[JD3]

I have a 96 dohc engine that i am rebuilding and have about $2000 left for the engine. 85k Motor originally came from a 96 lincoln and already have the upper and lower intakes for it. I would like to make 450 - 500 hp on what is considered a smog legal daily driver in nj.

I can get the heads ported for about 700-$800
I can get forged internals with close to stock compression (ie forced induction later) for $1000
or
a forged stroker kit for close to $1800.
cams are another 6-$700

I was wondering how much of a benefit porting the heads would be - actually if it would be worth it. If I get the heads ported and the low compression forged internals, I could a a s/c down the road (does anybody make a twin screw or even a roots s/c or is a novi pretty much it?) How much benefit would porting be with forced induction... or with NO2... or with a stroker even? I belive the combustion chamber is enlarged and modified slightly during porting, so that would drop the compression a bit, but I am presuming the increased flow would make up for it.
Does anybody have any experience with porting DOHC heads and power gains?

Thanks everyone

[NOSty Pony]

porting the dohc heads and some good cams would be money well spent. then through some spray to it till you get the s/c.

[Cobracide]

Use forged flat top pistons, this will slightly increase your compression. 10.2:1 but this is still ok, unless you are getting a roots type blower. Then get 17cc dished for about 8.5:1 compression.