I want to get the most out of my header, cold air intake, and cat back exhaust. To do things the right way I would need a dyno, software, and tuner even though they are just basic modifications, right?

 

yes. If you want to "get the most out of" any performance modification then you are going to need a tune.

 

For the Dollar to Power ratio, Spending 400-500 for ECU work, Tuning and Dyno time isnt worth the 10 hp.

But thats just me..


Now If you get a set of cams and valvetrain on top of your IHE mods.. Then your getting somewhere.

 

I would find someone who can chip your ecu w/ crome and do a street tune for a couple hundred bucks all inclusive.

 

what part of the world are you in, I know some good tuners I can recommend

 

Thats IF he has a chipable ecu..


for all we know this could be an EM2

 

Well, with these Honda engines, NA stuff is difficult to get power and so every bit counts and the OP was asking about "max performance" regarding his NA set-up. If you want cost effective and consider "Dollar to Power ratio" then forced induction is really the only way to go. You point is well taken.
That considered, if you are going to spend the money on bolt-ons in an NA Honda then you should get a tune otherwise the bolt-ons will only reach about half of their potential. The socketed P28 cost me about 100 and 250-300 for a the dyno tune netted around 50 BHP with just IHE on my set-up. However, that was on an H2B set-up and most bolt-on + tune NA Hondas might get 25 BHP if you are lucky. Still, to the person that is interested in "max performance" from his/her NA stock block, a tune is money well spent... otherwise the bolt-ons will not increase performance as much as they should. Now adding some cams and supporting valve train might get you around another 10-20 BHP, but that will easily cost an additional $1000 or so depending on what parts you go with and how much work is DIY (may cost more than double that in some cases)... which is still not very cost effective...

 

I would say nitrous would be better for the dollar/performance ratio..


but you still need to tune for that..

 

best dollar for dollar upgrade? Driver mod.

 

Very true.

 

intake: k&n cone filter,velocity stack,3.5'' to 3'' piping
header: toda or hytech or their cheap replicas
exhaust: 3'' catlless
you WILL need chipped ecu and a tune anyway.

 

i hate the spray but this is correct.

gearing can also make a nice difference if you are opposed to opening the motor up.

todahead has some good suggestions on parts. you will hate life with a 3" catless exhaust on an na motor for daily driver. especially if its a nonvtec