As I understand it, Genesis, was not looking to sink a lot of money into this project. He inquired about some gain in power to help with towing. Also the truck has 220k on the clock, so that should be kept in mind when making mod’s.
For those that are considering multi-port injection, you need to establish how much money you want to spend ahead of the project.
If you are Normally Aspirated, you must stay focused on the entire package. Any restriction in the air path will hinder the power. That means from air filter to the exhaust pipe. IT ALSO INCLUDES EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. Like throttle body size, intake path, valve size, cam lift, exhaust valve size, head design, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, tail pipe.
It is a combination of all of the elements that make engines efficient. It is also expensive to do it right.
The Vortech heads are pretty good heads to start with. They are mostly responsible for the jump in HP from 1995 to 1996. If you have money to spend, I like AFR heads. ( Air Flow Research). But, they are not going to make much difference without changing the intake, air doors, injectors, etc. You also get to the edge of what the OBD-2 can deal with.
It all comes down to how much money you want to “sink” into your truck. If you are depending on your truck for a daily driver, you might consider just keeping it stock and spending any extra money on making it more dependable.
I have pissed away over $60K just on the drive train of my 95. But, it is my hobby. I will never sell it and it will last me forever. Just 49 ,000 on the odometer so far.
From what I have heard, the performance tune’s can add about 25 to 35 hp, compared to the stock program. That’s about $10 per hp, but keep in mind, that is just going from a conservative factory tune to a “on the edge” tune. Everything was already there to make that power.
From there it will probably cost a lot more per hp. I have paid about $85 per hp so far. Just something to think about. So if you have a good job and income and you are not afraid of the economy being in the tank, grab your checkbook and have at it.
For those that want big power, might I suggest starting with forced, induction. It could save a lot of money in the long run.