I'm in the process of configuring my build and would like some opinions on my options. There's an obvious limit to my budget but I'm trying to weigh the cost/value of available upgrades to reach my eventual hp goal of 500-550whp.

I'm trying to decide if going with GTM cams $1165 and GTM Stage 1 heads $1913, stay with the Unichip and then wait for another year to accumulate funds for FCON/fuel system is best way to reach my goal. Or would it be better to get the GTM 0 Stage heads $1067, no cams and put those funds toward getting the FCON and fuel system now. I know this will only cover half the costs of going FCON, but makes it a much smaller pill to swallow.

Will the cams/heads substantially lower the boost required for my eventual hp goal for that much less stress on the motor or will going with the FCON , be the better/safer way to go right now?

 

For those numbers, Id just stick with a solid bottom end build, and get the fuel system/Engine management that you want straight off. Having proper control of fuel timing will be a much safer option than opting for the heads/cams.

I wouldnt bother with the top end mods if your shooting for 500-550, you can easily achieve that with standard cams/heads.

 

Thanks, I just didn't want to regret not getting the cams/heads later because I couldn't be patient.

 

I say to go with the VPro as well. It is the best investment for any hp number. The heads and cams will make power, but are not necessary with your goals.

 

Im not sure what cams if any come with GTM stage 0 heads, but for 600whp on pump gas, more on race gas, a set of JWT S1/C2 cams and valvetrain of your choice would be the best mod to do with no port work. I couldnt justify spending $3000+ on fancy valve jobs and port/polish work for my goals. We all know headwork will yield more power at less boost but many people IMO overspend in this area. I run 580whp on the set-up mentioned above, and no doubt could easily hit 600+whp on race gas. Save the money IMO and just do cams/valvetrain-that is assuming the heads you are using are in good condition.

 

I think you are fine with stock heads and cams. Once we get the torque converter issues resolved and turn up the boost to 14 or 15 psi we should easily do 500-550 on my motor with stock heads and cams.

 

Thanks guys. I understand there are upgrades coming soon to the UTEC. Knowing this, is the UTEC really a viable, safe lower cost option to the FCON? Would it be too much of a compromise from the FCON?

 

UTEC is decent, my "summer" tune is nearly hiccup free with any kind of throttle input, and def WOT. Now that its colder, I turn the FPR up to keep the A/F's in check but part throttle cruising is a little gay with stumbles/hesitations-small trade off for these power levels, you learn to not induce so much throttle at certain RPM ranges. 10X10 resolution for the UTEC vs 30X30 IIRC for the FCON is a big difference. Although, IIRC Sharif/somebody had posted their findings on the UTEC updates after SEMA, sometime this year they were going to up the resolution in the tuning, and a few other trick updates as well. Who really knows other than TXS if they will come through though, Im still waiting for launch control

 

i was jsut thinking about that... id love to hear any news from TXS regarding the utec updates regarding software they were going to use.

 

for your power goals the utec will work great enough

 

After weighing costs/benefits...but mostly costs (lol), I'm going with UTEC. Yes it would be nice to get FCON, but I can't justify the costs and my goal is only 500whp.

 

Are you going with a better fuel system as well?

 

^ Yes, within the next few months comes:

1. UTEC
2. APS extreme Fuel System
3. APS External Wastegate

I would have done 1 and 2 by now, but I'm waiting for that damn EW to get to the states. I just hope the EW doesn't come late... I want to get all my mods and FINAL tune done before the summer.

 

my vote, would be to spend the money on the best engine management and fuel system possible. Everything can fall into place later. I not trade an FCON for heads. As Alberto mentions, maybe just cams and be done with it.

 

DSo the heads and use tune to tune it at lower boost level
that way the whole engine is ready

later on add fuel system and EMS and tune higher boost =]

 

Thanks again for the input guys.

 

You already know what I think Brian, Good luck with the build!

-George
GT Motorsports

 

dude I've seen you a lot, your researching skills are reallly good. Just ask yourself what you really want the car to do.
Im going to try and make 500+ with stock heads and UTEC.

Im sure that whatever you do your car will be sick when its done man!!
We are both doing the same kind of build with similar goals, we can compare dyno graphs when its all said and done, can't wait bro.

 

Thanks man, I've unfortunately had way too much time to research, plan and get quotes. Good luck with your build as well.

 

I hear you George, no more temptation! Your like a crack dealer.