So I have about $1,500 to throw at the car. Im basically looking for input at the most bang for my buck! the car is a 91 350 TPI

HERES WHAT I WAS THINKING: Set of Vortecs, Comp cam Kit, Msd Ignition Box, and Some SLP runners(Cheap pair local already Siamesed), Flowmaster exhaust

Currently the vehicle already has SLP Headers and an exhaust that im not to fond of.

I just recently Picked up this 91 GTA and im looking to get a Pretty quick Daily out of it. any input as to what YOU would do is greatly appreciated? Am I on the right track? anything you would change or anything ive left out? Realistically what numbers would I be looking at? Input is Greatly appreciated!!!! Thanks Guys! Trae

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-board/

 

start with exhaust, then headers,do all the free mods, AFPR and get your chip tuned(highly recommended). On the other stuff: Vortec heads require the $400+ lower manifold base to work with tpi, runners wont help much at the point you are at and without the heads.http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...all/index.html check out that article

 

We don't know if you have done anything to the suspension yet any sub frame connectors or wonder bar?

 

u dont need an msd box either

 

Realistically, u r looking at 305+ hp with exhaust,headers, vortec heads,lower intake manifold base, slightly larger cam (to work with the ecm) Still going to need a custom tune(chip)

 

that will put u in the 13's, u will touch the 12's with a 2500 stall and sticky tires

 

Grrr wasnt aware I needed a dif intake although with said manifold the SLP runners exhaust and vortecs would the gain be worth it? Also on the suspension....negative nothing as of yet...tires are Michelin pilot sport a s pluses...traction is not an issue..why no msd box?

 

why would u need an msd box? factory coil and electronic ignition are more than enough. I wouldnt bother with suspension yet either. Start with exhaust. Nice catback ,2.5 inch. Then headers. Then i would get a custom chip burned. Runners, at the point u are at will shift your powerband up and u wont have the same low end torque around town.

 

You don't need the ignition box. The lower intake base you need to use with the vortecs and TPI is pretty expensive, especially considering that the gains you'd expect from the vortecs will be choked by TPI.

I vote for subframe connectors and good shocks/struts along with better exhaust (you already have headers?).

 

I second this vote. Power is worthless if it can't transfer properly.

 

i vote for a chip tune. You wanna be nice and zippy around town,like driving a 5 speed turbo car,but then when you go WOT want it to richen up and feel strong. From what i hear our cars run too rich at part throttle and too lean at WOT. U want the opposite.Wait til u do exhaust first

 

Yes it came with SLP headers not sure what exhaust but IMO it doesn't sound to good. the struts have been changed up front I gave the front end a once over there Monroe's I do want to put the eibach lowering springs on it, but What would subframe connectors do? The vortecs would still be restricted with the lower intake and SLP runner?

 

yes they will be resrticted a little,but you will be faster overall compared to before,of course. You need the lower intake manifold primarily because the stock tpi lower manifold will not line up to the vortec style heads. That vortec base doesnt flow all that much better than the stock one tho. Basically i would do runners last. If you have the cash start at the bottom and work your way up. With the vortec base then runners are fine.

 

so would it be better to keep the stock heads and have them ported and all that jazz(new rockers, springs etc...)? seeing as the vortecs dont flow that much better ? and if i do so i know theres not much meat to the stock tpi runners so I do want to throw those slps on there..or does it just open more possibilities to go with the base, vortecs,runners...

 

no. the vortec heads flow much better than stock,its the vortec manifold that i was referring to.

 

hmm I guess Exhaust,chip and suspension it is. I have a shop in mind thats local for the exhaust. I was thinking Flowmaster. and would this shope be able to weld in the subframe connectors? Ill throw in the wonderbar and strut tower brace. but will I need an alignment after?

 

This is a great thread, has alot of useful info. Simple things, and theres some things that are even free to do:

https://www.thirdgen.org/tpimod1

 

i doubt after exhaust and chip ,you'll be at the level where u need sub frame connectors

 

to make a 383 stroker: take out stock crank and install a 400 crank( 250bucks) add a decent cam n lifter kit( 300bucks), upgrade your intake mani to your liking, posi (450bucks) 3.73 gears if its automatic or 4.11 gears if its 5spd (170bucks)...thats wut i would do, oh and uh upgrade ur injectors and maybe FPR and fuel pump

 

yeah sub frame connectors will keep ur frame from twisting on take offs. bent frames = junkyard car. you dont want that

 

Yeah I read that article. But I thought with a 383 I had to also go with a bigger bore not just a bigger crank? If these mods won't require subframes at about what range would I need them?

 

if u need drag bars to stop ur ride from flippin up...then i would invest in some sub frame connectors. or if u get a blower or super charger or NOS.

 

You will need to get the block bored out .030 for a 383, as well as the rest of the machinework to ensure it's all prepped right, and balanced.

 

I would start with a trans rebuild and a great TQ converter.
Its above your budget but its the best place to start.

 

The sub frame connectors are going to help no matter what your power levels. The difference in stiffness is noticeable over bumps, corners, driveways, etc. along with getting rid of most of the creaks and groans that your stereo probably drowns out.

 

I thought shocks have to do with that

 

It's a package deal. Everything works together. SFCs reduce chassis flex and allow the suspension to work as it should. A search on SFCs will turn up a plethora of information and personal testimonies.

 

When ever i hit a even a small manhole cover in the road it feels like i have just gone off a curb! LOL

 

sounds like you need some time and money invested into your suspension. front/rear shocks n springs...maybe a steering rebuild kit from Hotchkis and some boots n bushings. just a suggestion though.

 

Ahhhh! Gotcha I was wondering why the GTA creaked. My 92 didn't used to make a peep. Granted the ws6 suspension is a leap skip and a hop more sound. Rides and Handles better than most new cars I've been in. But everything I've read has kinda pushed me to go with the subframe connectors wonder bar and strut bar. Also got the exhaust priced out today at a local shop.