hey guys, i got a question, for my graduation my parents are going to spend around $4000 on my car, basically anything i want done. So far i have come up with a list of things, this is what i got so far-------
-Install Spohn Lower Control Arms(already have them bought)
-Sub Frame Connectors
-Edelbrock Strut Tower Brace for TBI Engines
-Spohn Panhard Bar
-Spohn Wonder Bar

am i forgetting anything suspension wise? and another question how much do u think all of this will cost total, just parts that is cause i have someone who is a mechanic and wont charge for labor he does it for fun at his house. and if any1 has any other ideas non suspension wise u can list those too. Thanks guys

 

Did you say 4 grand, or am I just seeing things? Well with that money, you could get yourself just about anything you wanted. I'd start off with a LS1 and T56 combo and just drop that in since you have a lowely L03 right now, but that's just me

A couple things you forgot suspesion wise though are:
Torque arm
Better springs (I'd go with Eibach Pro Kit)
Shocks/Struts (I'd go with Bilstein HD's, compliment the Pro Kit REALLY well)
Lower control arm relocation brackets (for added straight line traction on lowered cars)
Plan for new bushings and whatnot (I'd go with polyurethane)
Depending on the condition of your car you might want to look at replacing some of the front suspension components (i.e. idler arms, centerlink, pitman arm, tie rods, etc)
And wheels and tires if you so choose. Suspension is worthless if you don't have decent tires to make use of the aftermarket components IMO. Take a look at the BFG KDW series, those seem to get a lot of praise and are fairly priced.

As far as what you are looking to spend, shop around, do your homework and just use the budget you know you have.
I wish my parents gave me a 4K graduation gift.....I wish my parents even gave me a graduation gift PERIOD.

 

do you really think i could afford the LS1 and T56 with 4 K if so now im definitely thinking about that?

 

check out hawks they have some ls1 engines for sale right now .

 

LS1 + T-56 = around 6k...

 

No. You probaly could after you have a few swaps under your belt and you know the best way of avoiding the nickle and dime death spiral. However, as a first time swapper 4k will not get you everything you need for that type of swap. The suspension stuff you have now only adds up to $600 or so. If you have big plans for your car (I assume you do since all of us do) I would use the $4k to get some of the expensive stuff out of the way. You can always buy LCA's, SFC's and stuff separtely when $100 shows up here and there. They are cheap parts that you can buy over time. Rarely does anyone have $4k to spend all at one time. I would therfor sit down and make a plan for your car. If you have an engine swap in mind it may be a good time to plan that out and start pricing what you want. $3k to 4k$ will net you an LT1 and T56 combo. You could set it aside and upgrade the suspension, fuel system, exhaust as the paychecks roll in over time. I would imagine that you are going to go to school soon. Well let me tell you that having $4k to spend on a motor later on will most likely not happen until after you graduate again. However, odds and end jobs will allow you to purchase a stock pile of parts one by one. See where I am going with this. Buying a motor now will also give you time to sit back and re-search everything you need to do for the swap. You will pick the rest of the cars parts to match your plans.

 

Fugedaboudit! No you can't do that for 4000. An LSX/T56 swap is very complex and expensive.
If you knew how to do everything yourself and had the tools, garage, resources to do the work and got a smokin' deal on engine and tranny, not to mention the odds and ends that add up.......Nope!

However, consider this: If you know little about cars mechanically or performance wise (what works/what don't)....and you want to be faster or handle better you may consider saving the 4g's your folks are giving you and sell your car. Use that to buy a more performance oriented thirdgen. Like an IROC or Z28 with a 5.7 TPI or 5.0 TPI/5speed combo. Or a Formula or GTA with these.
Instantly better handling and power. Better platform to build up later. For 6-8 grand you could get one in good shape that's even been decently modded already. Food for thought anyways.
If you insist on building your car.....research it first. Start reading the archives and old post here. Buy some books about GM TBI and TPI setups and gearing, suspensions, engines (how to make power), etc. My point...don't let the 4g's burn a hole in your pocket. Plan and think things out or you'll waste alot of your time and your folks money for nothing....just a car that's still slow.
This all comes from experience btw!
As for those parts...good starting point. I'd recommend holding off on the STB though. Spohn is rumored to be coming out with them in the near future and it'll probably be better than the edelbrock one. I'd use the TDS wonderbar instead of spohn also. Better design. No offense Steve!

 

I second what this guy said....its like the perfect plan, LOL.

 

Unless you race in SCCA and it's illeagal in your class...Weld in SFC's should be the first thing anybody does to these cars! GM should have included a set in the trunk with these cars.
Good thinking about the SFC's first! Especially before putting in a decent motor.

 

OK, your correct too. He should have enough to do both though. SFC's are definately crucial, and are a very good investment.

 

Im going to agree with shifty also thats what I would do in his situation.

 

LOL, the LSX T56 comment was just sarcasm guys! It would take a bit more than 4k to do the whole swap properly.

I'd also agree with drain on this one though. Take that 4K, sell your car and buy a newer more performance oriented vehicle such as the 90-92 Z28. Some you can find with T56 and other mods already installed for fairly cheap....around 4-6K and then start modding from there so you have a better platform. But just think about building the car, not the money, and do is wisely and you'll be pleased with the results regardless.

 

IMO if you buy a 92z and mod it thats a waste of money cause i would still rpelace most of the z parts. I would take the money and put it toward a motor build up and buy all spohn suspension parts and some good springs and shocks. Besides the motor whats so much better about the z the stock springs and sways? most people replace those anyway and the rearend i guess he would have to get a posi tho which isnt hard to find. The Z would be alot higher on insurance also and that 4 k would be lost quick. So whatever you want to do i guess if you just want a nice lookin stock car that performs decent get the Z.