Next mod...

I'm contemplating a few different things to do for mods.

I'll create a poll. I've weighed out some of the costs/benefits but i'd like some additional input.

But here are my ideas so far.

1- Stage 1 TB-
Pros: relatively low cost , easy installation ZZP claims .2 in the 1/4 and 2mph traps , respected member on regalgs.org had similar results , so i don't doubt the claim so much. And probably more blower whine. Looks stock.
Cons: not a huge gain in power , sort of overpriced for what it is.

2- Borla exhaust
Pros , a little more top end , might allow me to pulley down , a little more noise , not labor intensive ( i'd have a shop do it)

Cons: Again not a huge gain in power , would sacrifice some of the quit that i like about the Riv ( most of the time i like it) our engines don't sound that good , negates sleeper effect.

3: Modded 1.9 rockers
Pros: Significant gain in top end , may allow for smaller pulley too, no need to change valve springs.

Cons: Installation ( rear rocker access) potential for valvetrain damage if not installed properly

4: SSAutochrome headers
Pros: cheap headers , make room for future mods , looks cool in engine bay , and cool to say i have headers.

Cons: headers often leak , makes car louder , would it be necessary for my planned mods? would it yield as much of a gain as rockers since i already have a plog/downpipe?

5: Intercooler ( probably SSIC)
Pros; No knock! , allows for small pulley ( more blower whine!) significant gains , it looks cool to see a heat exchanger under a car.

Cons: Potentail for coolant leaks , high difficulty of install ( customizing/modifying , not sealing properly , etc.) Most expensive , would also require new injectors ( also more money)

Basically I'd like to eventually crack a 13.9@100 or so by winter .I'd like to avoid headers since i've already got the plog/downpipe , and its not so much that i feel that they're great , but i think they will support my power goals.( eventually i'd like a 13.7 @103 or so) I'm sort of torn with exhaust mods since sometimes i want more exhaust note and other times i'm glad my car is so quiet. , but they are a possibilty. I'm leaning heavily towards rockers at this point , since i really can't have my car out of service long enough for a cam , or intercooler. and i've heard of too many people spinning bearing after a cam install to feel comfortable about having it done on my only car

If you ever do a Gen V swap the Stage I TB will need to be replaced with N*. I don't think the Stage I would really make a big difference anyway.

The stock exhaust is pretty free flowing once you open up the manifolds like you have already done a little with the Plog/DP and . I think the most you would notice is a deeper note.

1.9 rockers are good but you probably need to get headers first.

IC won't do anything really until you start dropping pulley sizes. It is more for controlling knock than anything.

If you plan on modding more I would start with the headers- try to find a used set of SLP's.

If you can scan and you aren't seeing any knock, go down a pulley size.

Just my $.02

rockers (if you know for sure you're never doing a cam) i might suggest trying to go for RR tho

Can i ask what the N* is. And who the manufacturer is ?

If you go with a Gev V the stock TB will not work. You will need to go with a Northstar TB or LS1 TB.

If you check out www.3800Pro.com there are a couple guys selling their ZZP 1.9 rockers for $150-$200 if you want to go that route. SLP makes a nice set of 1.8 roller rockers too (that's what I am running).

Without much detail or experience on any of these, my unbiased opinion is the rockers. Top end gain, doesn't give itself away, and as long as you know what you're doing during installation it should be fine. Will allow for other mods later.

I vote rockers. It's the first thing I did that let me run a 3.4 without KR. I opened up the exhaust later.

I would go with rockers that's what I think I'm gonna do after I install my tuned PCM and buy a set of coated plogs!

Josh,
You dropped pulley to 3.5 before PCM and headers. How did that effect KR?

So interesting results. On regalgs.org they went largely for headers. Here the results went towards rockers. Derek , your choice reassured my theory that i had the exhaust opened up enough to support rockers

AA , do you have any input? I know you've suggested rockers in the past. I don't plan on going too much faster than your times. Maybe like a 13.7 @102 would be enough for me.

If you consider installation to be a "con" for the roller rockers, you will not enjoy installing the headers. Access is fairly difficult. You also have to grind out the slag and might have to re-cut the ends at the cross-over because they may not seal properly.

That being said, since you already have a power log and 3" downpipe, I think you'll see more gains with the rockers than the headers. It would be a good time to change your valve seals while you're in there.

agree with Jason. Headers really don't do a whole lot until you already have rockers or cam. With rockers, I felt a surge in upper rpm power. The torque seems to shift to above 4k rpm, dyno graph confirms it. Headers just seemed to give me more all around, not as noticeable aside from the sound. Rockers definately change the character of the car's accelaration, whereas headers just made the car feel lighter. Hope that makes sense?

Yeah that makes sense. Headers increased throttle response , the rockers increased horsepower but had little to no effect on low end. I think i'm sold on rockers. I was leaning towards them anyway , but i wanted to see what some people who had done both said Thanks to everyone for your input. My car has plenty of throttle response as it is , i just want more top end now.

So i picked up a set of modded 1.9s for 200 bucks!

Haven't got them yet , but i'm not looking forward to installing the back rockers... I'm sure it'll be worth it though.