Best way to increase my Firebird's Horsepower?

Question

I have a 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans am , all stock V8, no modifications added yet. I have a bit of cash on hand and I want to start adding some serious power to it. I have heard about changing intake, computer chip, exhaust etc...What do you guys recommend?

Answer 1

Let's start with the simple and cheap stuff first.

!. "free ram-air mod" (aprox 10 HP)

http://installuniversity.com/install_uni...

2. High-Flow aftermarket air filter such as a K&N or Blackwing (good for another 3-5 HP) but it usually works best with aftermarket airbox lid like the one sold by SLP:

http://www.slponline.com/view_product.as...

With the ram air mod this should be good 20HP

3. If you want to spend more money you can get a kit from SLP instead:

Cold-Air Package, 1998-99 V8 Camaro/Firebird "FlowPac"

http://www.slponline.com/view_product.as...

3(a). But then you'll need something to block out water when it rains:

http://fasttoys.net/shop/product_info.ph...

4.160 degree thermostat

If you've done the above steps you should already be in 12-second territory at the strip.

5. Swap the stock crank pulley for an aftermarket underdrive pulley. should be good for 6-10HP or about 1/10 of a second at the track.

6. Aftermarket exhaust. 15-20HP

7.(a) Do you have a six-speed? Then drop you a set of 4.10 gears in.

7.(b) Do you have an automatic? Hold off on gear swap get a mild 2800-3200rpm torque converter.

Now you should be in the mid 12 seconds at the track.

8. Headers are next and should be good for 5-25 HP depending on type. Long tube will get the greatest gains but hurt your bottom end peformance.

9. LS6 intake manifold or an aftermarket manifold. About 5 HP.

10. Programmer such as the DiabloSport Predator, or Hypertech Power Programmer among others.

11. If you still want more power you'll probably need a power adder:

a. Turbo

b. Supercharger

c. Nitrous

or you'll need to go inside the engine for a head and cam swap.

By this time you'l be knocking on the door or busting it down for 11-second 1/4 mile times.

If you want to make the car handle better try this Forum for information:

http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?s...

Answer 2

for the money you will spend building it from scratch, you should look into a gm zz4 or a larger motor that is already done... bolt it and go !! you'll still have t rans issues and rear gear needs but, its a start and its far easier to get a pre-built hotrod motor than it is to build one.. especially if its your first one.!. the LS1,LS2,LS6 are available motors and relatively cheap.. you will have to change the computer or get an aftermarket one to manage them but again---not a bad set up for under 4000.00!!   i've got tons in my motor and it runs great but, there are some pretty hard running ,fairly stock l.s. motors out there that slap my car flat to the ground...! it help to have the well working fuel managment systems and the computer controlled goodies that i dont have.. it does make a huge difference in the performance .  look at the z06 corvette and big bad mustangs... to build a car that quick and still have it streetable is unheard of .. . unless you have reallllllly good friends willing to give up some of  their secrets and a butt load of money to throw at it.. can't beat the price for these motors..and they are ready to go.. no guessing, no surprises. and it will get you into the sport for a fair price.. then do it yourself with all the trick and expensive parts..  have fun.. welcome to racing and hotrods !!

Answer 3

Bore it out ...  have it done professionally.  

My 455 went to a 478

Good Luck

H.O.T. Dog

Handler Owner Trainer of GSD's

Member U.S.A. & A.W.D.F.

http://360.yahoo.com/sewwoodyou

Answer 4

Buy an aftermarket turbo-charger from McCoulagh...google Shelby for exact spell...

Answer 5

computer chip is probally the easiest way to gte more bang out of it, with out drastic parts changes.

Answer 6

your car has an LS-1 in it. this motor responds very well to simple bolt-ons. A cat-back SLP loudmouth exhaust is a nice hp adder but if your looking for cheap for now go with a SLP cold air intake. (SLP is your best bet for the trans am/camaros)

Answer 7

Rather than this site, I would log onto "Cartalk.com"