Ok, lots of people have asked me, what sorts of things are worth doing, and what aren't? Whats the best 'bang for your buck' so to speak?
Keep in mind, i've drag raced the 14 since I bought it. Everything i've done has been for the intent of making it faster on the drag strip.
That being said, here's what i've found are the best bang for the buck upgrades:
Gearing! For a bit of extra torque and roll on feel, buy a 16 tooth front sprocket. You can use it with your stock chain, and it's worth doing.
Removing the secondary butterflies! Because even though on the 08+ models it opens sooner, you STILL have the computer restricting torque on the bottom end.
A worthwile exhaust! My personal favorite is the Brock's street meg or alienhead (same exhaust, different canister). The CT series exhaust is also very functional (what ive heard) but i have no experience with it. The best thing about the brock's pipes, is you can go to psychobike and usually find a used one for about $5-600.
An aftermarket air filter is a good idea, but generally hasn't proven much for the performance gains.
Ported throttle bodies! These can be bought through competition cnc, they are good for 5-7 extra HP. Very nice unit, they are still on my wishlist. Around $600 and with a little bit of mechanical skill you can install them yourself.
Now then, you've done the basic bolt on modifications for power.. What if I still want more?!
There's a couple of ways you can go about it:
Thin headgasket, and adjustable cam gears. Unless you know how to index cams, and check piston to valve clearance you'll need someone to install these for you. If you pull the motor yourself, expect around $500 labor. The parts are around $100. With a brock's pipe and this mod, expect anywhere from 185-190 rwhp. And that is REAL WORLD, not the inflated magazine numbers you usually get.
S/S head. These are done by a number of vendors, my favorite is Competition CNC. Match these up with a set of throttle bodies and expect around 195 rwhp on pump gas. They do a valve job and mill the head, you use a stock head gasket and adjustable cam gears. Cost is around $550 for the head i believe, and another $100 in the cam gears.
PORTED head. These are also done by a number of vendors. Competition CNC, Adams performance, Carpenter Racing, so on and so forth. Expect around $1000-$1500, and HP anywhere from 185-200 hp depending on the port job.
CAMS: READ THIS.. WIth the stock ZX14 pistons, you DO NOT have enough piston to valve clearance to install cams. The drop in cams offered by orient express are JUNK. $1000 for 1-2 hp?? NO WAY.
To use cams, you will need aftermarket pistons with deeper valve reliefs.
That being said, a head/cam package from any of the vendors is a good investment. Once again, i prefer Competition CNC. They will explain to you what you need, why you need it, and EXACTLY what you can expect. For around $2500 or so (i believe) you'll be in the 215~hp range. BUT remember you'll need pistons, and all the assembly.
So, say you want to go all out on a STREET motor?
A set of 2mm overbore pistons, competition CNC stage 2 head/cam package, ported throttlebodies, Brock's alienhead, and naturally an aftermarket air filter. They HAVE made almost 230 hp with this setup. 226 if i remember right. That would make one HELL of a street ride. You can also run the 2 mil overbore with a 4 mil crank for 230-235 hp. I would suggest running a second fan however, on either setup.
Want to go even faster then that?? Here ya go!
I'll have to check the company, but i believe APE will weld up a 7mm stroker crank. Pair these with a set of +2mm pistons, and a set of rods. Get a competition CNC stage 3 head cam package with oversized valves, double valve springs, brock's exhaust, and race fuel. You're looking at around 265+ hp (nobody has tested with a 7mm crank yet)with the chance to run nitrous. A 5mm crank will make around 250~ hp. You can buy a 5x2 kit through Muzzy's, but DON'T buy their cams.. they are too small. You ARE looking at spending a lot of money this way, but if you're dead set on all motor or nitrous, this is what you got.
Then, there is always the turbo route. I know nothing about this, but y basic knowledge says a set of aftermarket rods, low compression turbo pistons, and a turbo kit and you can easily make over 300 streetable hp. Expect to spend upwards of $6-7k for this direction.
You guys can stick this if you want, I'll also be glad to answer any questions!
ZX-16 in 2010
8.64 at 158 on motor
8.28 at 173 on nitrous
Back to stock for 2011.
9.24 @ 148
185 hp pump gas
New beast sitting in the garage. 07 ZX14.. Just a bare frame... for now.