Need Beginning Advice

[Barind]

I'm a college student taking mechanical engineering. I have around 10 grand saved up to spend on my car. I own a 2004 gls alero with the 3400 engine. What parts would I be able to buy to get the best performance increase staying in budget? If there is another post with a list i apologize, could not find it.

[DJx79x]

for performance parts the best two places to go online are www.milzymotorsports.com and www.wot-tech.com

[mfuller]

Probably a mild turbo kit with supporting mods from Milzy Motorsports.

[03Sleepr]

Suspension mods and a turbo setup from mms, then an f40 6; speed if funds allow..

Jump in on the sway bar group buy they are working on.

And welcome! Got an pics?

[xXManwhoreXx]

I'd pay off college

[04PONTIACGA]

I'd pay off college

^^^^^^this!!!!

[WhiteV6]

If you don't have 2 cars, the 2nd car should be your toy and then you won't worry about if the car will get you to class.

[Redog]

I'd pay off college

^^^^^^this!!!!

X3

If you don't have 2 cars, the 2nd car should be your toy and then you won't worry about if the car will get you to class.

Exactly

[AleroB888]

It's Summer vacation, ain't it?

[Barind]

X3



Exactly

I worked a lot through high school, college money is fine haha. That's in a separate account. I'll get some pictures in. This is a side project I'll be working on.

[Barind]

http://www.milzymotorsports.com/grand-am-n-body-4t65e-hd-conversion-kit/

Also what are the opinions on that transmission? Is it that much improvement over the stock?

[sleepyalero]

some people have that, with the upgrades that tranny should do well. along with a good tune. the stock one you can tune as well and make it work pretty good. idk the power you are wanting.

my turbo build i plan on going all out. gonna cost me atleast 20+ grand.

[Nas Escobar]

IF you're upgrading the trans, why not go all out and do 6 speed?? I've always said go big or go home.

[sleepyalero]

6 speed hasnt been tested with boosted applications really other then a 700 hp ls6 i believe fiero. dont see why it couldnt hold the power.

[Barind]

some people have that, with the upgrades that tranny should do well. along with a good tune. the stock one you can tune as well and make it work pretty good. idk the power you are wanting.

my turbo build i plan on going all out. gonna cost me atleast 20+ grand.

What are your recommendations for being close to that? Sorry for all the questions, just entering this world haha. Learning as much as possible.

[sleepyalero]

close to what?

[Barind]

Sorry, i meant like close to your build that you are shooting for.

[sleepyalero]

Sorry, i meant like close to your build that you are shooting for.

well dont really wanna say what all im doing but... race block, forged internals, turbo set up, heads, etc... milzy has a full crate motor build you can do and add whatever you want to it. and it will give you a price at the bottom on his site. check it out.

[Barind]

well dont really wanna say what all im doing but... race block, forged internals, turbo set up, heads, etc... milzy has a full crate motor build you can do and add whatever you want to it. and it will give you a price at the bottom on his site. check it out.

Yeah that's what i said close ;) . Figured you'd not want to do show and tell. I'll take a look on the website. I'm sure as I advance through my classes and practice I'll be able to figure out the best route.

[02AleroGLS]

I have a stupid question. I have the 3400 sfi engine and i keep reading where people are talking about a 3x00 engine! Is there any difference between that engine and my 3400 whats the difference?

[Nas Escobar]

Your engine is a 3x00 engine. The 3x00 engines are considered to be the 3100, 3400, 3500 LX9, 3500 LZ4, and 3900 engines

These engines come from a common ancestor... the 60 degree V6 engine. The newer ones (LX9, LZ4, AND 3900) are considered the "High Value" engines and have variable valve timing among other things that render them "different" than the 60 degree V6 counterparts. Basically, the 60 degree V6 engines built before 2011 are considered "3x00" because their output are 3.x and are marketed as such (3100, 3400, etc)

Hope I helped

[Secord]

If you have 10k why not put it towards an actual performance car? I know I may get flak for this, but surely it is hard to justify putting more into a car than it is worth.

[Barind]

If you have 10k why not put it towards an actual performance car? I know I may get flak for this, but surely it is hard to justify putting more into a car than it is worth.

I've definitely thought about it, but I do love the car. Also I want something to begin on for my own Mod'ing project. I've talked to Mike and this is what I will be working on over time. I'll definitely keep updates going.

