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Headers in 2020

I mean full disclosure my car is already not road legal in the eyes of the state. Good thing I have friends in the smog business [emoji6]. Yes taking the risk of keeping it this way ain't smart but I'm more willing to spend the extra on the turbo kit just because of the more HP for my bucks. Definitely a bonus that it's supposed to be an easier install vs the top swap.

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Jonnyboy said:
I mean full disclosure my car is already not road legal in the eyes of the state. Good thing I have friends in the smog business [emoji6]. Yes taking the risk of keeping it this way ain't smart but I'm more willing to spend the extra on the turbo kit just because of the more HP for my bucks. Definitely a bonus that it's supposed to be an easier install vs the top swap.

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I would budget 2600 for the turbo kit (new) 250 for injectors, 100 for a fuel pump (might as well IMO, its safer ) 100 bucks for some ebay tubing to connect an Intercooler (sourced from a JY audi/volvo or similar) and then you need a tuning solution.
(lets ignore the trans for now) That gets you off to a very solid start IMO. others with more knowledge may throw more at you, but a ~3k budget (less tuning) should work.
 
So now with the goal being a turbo (stattama kit), I was looking around to see if I could find a used one and in the midst of that I found this engine. My current L26 has 220,000, but definitely don't have any complaints on it personally. It's been reliable af but for the price and mileage, especially when going for turbo maybe it would be the smartest choice to buy this modded engine. Is it worth the risk or is my current engine worthy to be upgraded. Engine cost is sitting around 1000$. I will have to find a shop to swap it too but I'm willing to pay for the professional install honestly. Would appreciate the input.
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looks like a good deal depending on price and location. in my opinion, you should purchase an HP Tuner. you can do some tuning yourself once you get a good base tune set up. you can also get the base tune from someone remotely, then make adjustments based off scans taken from the vehicle.

On a side note, it's great to see someone bucking the communist regime of california. keep us posted on your build, will be nice to see your progress.
 
Picking it up Thursday for 900$, an hour and 30 minutes away from me. It's only missing the valve covers so I feel like it's a good deal.

Yea man it's insane just headers will make your car illegal. Main reason I just focused on the appearance and general maintenance but reading all the threads on everybody else's builds really hyped me up. Hoping to reach 500 WHP without E85. Will definitely keep y'all updated.

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So my old engine is out but I was mistaken to think my L26 valve covers would fit the L32. Looked it up and find out that only sc with sc and NA with NA for the valve covers. Same goes for the fuel rails and I wanted to buy the modified rails from zzp but they are out of stock. Had hope maybe autozone would have either or but nope. I feel like I will just have to bite the bullet and buy these.
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I'm planning on getting a turbo so I'm not buying any headers anymore since I'll just use the stainless power logs. Finally got the new engine in but I was wrong to think the hard part was over. Was able to drive it a little but trying to pass 3000rpm is a big no. Going to tune it tomorrow before I ruin a good thing. Don't have an aeroforce scanner sadly but i know it's misfiring no doubt. Doing some reading on what might be the cause of such a problem, maf, icm, coils, plugs etc. Just wanted to get an idea on what to expect going down the road now. Not the prettiest but I love it.
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First will be the diagnostic to see if it's anything mechanical before actually just tuning. I know it would not be smart to just tune around an actual mechanical issue then fix it and have to retune. Also found that I need axel seals, transmission fluid filter kit to try and stop some trans leaking.

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Jonnyboy said:
The dragging would definitely be a problem for me since my car is dropped with coilovers. Willing to lift it tho. So if these are bad and so are the SLP is my only choice to try and dig for zzp headers. Yes it's a N/A engine so I understand it won't big a huge HP gain right now. But it should still help the engine and definitely would be open to do a top swap in the future. I mean I've been saving up to keep putting money into this car. Got bc racing coilovers, replaced old exhaust pipe , got high flow cat with flowmaster exhaust new rims and tires, front and rear strut bars, new aftermarket headlights and taillights, CAI, just trying to go down the list. Thought headers would be a next great step.
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Look at the modifications in my sig if you want to stay NA and still pass smog.

Jonnyboy said:
So no headers for now just going with the zzp power log and zzp downpipe. There was also a rear power log and I'm guessing I'ma need to buy that one too ofcourse. Also want to improve the handling so buying sway bars as well.
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I have the front plog as long as other modifications for an NA and the car is much more spirited than its stock form. My brother had the plog when he was top swapped. Headers are not carb legal in California other than I believe the TOG's.

Jonnyboy said:
Going down the rabbit hole for the top swap and all those threads, as an N/A guy in California. Honestly it's looking like many straight up recommend the turbo route over top swap. After the turbo though then comes the fact that a 4k-5k transmission is inevitable. The Z3 turbo is looking like my new goal, and learning some tuning basics. Rollercoaster ride tbh lol.

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I am in California in the same location as you and a turbo is not legal. You would want to go the top swap route. You can find the newer style w-bodies at the salvage yard for parts. Check them out as you can on occasion find a supercharged engine. This is what my brother did when he top swapped his 03 that passes smog. It was nice to drive before he sold it. I thought about it but never did and probably won't. Mine is just a daily driver these days.

Here is the link to look at the local salvage yards Salvage Yards Near You | LKQ Pick Your Part
 


The Guz said:
Look at the modifications in my sig if you want to stay NA and still pass smog.



I have the front plog as long as other modifications for an NA and the car is much more spirited than its stock form. My brother had the plog when he was top swapped. Headers are not carb legal in California other than I believe the TOG's.



I am in California in the same location as you and a turbo is not legal. You would want to go the top swap route. You can find the newer style w-bodies at the salvage yard for parts. Check them out as you can on occasion find a supercharged engine. This is what my brother did when he top swapped his 03 that passes smog. It was nice to drive before he sold it. I thought about it but never did and probably won't. Mine is just a daily driver these days.

Here is the link to look at the local salvage yards Salvage Yards Near You | LKQ Pick Your Part
Click to expand...


There is an 04 with the supercharger at santa fe springs

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix | LKQ Pick Your Part - Santa Fe Springs
 
Oh yea I stay in those junkyards and was able to get the valve covers and fuel rail from a supercharged grand prix there but I am trying to go the full turbo route. Plus the cam and no catalytic converter already messed passing smog. California is no fun when it comes to modding cars. Just gonna have to suck it up lol. Thanks tho man appreciate the info.

Did finally get the tune on my car and it's running like a champ now. Gonna save up some more and buy the turbo kit November.

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Mini update, bought my turbo kit on Zzp black friday sale [emoji51] but they are still putting the parts together which gives me time to get some more supporting mods. Specifically trying to focus on the transmission now. Thinking trans go kit and cooler for now. Down the line (when it gives out on me) get a TEP trans.
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