built 3sge or beams Options

[lumbercis]

I was wondering. If I wanted to build an all-motor 3sge, is there actually much advantage using a Beams motor as the base rather than a regular 3sge? Would there really be much hp advantage to justify the extra cost, assuming that you would be changing much of the engine internals anyway? I know the Beams has VVTL, which is to it's advantage, but would that really be so much of an advantage if you would be using aggressive cams on the 3sge anyway?

Basically, if you had X amount of money, could you get farther with the Beams and light mods, or a 3sge with heavier mods?

J.

[lumbercis]

^ Maybe I should put it this way, How much has been made by a non-professional tuner/hobbyist? Or what would be a realistic goal for a "high horsepower" na build?

J.

[Kwanza26]

^ Maybe I should put it this way, How much has been made by a non-professional tuner/hobbyist? Or what would be a realistic goal for a "high horsepower" na build?

J.

I'd say 220-240 or so crank hp is reasonable (3rd gen and BEAMS respectively)... but it's expensive to reach. You gotta open up the motor from top to bottom and retune that sucker. Also, the ACIS intake manifolds have GOT TO GO!