upgrading 99+ PI on a 96 GT , do I need a 99+ timing cover? also, anyone know of a link I can print out how to guide, step by step? would you go PI upgrade or trick flow wedge heads ? what else would you upgrade while in there? timing gears? , heads + kenne bell on stock lower = bad idea???
There is no need to change the front cover, and if you are thinking about doing a centrifugal supercharger, you have the better front cover from the 96. It has a 3 bolt tensioner which is known to be stronger and provide more tension for helping to prevent belt slip issues.
The Trick Flow heads are way better than a set of stock PI's, and you'd have to spend some serious money porting the PI's to get similar airflow compared to the TF.
By doing the PI or TF swap onto your stock 96 shortblock, you will have raised the compression. Putting a KB on there is going to be a bit much for longevity with that much compression without higher octane gas. It can be done, and if you have a safe tune and always run good gas it can last, but it can also blow up pretty quick if you do not have a good tune. Try to stay around 400rwhp and you'll be fine.