420a Head performance build

[Tribal_RS_96]

I've been thinking about upgrading the components of my 420a's head for a while now.

The only thing that keeps me in the planning stage is if i never overheated, and I'm still on the factory head gasket with 100k miles, I should go ahead and replace it right? Also, do I need to worry about the head being ground back to specs? Or that's only when overheated and the head warps?

I plan on keeping the motor N/A and moding the lower end in my high performance class in a year, so I'm looking for advice on what cams, etc to run.

My Goals:
Keep my car running, and see a power increase to 160HP with the head and lower end.

Has anyone tried anything from DSM graveyard? how are their parts?

From reading on the forums there are some parts that mess with the reliability of the car, so what should I look out for?

 

[Schwebe101]

Umm...as for DSM Graveyard...you might want to read this http://www.dsmtuners.com/links/dsm-vendors-2/dsmgraveyard-306/

There fixed the link

 

[bullettdsm]

Hmm, that link gets it absolutely correct (words of experience).

As for where to start; start with Megasquirt. You will be fighting that damned ECU with every move you make. you need to be able to adjust timng and fuel.

MB

 

[dsmcrzy]

Hmm, that link gets it absolutely correct (words of experience).

As for where to start; start with Megasquirt. You will be fighting that damned ECU with every move you make. you need to be able to adjust timng and fuel.

MB

Agreed. I added it to my NA 420a and it is the best mod hands down. It woke the car up so much.

 

[jayson427]

if you really want to build a 420a your better off just keeping the car you have now stock. just do the maintenance to keep it running. if your going to rebuild the whole motor eventually just find a good cheap motor from the junkyard and build it. i think it would be more of a hassle if you did the head and then the bottom end later down the road. you would be tearing your car down at least twice if not more.

 

[Tribal_RS_96]

@jayson427 Thats a good plan, I will start looking for a motor and slowly build up a list of parts with it. As For DSM Graveyard..... I now understand the "Graveyard" in the name. I will definitely start saving up for a Megasquirt and go from there. Thanks guys!

 

[AlbeUrDemise]

I definetly agree with jason on this subject bud. Enless you have a ton of money to throw around all at once. Then by all means build your motor. If you don't, like us pay check to pay check guys. Go get a motor from a junkyard and get a decent stand and just build it little by little and keep your main DD up to date and taken care of. That's your best bet with the car. I love my N/A but I know what I am willing to put in it. DD for life. Now my GS-T on the other hand.... MOOHAHAHAH.