In case you don't know me, I'm BillBoost, finder of good deals on parts. If the part wasn't a good deal, it probably hasn't found it'* way onto my car yet. This helps contribute to my car being a bit confused as to it'* identity, since it has parts from a bunch of other years and models.

Anyhow the latest parts to find their way into my possesion was a set of PRJ stage 3 heads. This means they've had some porting work, hardened valve seats, larger valves and brass valve guides. Being used I brought them to the machine shop. They were cleaned, tanked and refreshed with a valve job, spring seat milled to correct for 1.800" expected install height of the springs and reassembled with 130# springs, titanium retainers and HD valve locks.







Pulled the heads off the car one at a time, cleaned the surface and the pistons.


Checked with friends regarding the numbers on the pistons. They confirmed them to be stock


The main reason the heads went to the machine shop as I could have cleaned them etc was to be measured for clearance between the spring retainer and the valve seal. This is known as the total amount of lift. Or the total distance the valve can be pushed down w/o binding the spring or hitting the valve seal and retainer. The number needed was .600", they were at closer to .700.

Having this much lift allowed me to factor in the Intense S1X cam already in the motor with 1.8 ratio rockers on top. This is known as extreme for a total lift in the .590'*.


The supervisor was on duty to ensure things went well


Heads are held down with an ARP head stud kit.


It'* been a couple of days and I'm poking along wasting time when I could finish a few things before other parts that I ordered late arrive. Instead it'* more enjoyable to take it a little at a time.

Looking good Bill. How far in to the 12s is this going to take you?

Not sure Dan. Only a true run at a track will tell, and if I can learn to drive it well with a good launch. According to local buddies it should move pretty nice.

HP increases are expected to be about 50hp for the heads due to flow and about another 20-30hp from the rockers and pulley size drop.

Last time I went to the track was pre intercooler, pre electric wp, pre urethane TA mount, or the short story..too long ago. I've no idea what the car is honestly capable of...after a thorough tune etc it'll be time to consider finding out.

Todd aka Rogue from Intense has the same motor setup (showed me it was possible) and he puts down a well tuned 423 wheel HP. I hope it'* not that much because traction never improves with mods.

If you can launch good, you might even be getting close to those 11s. Deep 12s should be possible.

both of you wanna make me cry... i wish i could find deals like that... but all the bonnies around here are falling apart not getting fixed up

good find bill and good luck at the track later on

Sidetracked as usual on a few other things tonight.

Progress while being deathly slow is moving somewhat.

First off..I got pics
Painted the valve covers
Touched up the LIM


Everything got a little molylube/engine assembly goop.


Aluminum gaskets installed and lined up with the LIM/Heads.


End seal in place (Check!) aka this is where I was leaking oil from, apparently I moved the manifold enough to have this end gasket fall into the lifter valley.


Overall pics


Oddly placed bolt



Called it a night


Things are moving along. Have a new condenser and radiator here to install along with intercooler fans, intercooler reservoir and a few other goodies.

Looking real good there Bill.

Thanks for sharing Bill. It'* looking mighty fine!

excuse me while i go cry in the corner...

lookin good bill

Lemme tell ya guys.. .600" lift is a lot. With this setup it will be pushing .592"-.594"ish. Rolling it over by hand watching the spriings compress to nearly nothing is amazing.

Todd pulled a 423WHP out of this setup. Hoping I'm close, if it'* only about 400whp I think I can handle living with that.