Engine
MMS custom crate engine - the works
MMS swap kit for 3100/3400 vehicles minus tb adapter (included above)
V6 wiring harness
alternator, core
power steering pump, resevoir, pulley, core
power steering lines
A/C Compressor, core
A/C lines - used
radiator hoses, heater hoses, clamps - AC Delco
fuel rails, injector harness, fuel lines at rails for 3400 - used
3400 crank pulley - used
3400 crank sensor - 24x
3400 crank sensor - 7x
3400 cam sensor
3400 motor mount brackets, etc
3400 coil packs, ICM, ICM bracket - used
misc brackets, hardware, other parts for 3400
68mm throttle body, core - included in crate engine
MMS Stage 3 package - included in crate engine
modified oil pan, pcv delete, engine dress-up package - included in crate engine
modified heater tube, core
Autolite 103 spark plugs
180 t-stat, AC Delco o-ring
EGR delete

Turbo Kit
MMS turbo kit for N-body
upgrade turbo
MMS injector kit - 80 lb/hr injectors, Aeromotive fuel pump
electronic boost controller
ceramic coat intercooler plumbing
catch-can setup, AN lines

Transmission
MMS 4t65eHD conversion
300m input shaft
MMS gear set - 3.29 gears
3250 stall converter
upgrade to ratcheting sprag

Brakes and Suspension
MMS F-body brake conversion
upgrade to drilled and slotted rotors
upgrade to EBC Red Stuff front pads
rear crossdrilled and slotted rotors
rear EBC Red Stuff pads
MMS coilovers
MMS adjustable camber plates for front
MMS tubular rear cradle, with sway bar brackets, Energy Suspension bushings for sway bar
MMS tubular lateral arms, trailing arms, front strut tower brace - powdercoated

Misc other parts
MMS stainless catback exhaust - dual exhaust
MMS high performance radiator w/ cooler, fans
fuel lines from tank to fuel rails
3 gauge pod
wideband gauge
boost gauge
aeroforce scan gauge

[03Sleepr]

Buy a camaro.. go nuts...

Or save up and buy a c5z. Same second step.

[Nas Escobar]

LOL A Camaro?? For 10K he might as well get a Corvette!

[03Sleepr]

You can't buy a c5 z06 or even a base c5 for 10k.. and the c3 and c4 were pretty much worthless.

[03glgold]

screw camaros and corvettes, I like the built up alero better, I am a ford person and still don't want a regular mustang or whatever because everybody has one and they are all (generalized of course) fast because anyone can build one...The only mustangs that I would want are some of the rarer ones, same with camaro's, a 69' yenko would be great, other than that screw um'

[JLw7123]

screw camaros and corvettes, I like the built up alero better, I am a ford person and still don't want a regular mustang or whatever because everybody has one and they are all (generalized of course) fast because anyone can build one...The only mustangs that I would want are some of the rarer ones, same with camaro's, a 69' yenko would be great, other than that screw um'
if i got a mustang it would be a Saleen or the new Shelby gt500 but i would not mind an old boss 302 or the mustang cobra R. But i rather build the alero and make it a sleeper. Then you could blow the doors off of camaro's and mustangs.

[03Sleepr]

If I bought a mustang I would have to commit myself to an asylum.

[Nas Escobar]

If I bought a Civic I would have to commit myself to an asylum.

There ya go... corrected. Better a Stang than some rice burner :usa: :p ;)

[JLw7123]

There ya go... corrected. Better a Stang than some rice burner :usa: :p ;) very true. Ford has really stepped up there game the past year or so. Chevy needs to to gets its act together i mean the new mustang gt500 has more power than the Corvette zr1 right now. But i bet the new zr1 with be more powerful there are talks of it being around 700hp.

[billytheman1188]

I've definitely thought about it, but I do love the car. Also I want something to begin on for my own Mod'ing project. I've talked to Mike and this is what I will be working on over time. I'll definitely keep updates going.

