$3K to spend, what are the best power add-ons

[Intruder]

'94 LT1/A4 Camaro:
I am doing a 3.4 to LT1 swap. Beyond the cost of the rebuild for the motor and tranny I have a $3,000 budget for the exhaust and anyother toys I want to add. So here is the mission. Spend the $3,000. No NOS or super charging of any sort. Car has to be driven regularly (though not daily) and must be dependable and not a total beast on gas. Remember you have to include headers and exhaust to the equation which will probably eat up a grand right off the bat. Mods don't have to be limited to the engine. Give me your best shot and thanks for the advice.

Again, NO nitrous, NO turbo or blower. And the bottom end is to remain stock.

[Joe 1320]

if I only had $3000 to spend, I would have the heads ported and get a mild cam with 1.6 roller rockers. That will work fine for a stock bottom end, then you'll realize more gains with the headers and exhaust.

[ConElite]

That would really wake it up. Follow it up with a custom tune and you should be looking at high 300whp numbers. and should be pretty reliable. Your other issue might be drivetrain.

[Injuneer]

When you allocate your budget, don't look only at the engine. You will need drivetrain improvements and suspension improvements to use the new HP. Is your new V8 setup an M6 or an A4? Did your V6 have the updgraded rear axle package with a limited slip (posi) rear and disc brakes?

If you don't have a posi rear, you have to buy a used 10-bolt assembly out of a V8 car. That will get you posi and the disc brakes. Then get a set of sticky tires. With all that new-found power, its not going to do you any good if the car just sits there and spins the wheels (or 1 wheel)

With an automatic, you will want a high stall converter, and move up to 3.73 gears. With a 6-speed, consider a clutch upgrade and 4.10 gears.

[Intruder]

Complete Donor

Yes! I have a Z28 complete donor with A4. It was hit on the pass side rear qtr.

[DJ Taso]

Slap on a supercharger. Problem solved

[ConElite]

Slap on a supercharger. Problem solved

With $3k, That would be hard to do right. I agree with fred and do some Engine and follow it with some suspension. The ReLoc. Brackets, Control arms, Panhard, and a set of stickies. If there is money left over Gears.