So I want to build the engine up.

 

all depends on your budget on both accounts

 

Yes, totally depends on your budget.

The extremely tough goal to reach NA is the 300whp mark and it will end up costing about the same price as a turbo kit and a small engine build to get there.

A built short block with a twin turbo kit will allow you to run 500-600whp for around $12-18k depending on if you do your own work or not and how many supporting power mods you choose to run. Or, you can run in the 400whp area on the stock motor for $7k or so. The stock motor isn't bulletproof even at low boost levels, but with the proper precautions and tune it could very well last in the long run (there are quite a number of people with 20k+ miles on the stock motor).

In my somewhat biased opinion, there is no comparison to FI on this car, especially on a built motor. You will get more power for less money, so there really is no question in my mind.

 

well we are lookign at a budget of 30k over next 3 yrs and thats body kit paint interior the works was looking at a fully built motor just not sure if we want turbo'd or na

 

The only reason I am voting for staying NA is because if you build the motor and go with any FI-its gonna be too fast for him when he gets the car. Now trust me Im all about letting the kid drive a quick car but I think NA would be a smarter choice for his health-and it would be awesome and unique because not many have done that. If you did high comp pistons, rods, along with serious headowrk-such as +1mm valves, P&P with a nice valve job and some agressive cams, you could reach 300whp. 300whp very well driven could run mid 12's down the 1/4 all day long, and trap around 110mph, if not slightly more. Thats WAY faster than a stock Z, and faster than many FI cars with the reliability of NA. Anyways thats my

 

You could save a ton of money and go with nitrous. Use the rest of the money for some really expensive wheels, tires, body kit, interior work and a new camillion paint job. I love those paint jobs!

 

from a purely personal standpoint, and from the mouth of someone who was given a fast car when I first started driving, I'd vote for leaving the car stock for now and spend the money getting your son accustomed to driving quickly, and safely (karting would be a great foray into this). But that's a seperate discussion altogether

 

hmmm nvm

 

nvm

 

So are you building this car to specifically run it on a road course?

 

as has been mentioned, it really all depends what you guys are looking for. That is the one thing you have not addressed. A 600 whp Z is a great thing, but it's not going to be an animal at the road coarse unless its very well sorted with lots of times spent tuning the suspension, and with an extremely good driver.

So, it really comes down to you. Define the goals for yourself, your uses for the car, and how much maintenance you are willing to live with, and that will serve as a good starting point to decide on a direction.

 

+1 I was thinking the same thing.

 

+11....Cosworth has some nice heads and internals for N/A.

 

If you decide to keep it stock though, you can always go the bling route. Polish, powdercoat, carbon fiber everything under the hood. You'll spend enough doing that to keep yourselves busy for a while and the finished product will be beautiful.

 

if it's over the next three years, wait a bit, buy a longblock 07 motor and build that up NA, should be ****ing sweet...

 

nvm

 

400 + HP for a new driver is alot. If he's done the driving you mentioned above, I'm sure he can drive... but I will be the first to tell you that being an excellent driver doesn't mean much if you're driving quickly/have too mcuh power for street driving, and someone else on the road decides to do something foolish. The more power the more dangerous.
If simple power is the goal than FI is the way to go, if you're looking for a well-tuned machine I would stay away from too much boost. A good track car will have a linear power curve as to be capable of planting the power out of corners, with too much power you'll end up with a handful...

It's pretty cool that you share that experience/time with your son. My dad and I are in the middle of a ground up on a 61 vette, and it's some of the best time we've be able to spend together. Good luck with whatever you decide, and post some pics as you work through.

 

nvm

 

It sounds like you're looking for the normal high powered street/show car with maybe the occasional track run.

I would suggest an APS TT tuner kit, UTEC EMS, CJM Fuel return system, and at least 550cc injectors. This, with a built shortblock, will get you in the 500-600whp range. You will also need a clutch (JWT is good to about 550ft/lbs but no higher), and an exhaust (I'd recommend the APS true dual 3").

This won't be a cheap setup if you want a built motor, and would probably run you 15-20k. In the end, you'll be making a good amount of power safely and efficiently.