Engine
MMS custom crate engine - the works
MMS swap kit for 3100/3400 vehicles minus tb adapter (included above)
V6 wiring harness
alternator, core
power steering pump, resevoir, pulley, core
power steering lines
A/C Compressor, core
A/C lines - used
radiator hoses, heater hoses, clamps - AC Delco
fuel rails, injector harness, fuel lines at rails for 3400 - used
3400 crank pulley - used
3400 crank sensor - 24x
3400 crank sensor - 7x
3400 cam sensor
3400 motor mount brackets, etc
3400 coil packs, ICM, ICM bracket - used
misc brackets, hardware, other parts for 3400
68mm throttle body, core - included in crate engine
MMS Stage 3 package - included in crate engine
modified oil pan, pcv delete, engine dress-up package - included in crate engine
modified heater tube, core
Autolite 103 spark plugs
180 t-stat, AC Delco o-ring
EGR delete

Turbo Kit
MMS turbo kit for N-body
upgrade turbo
MMS injector kit - 80 lb/hr injectors, Aeromotive fuel pump
electronic boost controller
ceramic coat intercooler plumbing
catch-can setup, AN lines

Transmission
MMS 4t65eHD conversion
300m input shaft
MMS gear set - 3.29 gears
3250 stall converter
upgrade to ratcheting sprag

Brakes and Suspension
MMS F-body brake conversion
upgrade to drilled and slotted rotors
upgrade to EBC Red Stuff front pads
rear crossdrilled and slotted rotors
rear EBC Red Stuff pads
MMS coilovers
MMS adjustable camber plates for front
MMS tubular rear cradle, with sway bar brackets, Energy Suspension bushings for sway bar
MMS tubular lateral arms, trailing arms, front strut tower brace - powdercoated

Misc other parts
MMS stainless catback exhaust - dual exhaust
MMS high performance radiator w/ cooler, fans
fuel lines from tank to fuel rails
3 gauge pod
wideband gauge
boost gauge
aeroforce scan gauge


VERY NICE! I'm glad you're not listening to the people saying "get a diff car"....this is an ALERO site. Of course the usual people say "get something with performance" when you can make the alero better than any "performance car" cheaper....i don't get people. Def keep us updated!!!

[WhiteV6]

you can make the alero better than any "performance car" cheaper.

QFT. :drunk:

[03Sleepr]

How can you make a 500hp alero cheaper than a 500hp vette or camaro, or even mustang?...and don't say ecotec because he's got a 3400..

[billytheman1188]

How can you make a 500hp alero cheaper than a 500hp vette or camaro, or even mustang?...and don't say ecotec because he's got a 3400..

Better...hmmmm....well it's cheaper to build/maintain a 3400. You can have a fully rebuilt engine with no miles and all new suspension for cheaper than a used vette with 50k on it. All new built 3400 and suspension or a dime a dozen vette/camaro. Smdh.....do some research :)

[sleepyalero]

ls1 camaro you can reach 500 hp with a tune, heads, cam , full bolt ons pretty much.. pretty cheap. the alero costs around 20-25k to reach ROUGHLY 500 hp.


but me, my car will have alot of money in it, one day. with everything right now, im close to 13,000.

[03Sleepr]

Billy, We are talking abouy performance here, If we were talking about a cheap stock rebuild I would have said a g body with a 305. Even after factoring in the 15k purchase price on the vet or 6k on an f body, you still cannot build an equal alero.
I use the term "better" as the better vehicle, higher performance, availability of parts, and higher retention of value. Which the c5 and f body are head and shoulders past the alero.

And don't say corvettes and camaros are a dime a dozen, you drive an alero. Smdh.
Sleepy hit the nail on the head.

And I don't mean to ruffle any feathers, I like aleros ( well, not mine) but I'm trying to point out that modding an alero isn't the most worthwhile thing you can do.

[billytheman1188]

Billy, We are talking abouy performance here, If we were talking about a cheap stock rebuild I would have said a g body with a 305. Even after factoring in the 15k purchase price on the vet or 6k on an f body, you still cannot build an equal alero.
I use the term "better" as the better vehicle, higher performance, availability of parts, and higher retention of value. Which the c5 and f body are head and shoulders past the alero.

And don't say corvettes and camaros are a dime a dozen, you drive an alero. Smdh.
Sleepy hit the nail on the head.

And I don't mean to ruffle any feathers, I like aleros ( well, not mine) but I'm trying to point out that modding an alero isn't the most worthwhile thing you can do.

