Budget Z28

OK....just about everybody on this board enjoys working on their cars, whether to restore them, improve them or just break them (like me.)

A lot of magazines do a little research and write up a lot of articles
doing different buildups.....all using new, aftermarket parts.

They call this budget. Now if they spend $5,000.00 including the car and get a decent amount of power, that's still budget in my estimation, however, they could do better. They could get more for less.

So I was thinking about some of the deals that I've patiently found and was totalling them up...and here's what I've got.

Now I wasted a lot of money on ideas I got from reading some of these articles and a lot of money just learning. If I cut out those mistakes, here's what I've got.

1984 Z28...purchased in December of 2000 for $1500.00
It was stock, and need some valve seals....but it was fully loaded
L69, power mirrors, doorlocks, windows, ac, premier sound package, electric seat, 4 wheel disc brakes, T-tops...the works you know.
Removed all emissions stuff....purchased a used dist. off of ebay. $45.00

Used Holley 650 $41.00
Rebuild kit & misc.
Parts $60.00
Used Weiand Intake $70.00
K&N Filter $50.00
Used Jacob's ProStreet Igntion $200.00
New Coil $60.00
New Ignition Module (accel) $30.00
Roller Tip Rockers $100.00
Comp Cams XE262 and misc.Parts (springs included) $300.00
New Plug wires $45.00
Now I haven't done this yet, but I'm gonna have some work done to the stock
heads…. Figure a max of $600.00 Total
I've not done the exhaust yet either, but I'll do this all myself….dual exhaust 2 1/2" with long tube hedman headers. (I've already got all of it set up) $300.00

Grand Total (Including Car) $3,401.00

Now what do I get for all of this?

Well I should end up being in the 13 second bracket and be quicker than most LS1's according to people with similar setups.


I've spent some money on other things not related to performance, so I didn't list those. But still, this isn't a bad start is it?

 

hey man if that works u tell me cuz i got the same setup as u..........84 HO L69

good luck.....

 

I think that sounds real good to me. Chevy High performance just did an article on building a 3rd gen camaro (My generation they called it.)I don't remember what they spent exactly, but i want to say it was like 5 grand including the car. There car was a newer 3rd gen camaro, with a 305. Their parts list was about right, but i think one would be hard pressed to buy a camaro like they did for as cheap as they did. Sorry if i've been rambling
-aaron

 

Let's see what you guys think of this:

1984 Trans Am w/305, 3.23 posi, 700R4, not running: $250

Paint and Bondo: $500

1971 350/270 horse: Free

XE262 cam and lifters: $160

Used Holley Street Dominator manifold: $75

Hedman Shorties and Y-pipe: $210

Hooker Cat back: $250

Catalytic converter "test pipe " : $10

Not currently in possesion but planning:

Shift Improver kit : $30

Torque converter: $260

Total comes to $1445 for what I have now. $1745 for future mods. Ill bet it will run in the 13's like that. For under $2000. Lets, see just enough money for better heads, and I can probably hit 12's for under 3 grand.

 

Matt W,

It's working so far. I've not been to the track yet. I have done everything listed except for the exhaust and head work.

And I can tell you that it is pretty darn quick. The exhaust and head work will end up being what produces the most horsepower, but are also the most expensive. That's why I've waited to do those.

I've done a few other things. I've added a Stewart Water Pump, an additional cooling fan (might add another). So those could be listed under performance upgrades b/c they help me keep cool on the street.

But yeah, go for it. If you need help, email me.

gruveb@hotmail.com

I'm not any sort of expert, but I do learn from my mistakes and can tell you what NOT to do!