Ti retainers are not a must for 918's, use them if you go double though.

Longtubes typically make 15 - 25. I have Arizona Speed & Marine, others are Pacesetter, Dynatech, and FLP. Those 4 are the cream of the crop. Go talk to Jason at Texas Speed and Performance. He can set you up with everything you need. At least he is in your half of the state. LOL!!!

 

15-25rwhp sounds good to me?!?! I may do headers first and when I get bored with those, do a cam/springs or maybe forced induction if I decide to build up my tranny too.

Thanks for the recommendations!

 

I've got a simillar truck, but its a 2000 (see sig), and I've got the same exhaust and intake as you. The only other mods besides those that I have are a Yank TT3000 converter and a Hypertech HppIII. I get ragged on all the time for the Hypertech, but my truck runs consistant 14.6x's with a best of 14.57, and I drive it everyday. I also have a set of Escalade wheels with a shorter tire on them (all season radials) which bring my gear up a little...still not to a 3.73 as my truck only has 3.42's. If your truck is a 2wd, I don't see why your's wouldn't run simillar numbers (at sea level) at a good track with the addition of the Yank TT3000 and a programmer or custom tune. Most guys like the custom tune, but I like the programmer and ALL the Torque management I can get. I ain't makin' any power, but I ain't replacing transmissions either...@ 80k miles. (Knocking on wood) Oh, and I forgot to add...TByrne is "talking" about a Yank group purchase in the future, and get a USED Hypertech, and your talking less money than a set of GOOD longtubes. Less than $900 I'd guess for both, if you shop around. You're not likely to duplicate those kinds of gains for $900 anyway you try, I got near a full second out of those two mods!

 

Thanks for the heads-up, Badmofo. Mid 14's is a pretty solid time for a bolt-on truck. Is the Hypertech required when you do a converter? Basically, is there any custom programming required for a converter or is a bolt on and go mod?

 

Id do the longtubes and the nelson tune like i said before. You will make an easy 30+hp for less than 700 bucks.

 

I am more inclined to do the headers first, because I really don't want to crack open the motor quite yet. It only has 17k miles on her.

What is the best brand of headers out there? I know Greggo said Arizona Speed & Marine, Pacesetter, Dynatech, and FLP are good, but which is the BEST in quality and power gain?

 

The consensus is probably Pacesetter now. Many have gone from the ASM to the Pacesetter. I dont want to screw with my exhaust just yet, but when I redo it, I will go to Pacesetters.

 

I like the Dynatech and Pacesetter because you can get a Y-pipe to fit with them. This way you don't have to cut the factory Y or cats. The Dynatech's Y pipe comes with their hi-flow cats and Pacesetters are a Off-road pipe with out cats i think...

 

I've been looking at the Dynatech setup.....nice bolt on headers.

 

On a budget? How much is your budget? My mods are in my sig and I am putting out 321 to the wheels. I got 45 ponies to the wheels with my long tubes and a 216/220 114 LSA cam and a little tuning. I already had a tune, this was just dyno tuning for the cam and headers. Plus I think a few more horses might be had by a little more fine tuning. Trans mods are a definite good mod. A converter 2500-3000 rpm stall is good paired with a shift kit and vette or billet servos. Plus if you are in the trans definitely go ahead and throw in a beefier seperator plate. Electric fans and underdrive pullies are also a decent mod that won't set the wallet back too far. And then a good set of tires.