Okay, so...advice time. This spring is likely the last time I will spend significant money on performance mods for the Monte until I graduate from college and start to settle into a more steady life and cash flow. Here's my dilemma. I won't be able to afford everything that I want.

The wish list:
ER Rockers (+rocker install kit)
ZZP Powerlog
HV3 Insert
ZZP PCM 1.0

I really want to get the tune (will be necessary to pass inspection due to CEL) and the ER rockers, but I'm expecting to have to cut out either the powerlog or the HV3. So that's the question - what do I cut out?

Things to consider:
-If I add one later, after I get the ZZP tune, will I be required to retune?
-Does one affect HP/efficiency significantly more than the other?

Other things to consider:
-So far, I'm leaning towards dropping the HV3 and getting the powerlog instead. I don't have an educated reason why...that's just what my gut says.
-Already have a CAI and downpipe upgrade (that's when the CEL came on, I'm supposing due to the hi-flow cat)

TL;DR? - What's better to get alongside a tune: powerlog or HV3?

Any advice, etc. would be much appreciated.


UPDATE: I asked Chibi for advice on this same problem via PM, and he suggests doing the HV3 now, and waiting to do the powerlog later. Rationale being that the HV3 tends to work better with the rockers. Does anyone agree/disagree? I'd like to get multiple opinions considering this is a $200 decision for me.

 

Also it would be better to have a tune for the HV3 and Rockers, the Powerlog doesn't need a tune

 

Aha - that's important to know and will likely be a reason to seal the deal. Thanks.

 

But then you have to add in a new UIM gasket to the cost

 

According to the ZZP link (below), the UIM gasket is included in the purchase.


ZZPerformance - HV3 High Velocity Intake Insert #ZZ-HV3NST

 

Ahh forgot about that then

 

So many mods, so many different formulas. It might be best to sort out what does and does not need a tune. A tune would be best at the end of a good mod plan (pay for it once and be done).

If it helps, here's a link to a page about my Monte, it uses similiar mods to Chibi's car (minor differences):
2004 Chevy Monte Carlo SS

 

I say sell the down pipe and don't buy a plog and get headers instead. Headers come with a new down pipe and replace both manifolds instead of just the front one. Get the rockers, and hv3. See if you can find a local member that can tune your car for you instead of buying one from zzp. Canned tunes are ok but it won't be perfect do to every car acts a little different to the mods.

 

I'd love to have a local member do the tune instead, but I don't know who tunes around eastern PA/Philly. I suppose I'll ask around.

As for the headers, they are of interest to me, but I was going to wait until a little further down the road. They tend to be a bit on the expensive side, and it would be tough, even if I sold my downpipe, to get those, plus the rockers, plus the HV3, plus the tune (provided there were no local members to do it). I appreciate the suggestion! It's certainly something to keep in mind. Thanks!

 

I'm going to be getting into tuning next year. I just don't know when I will feel comfortable enough to actually tune someone else's vehicle.

Since I'm putting the CSC on the Monte, I'm going to want to dive into my own tuning as i don't want just an off-the-shelf tune. So I'm definitely going to be dropping the $650 into HPTuners pro...