l have a 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans am , all stock V8, no modifications added yet.l have a bit of cash on hand and l wanna start adding some serious power to it. l have heard about changing intake, computer chip, exhaust etc...What do you guys recommend?

Rather than this site, l would log onto ''Cartalk.com''

Buy an aftermarket turbo-charger from McCoulagh.google Shelby for exact spell.

computer chip is probally the easiest way to gte more bang out of it, with out drastic parts changes.

Let is start with the simple & cheap stuff first.

!. ''free ram-air mod'' (aprox 10 HP)
http://installuniversity.com/install_university/installu_pages/freshman_year/free_ram_air_mod.htm

2. High-Flow aftermarket air filter such as a K&N or Blackwing (good for another 3-5 HP) but it usually works best with aftermarket airbox lid like the one sold by SLP:
http://slponline.com/view_product.asp?P=21044
With the ram air mod this should be good 20HP

3. If u want to spend more money u can get a kit from SLP instead:
Cold-Air Package, 1998-99 V8 Camaro/Firebird ''FlowPac''
http://slponline.com/view_product.asp?P=21046

3(a). But then u will need something to block out water when it rains:
http://fasttoys.net/shop/product_info.php?cPath=84_24_27_42&products_id=42

4.160 degree thermostat


If you've done the above steps u should already be in 12-second territory at the strip.

5. Swap the stock crank pulley for an aftermarket underdrive pulley. should be good for 6-10HP or about 1/10 of a second at the track.

6. Aftermarket exhaust. 15-20HP

7.(a) Do u have a six-speed? Then drop u a set of 4.10 gears in.

7.(b) Do u have an automatic? Hold off on gear swap get a mild 2800-3200rpm torque converter.

Now u should be in the mid 12 seconds at the track.

8. Headers r next & should be good for 5-25 HP depending on type. Long tube will get the greatest gains but hurt ur bottom end peformance.

9. LS6 intake manifold or an aftermarket manifold. About 5 HP.

10. Programmer such as the DiabloSport Predator, or Hypertech Power Programmer among others.

11. If u still want more power u will probably need a power adder:
a. Turbo
b. Supercharger
c. Nitrous

or u will need to go inside the engine for a head & cam swap.

By this time you'l be knocking on the door or busting it down for 11-second 1/4 mile times.

If u want to make the car handle better try this Forum for information:
http://frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?s=5048332702740b476991cdd3096fb43a&act=idx

Bore it out . have it done professionally.
My 455 went to a 478

Good Luck
H.O.T. Dog
Handler Owner Trainer of GSD's
Member U.S.A. & A.W.D.F.
http://360..com/sewwoodyou

for the money u will spend building it from scratch, u should look into a gm zz4 or a larger motor that is already done. bolt it & go !! u will still have t rans issues & rear gear needs but, its a start & its far easier to get a pre-built hotrod motor than it is to build one.. especially if its ur first one.!. the LS1,LS2,LS6 r available motors & relatively cheap.. u will have to change the computer or get an aftermarket one to manage them but again---not a bad set up for under 4000.00!! i've got tons in my motor & it runs great but, there r some pretty hard running ,fairly stock l.s. motors out there that slap my car flat to the ground.! it help to have the well working fuel managment systems & the computer controlled goodies that l dont have.. it does make a huge difference in the performance . look at the z06 corvette & big bad mustangs. to build a car that quick & still have it streetable is unheard of .. . unless u have reallllllly good friends willing to give up some of their secrets & a butt load of money to throw at it.. can not beat the price for these motors..and they r ready to go.. no guessing, no surprises. & it will get u into the sport for a fair price.. then do it yourself with all the trick & expensive parts.. have fun.. welcome to racing & hotrods !!

your car has an LS-1 in it. this motor responds very well to simple bolt-ons. A cat-back SLP loudmouth exhaust is a nice hp adder but if your looking for cheap for now go with a SLP cold air intake. (SLP is your best bet for the trans am/camaros)