My 2002 Lightning has about 36,300 miles on the clock, not hard miles, but I'm starting to notice a little smoke on startups after sitting for a week. I have a MP pushing about 19 PSI, running the timing MAX at 18 degrees and a few other goodies, but I believe it's time to rebuild the heads. I'll probably get it torn down to the shortblock and decide to rebuild that too.

My goals are streetable power, not straightline WOT drag power. Drag racing is an occasional thing for me, but I have more auto-x / roadracing aspirations than living life a quarter mile at a time. Therefore, my current project plan scope is to rebuild the heads and get a set of headers and midpipe. While it's open I might upgrade the injectors and go with an electric fan setup.

Focusing on the heads and considering my goals, what do you think I should do? I don't want to lose low-end torque. There are several staged head packages with diffrent cams, and I do have to be a little budget minded on the expenditure. I want the best bang for the buck, and rebuilding/porting my heads rather than buying new ones will probably be my preferred option, unless it's cheaper to go with new ones. What can you guys suggest? Header/midpipe suggestions are welcome, too.

 

You might as well freshen up the bottomend if you plan to do the heads. Forged rods are a must. Open track will stress a motor much more than a drag race. I would go fairly mild on the cams. Big cams won't help your Auto-X.

 

check with Stan to see what he has done or has planned

 

and with Cams you'll have less vacuum to operate those brakes.

 

Im runnin JLPs stage 2 cnc ported heads with 3 angle job ,oversized ferrera valves , comp springs and stage 2 comp cams. Runs real strong with no idle issues ,great on the street and the track. Also no issues with vacum on the brakes. Probably a great combo for you as im also runnin a magnum like you. I did recently have the valves shimmed for more seat pressure but havent had it on the dyno to see if it made a differance. The power level in my sig was before the shimming with an 8lb lower and 2.7 upper.Best of luck with your buildup whichever way you go.
Jason