices sound good...BUT, when do we need to start looking at the tolerance of a stock GTO drivetrain and suspension with an engine producing 100+ more HP than engineered?

Hate to be such a pessimist but I've herd of the IRS busting at dragraces and such with highly upgraded horsepower.

I think it would depend on the use of your car

take it to the track every week it would probable tare some stuff up

I think it would also depend on the type of tires you use