Summary and Recommendations

It remains to be seen how much more power and torque an ignition system, adjustable cam sprockets, and a ported and polished manifold can add. It should be noted, however, that these mods will probably provide less hp for more money - the law of diminishing returns. The first set of modifications offers 25-30 hp for less than $1000. The last three will cost $1500-2000 assuming the owner can disassemble the intake manifold and install cam sprockets (there is a far greater consequence for mistakes here than in installing the first set of mods). It is unlikely that the car will gain much more than the 25-30 hp picked up originally (but it is still worthwhile). If you have a non-VTEC car, cams would be an excellent first step after the bolt on mods - these will typically return about 10-12 hp at the wheels.

Copyright 2002, Temple of VTEC