I never planned on doing any engine mods besides i/h/e on d17A1 but I was wondering what kind of power does the ex head swap give? Also how much should I be expecting to pay for the the a2 head, vafc, and how much would you expect a shop to charge for install?

P.S. question - If I get a neuspeed/dc sports front strut bar will I notice a significant difference in handling?

 

I did the swap and I paid roughly $200 for the head. and paid about $300 for the swap. However, I would recommend just gettting a Buddy Club V-Con controller. Deffinately alot cheaper than a VAFC. I bought an apexi neo to do engage it, and had issues where the neo wouldnt send enough voltage after the car warmed up and I called Apexi about the issue, and the guy did even know what I was talking about. Maybe others have had better experience with them than me. But if your on a budget like the college kid I am it deffinately helps. Good Luck man and sorry for the 2 cents. lol

 

nah man thats perfect i am on a college budget haha

 

Well I'm fixing to order a buddy club v-con as well. I'll let you know how it functions. you can adjust the rpm it engages and thats about it. I dont know what kind of power it makes and everyone says its not worth it but its a deffinate good first project. It was for me. If you want a little more power look into the Brian Crower Stage 1 cam. Ive read into a few threads saying its a good increase for your buck.

 

do the ex head swap, then drop in the stage 1 and then you'll see gain... i promise (:

stage 1 cam, i/h/e is about 125whp .

 

Do you have a bc stage 1? If so did you install it yourself? how hard is it to install an aftermarket cam? I'm thinking about doing it myself, after I find one.

 

He is referring to the Stage 1 cam from Crower, it retails for $350 new or you can get it used for around $200. You can get Stage 2 and 3 for $350 as well but will also require springs and retainers and engine management system.

 

What kind of driveability and gas mileage comes with the stage 1 cam?

 

I have been averaging 32 mpg with the cam, but the commute itself has changed and I have been driving with a heavy foot. The car runs like stock, but its more responsive and better on overtaking on the highway.