Yes, headers are a big help with the Vortech, and worth doing.

 

I think if your going to the smaller pulley , headers , no cats , and a good 2 1/4 dual exhaust . It is about the best option for a Vortech . The little trq. lose down low will be very small as compared to the gains in the middle and upper rpms . You'll never feel the difference any way .

 

how much rwhp did you end up getting after installing your header & exhaust?
what brand of header & exhaust did u install?

 

hmmm... i want vortech

 

Me too.

 

what an a$$hole hex. hahah

 

After owning, installing, and driving all forms of FI for these cars, I (personally) would not put the Vortech in the top half of choices for FI'ing a VQ.

 

and so..............what would you suggest?

 

I predict that Scott will recommend going with a JWT TT kit. He isn't too high on the Vortech kit. Bottom line is it depends on what your budget and hp goals are. That will ultimately determine what you can and can't do.

 

Exactly. Though "Bang for the buck" is tough to beat for the Vortech mainly because anyone with moderate skill could do the install at home and then take it to be tuned. A TT kit is in a whole 'nuther league for cost and reliability enhancement.

I personally would prefer the Stillen Stage 4 (90% of the time below 5K RPM) but I cant stand the hood.

 

How come? Do you base your opinion on power output? Reliability? Ease of install? Longevity? I am interesting in going FI, but want my primary focus to be on reliability and longevity of my engine and setup, so I don't want to go too crazy on the boost. What do you suggest?

 

The top half of his list would be all turbo kits . If you want a SC..Vortech is your best bet IMPO

 

After being a part of more than 200 FI installs on these cars (Z's and G's), with all types of kits/systems. I would have to say that I have seen my share of the pro's and con's of each FI kit. Some have more negative points than others, and vise versa.

First off for whatever reason, I have seen more blown motors here lately come from SC's and ST's than TT systems, you get a much more usable power curve with TT kits than you do with any other kit (other than the Stillen SC).
As for SC's the ATI Pro Charger and the Vortech do offer a bit higher HP numbers, but the Stillen SC offers a much better power curve and has a nice linear feel to it (usable power), but these centrifigal type SC are more mod friendly.
The Stillen is power limited. The Vortech and Pro Charger seem to have a lot of noise issues and the power doesn't seem to realy take effect untill like 4000+ RPM. (less "usable" power).
Now the single turbo kits I have dealt with (when tuned right) offer good torque but not the best linear power curve. With a ST kit it seems that you have a lot of lag (not as much as the Vortech and Pro C.), and then a sudden rush of boost, then back to flat again.
Twin turbo kits are usually the way to go IMO, for better power feel and potiential, more usable linear power, and with as good of a reliability (if not better) than the other forms of FI especially when dealing with the JWT TT kit.

I can't tell you how many times we have removed a single turbo kit or a super charger from a customers car (who thought they would remain happy with) and installed a twin turbo kit. So IMO, why not save a bit more money and skip straight to the TT.

Every FI kit for these cars is different. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, some just have more than others. In the end just call around, do some reasearch and choose the best situation for you and your car.

PM me with any questions.

 

Good info! I've always wanted a SC'd car because of the sound. I had a 3000GT VR-4, and she was a beast! I guess the cost and complexity of a TT setup is a big hurdle for many people. Personally, I'm up in the air for which one to go with...JWT or Vortech. I'd like to do the install myself, so the Vortech would be doable, plus the price is much easier to swallow.

 

If I would have chosen to go with the JWT TT kit, I definitely would have gone with Scott and RA. I just felt that the Vortech was a better fit for me and my situation. But you can't go wrong with the JWT TT kit or Relentless.