Performance struts - $250 (for all 4)
Performance sway bars - $175 (for front and rear)
Hood scoop - $549
Window tinting - $150? (unsure of tinting % that is desired)
PCM tuner from Hypertech - $380 Expected HP: 15 Expected Torque: 25
NGK Iridium spark plugs - $60 Expected HP: 3 Expected Torque: 5
MSD Ignition wires - $120 Expected HP: 0-2 Expected Torque: 0-2
MSD Ignition coils - $150 Expected HP: 0-2 Expected Torque: 0-2
Wizair CAI - $240 Expected HP: 10-15 Expected Torque: 7-12
Fuel Filter - $19 Expected HP: 0-1
Thrasher shift kit - $90
304 Stainless steel 2.5 in downpipe with CAT - $245 Expected HP: 5-7 Expected Torque- 5-7
Throttle body spacer - $115 Expected HP: 5-10 Expected Torque: 7-12

Total Cost of Parts: $2,543
Total Expected HP Gain: 40-57
Total Expected Torque Gain: 49-65

This is a list of modifications/improvements I would like to add my N/A 3800 on my 2003 Monte Carlo SS. I'm not a professional mechanic, in fact, no where near. I would like to stick N/A on my vehicle due to premium fuel being required on S/C or T/C applications, not to mention a S/C or T/C alone would cost as much as all these modifications here. My predictions on HP or torque gains may be off, but they are optimistic guesses at best. Please feel free to call out my idiocy or add improvements/suggestions to my article. This will be a long work in progress and will probably take me 1 to 2 years to completely finish. My ambitions are different, in that I will probably never take my car to the drag strip, instead I want it to be the most efficient vehicle it can be, with some of the best quality parts to keep it running a long healthy life, while maintaining a very dynamic handling system, and being quick and nimble enough when I so desire to use the power. I don't expect my car to run with Camaros or Mustangs, but if it can keep up with or smash pretty much any other V6, and maybe a few V8's, I will be quite pleased.

 

 

I wouldn't bother with the;
MSD Ignition coils - $150 Expected HP: 0-2 Expected Torque: 0-2
stock ones are fine
Throttle body spacer - $115 Expected HP: 5-10 Expected Torque: 7-12
not worth the cash
PCM tuner from Hypertech - $380 Expected HP: 15 Expected Torque: 25
Be better off having it custom tuned, or getting an intense or overkill pcm.
If it was me I would change the coils and tb spacer in for the HV3 insert. Actually show some gain with it.
Also check out the GMPP handling kit.
http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...D&ProdID=73141

 

If you did...

CAI
180 thermo
HV3
ER Rockers
Headers (or powerlog + downpipe)
Tune

You will add more HP than that. Also your expected gains of a whopping 15ish WHP would put you at about 185ish?

If you think the above will give you 40-57 HP and you aren't saying the word boost... you are very very sadly mistaken.

 

$2543 OMFG!!. why don't you give that $$$ and let me spend it for what you really need. you said you not looking to take it to the track or make it fast, but be able to run with some V8? well, msd coil pack and wires are just about the same as stock as a matter of fact stock coil pack and wires are better than msd. tb spacer is just a waste of $$ didn't you read a thread awhile ago on the tb spacer? i get intense or overkill pcm over the hypertech. hood scoop are you talking about the stick on scoop or the LS1 camaro style? with that much $$ you going to spend you better be off doing a top swap. my mc is cammed and i'm still using stock coil pack, stall coverter, front and rear sway bars, new oem single chain, and stock struts with ssc lowering springs.

i don't know where you get the hp and tq numbers expect to gain, but i put $$ on it that you won't even come near this numbers.

40-57 hp
49-65 tq

 

I've got quite the list as well... lol

Good luck with yours. Keep us updated on what you decide to do. Make this your project thread.

 

I have to agree with the above posters. With the mods listed you are not going to get the gains you expect. Also with a pcm tune you will need to run premium fuel as well. I have the hypertech power programmer and it requires premium fuel. I would either do an hv3 insert and modded rockers or go with a top swap to super charged.

 

You do NOT want these parts:

They've been proven worse than stock for plenty of folks. You don't need ignition upgrades at your level and wouldn't even if you went to boost until you start making big power.

Here's some constructive criticism:

Cool. Handling is a key part of a balanced, well performing car. I added a GMPP sway bar, strut tower brace, and 17x8 wheels with 235/55/17 Pirellis to my Regal and the difference was very noticeable.

Eh..OK. LOL

I'd spend the extra money on HP Tuners- the options grow exponentially with HP Tuners and you can really "dial in" your stuff. I'm a recent HP Tuners convert- had it for ~1 week and I'm really impressed so far.

You can probably pick up ~10 HP/10 ft/lbs via timing/AFR adjustments with your tuner.

I wouldn't really expect to gain any power, but as part of routine maintenance these will work fine for you.

Do not do!!

On your N/A car I'd expect more like ~5 HP from the Wizaired. Good choice though- I run this on my Regal and love it.

Good routine maintenance item.

Why not? Makes the car more fun.

Great choice, and you won't need to pay $245. They're considerably cheaper from ZZP (www.zzperformance.com). You're looking at an honest 5 HP here.

Totally worthless- do not do.

No way will you be gaining 40+ HP from these parts- more like 15-20, if that. And most of that is going to come from increasing timing with your tuner and running premium gas.

I think your list should really look like this:


Performance struts - $250 (for all 4)
Performance sway bars - $175 (for front and rear)
Hood scoop - $549
Window tinting - $150? (unsure of tinting % that is desired)
HP Tuners - $500 Expected HP: 10
NGK Iridium spark plugs - $60 Expected
Wizair CAI - $240 Expected HP: 5
Fuel Filter - $19 Expected HP: 0-1
Thrasher shift kit - $90
304 Stainless steel 2.5 in downpipe with CAT - $200 Expected HP: 5
1.9 ratio roller rockers from ZZP ($200)- Expected HP: 5
High Velocity Upper Intake Insert from ZZP ($200)- Expected HP: 5 peak, but 20 average


Now you're looking at a real possible 25-30 peak HP gain with a good tune and lots of timing, and huge gains at RPMs where you L36 was falling on it's face before. This would be a much more enjoyable ride.

 

Why are you recommending a tuner and a shift kit?

If you tune the cars shift points and tranny pressure you do not need to buy a shift kit.

 

I didn't recommend it beyond not removing it from his list. Yes, you can modify shift points/line pressure/firmness with your tuner. If that's all your looking for, I suppose the tuner itself is fine.

If you want to help remove weaknesses in the actual mechanical function of the transmission plus firmer/faster shifts a shift kit will do this.

They perform some of the same features via different means; electronically controlling line pressure/shift points vs mechanically altering fluid behaior/forcing faster & cleaner shifts, however, if transmission life and longevity becomes a key issue I'd feel more confident address it mechanically (shift kit).