First thing I'd do is swap out those BC cams for a set of Kelford 272's. I'd also ditch the SAFC and tune the stock ecu along with a wideband.

Then there's the turbo option. You can pick up a used green for around $800 - $1100 or a used IX turbo in the $300 - $500 range.

 

im definitely wanting to go ix turbo this year! That with the meth kit and o2 housing should make for an impressive evo.

 

Port everything: 65mm t/b, intake manifold, head, exhaust manifold, turbine housing, and o2 housing. That would yield come pretty good gains.

Then change your cams, springs/ retainers, and install head studs. Then if you want more, meth and build the block. If even more power is desired, you'll have all the works for a bigger turbo to be making some every good power. Granted your drivetrain is up for the challenge.

 

If money is tight:

new cams, kelfords or GSC1's
Meth injection or E85
Dump the SAFC and get a custom tune
AMS VSR Intake manifold
evo 9 turbo

If money is not so much an issue:
2.3 liter stroker / AMS 2.3RR
FP RED Turbo
AMS VSR Intake
E85 / Meth Injection
New Cams either Kelford or GSC 1's


the setup in my sig netted me 501 whp with 465 lbs of torque on 93 octane and meth injection.

 

Good catch 9sec9! I didn't even notice if he had that listed. A 10.5 single flapper hotside that I ported out with a "modified" and ported ebay o2 netted me close to 30hp in the long run after tuning.

For the longer run on a budget a IX turbo with water/meth is a great upgrade over stock, check out some of the numbers that TTP is getting from their customer's cars. The torque curves on most of them are insane!

 

X I dont know how many people have said it so far.... DITCH THE SAFC! Trust us...

 

well money for me isnt too tight considering im living at home, going to school and working full time but if i can get low 11s off a stock viii or ix turbo with meth injection and even faster with some ported parts i dont see the point in a big turbo itll just cause drivetrain problems much past 11.0... Imo neway. So bang for buck it seems a fully built stock car will weild good enough power for me until school is out then 37r!!! Lol

 

Just watch the used parts forum, good deals abound in there. If I was you, I'd try to pick up a used IX turbo, a good manifold, and 02 housing.