Ok...aleros used to be a dime a dozen but how many do you see modded? Not many at all. What i'm saying is you can FULLY mod an alero for cheaper and have everything you want/need. Just remember, this is an alero site with passionate alero owners. Is it the most cost effective thing to mod an alero? No. Big mods are pricey....but is it cost effextive to go buy a vette or camaro with a big ole V8 in it that gets 12-14mpg? Not really. Who needs 500 hp on the street anyways??? You will never use it all unless you want a crazy amount of tickets....oh yea....insurance will cost more for a vette or camaro and cops will be watching you A LOT more than if u were in an alero.

[billytheman1188]

Also, what other fully modded 6 can get 25+ mpg? Fully modded 8 with 500 hp and anywhere from 8-14 mpg or a fully modded 6 with 350 hp and 20-30mpg....hmmmmm

[02AleroGLS]

For one thing i would never get rid of my Alero! It may not be the fastest or the newest car on the road but i love my car. I have put alot of blood,sweat,and tears,and money into it keeping it running and looking good over the years. Ive been through the dreaded head gasket problems,the LIM gasket leak,constant header leaks,wiring problems,etc etc.. But i still would rather spend money on my Alero to make it better, then to buy a high dollar sports car thats either rediculously expensive to buy,own and maintain. Or buy a used camaro or mustang that almost every other person on the road has or has had and tried to build up. I like to be different. I get all kinds of bs all the time for fixing up my alero cause where i live there is mainly mustangs and hondas. Just putting in my 2 cents..

[03Sleepr]

Wrong. Insurance on a c5z is cheaper than my alero by $30 a month, get a quote.. And they can push 26+ mpg . You don't see many modded aleros because most are owned by teenage girls, and there are many more cost effective cars to mod.

Its not who NEEDS 500 hp, its who WANTS 500 on the street, this is America after all (most of us). Who really NEEDS a modded car anyways?

[AleroB888]

Most vettes are owned by older people, so what? I ain't prejudiced :p

[Nas Escobar]

ls1 camaro you can reach 500 hp with a tune, heads, cam , full bolt ons pretty much.. pretty cheap. the alero costs around 20-25k to reach ROUGHLY 500 hp.


but me, my car will have alot of money in it, one day. with everything right now, im close to 13,000.

The main reason for that price is because we have to undo the "bleh" that GM put in the car since it wasn't intended to be a sports car. If it wasn't for that and it had a set of engines with parts readily available, it wouldn't be so expensive.

[WhiteV6]

the alero costs around 20-25k to reach ROUGHLY 500 hp.

I need more customers like you.

[AleroB888]

I need more customers like you.

lol, yeah, really. If somebody sends me $25,000, I'll supercharge 10 Aleros.

(exhaust mods not included :coolio: )

[sleepyalero]

ive priced out a bunch of things for a full on build, 50/50 if the car would be streetable depending on the route id go

[Cliff8928]

You can't buy a c5 z06 or even a base c5 for 10k.. and the c3 and c4 were pretty much worthless.

You can have your choice of C5s between 10-15k

I like the built up alero better

It's way more unique.... Plus, I find driving my C5 kinda boring sometimes. Goes back to that saying that it's more fun driving a lower performance car at 90% than driving a high performance car at 25%

How can you make a 500hp alero cheaper than a 500hp vette or camaro, or even mustang?...and don't say ecotec because he's got a 3400..

That would have to be a more relative question.. Of course you can get to 500 HP cheaper when you're starting out with 350.

Also, what other fully modded 6 can get 25+ mpg? Fully modded 8 with 500 hp and anywhere from 8-14 mpg or a fully modded 6 with 350 hp and 20-30mpg....hmmmmm

My (mostly stock) LS1 gets about 28 on the highway. I wouldn't suspect that would be much different if it were turbocharged. (572HP@7psi)

For one thing i would never get rid of my Alero! It may not be the fastest or the newest car on the road but i love my car. I have put alot of blood,sweat,and tears,and money into it keeping it running and looking good over the years. Ive been through the dreaded head gasket problems,the LIM gasket leak,constant header leaks,wiring problems,etc etc.. But i still would rather spend money on my Alero to make it better.

That's what counts right there!

Wrong. Insurance on a c5z is cheaper than my alero by $30 a month, get a quote..

That's the truth.. My C5 is dirt cheap to insure!