Questions about a few vendors and one about an exhaust

[jmcompt]

Hello All,

Just to get this out of the way, I'm a software engineer out in Suffolk, VA. I used to own a 91 Celica that I was planning on doing the 3S-GTE swap on, but Afghanistan called and the wife said she didn't want to deal with the clunker while I was deployed, so it joined the purple heart donation program. I love tinkering with little imports, and now that I have the funds, I'm ready to start all over again.

I just purchased a 99 GS Spyder w/ just under 66k mi for about 6800. She's in nice shape, and doesn't have any bad problems except that annoying roof leak (found the fix on 4g64.com), a big dent in the passenger side front fender, crazy dented wheels, and a cracked front bumper from scraping a steep driveway.

So I decide the first thing I want to do is change the wheels and suspension, since the wheels are so bad, and the suspension is still factory. I have ordered a set of 18 x 7.5 Enkei WDM's from buywheelstoday.com. I had a friend who has done a lot of business with them, so I went out on a limb. So far so good, delivery is set for next Wednesday.

I learned from reading the posts that a good set of coilovers is hard to come by, but Megans are definately higher on the list than most. So, I have decided on going with the Megan Racing coilover set. $900 @ hopupracing.com. I also learned that Ingalls seems to make the better camber adjustment kits, so I am going for the part # 35780 and 35860, to the tune of $226.75 from Summit Racing. So far so good, I think.

Because the front was torn up anyways, I have been considering replacing the OEM front bumper and replacing with an RDora kit from body-kitz.com for about $529, shipped.

I am planning on taking the first step into the turbo arena before Christmas, doing the whole manifold+turbo swap I have read so much about. Seems like the thing to do for a little more enjoyment out of the stock engine until I am confident enough to do the 4G63 head swap. This is my daily driver (for now), after all :^)

For the time being, I want this ride to be my fun little pretty work box and beach cruiser. Easily street safe, and then as time progresses, I would love to make it a bruiser. But all good things come in time.

My questions are these:

I haven't heard much about hopupracing or body-kitz. I have searched the boards, and done the Google thing, but to no avail. Has anyone had any actual experience dealing with these folks, or am I volunteering myself to be the guinea pig? I am also interested in picking up a set of headlights (nasty condensation on the inside, and one is cracked a bit) a set of tails, and clear bumpers from racerwheel.com Any experience with them?

Final question for today: Since I am planning on going the forced induction route in the future anyways, should I not go ahead and buy a 3" cat-back exhaust? If I do, how much "crumminess" will I have to deal with until I do the manifold+turbo install?

Thanks all,

-Joe

Why was my thread moved to a 420-A forum when my engine is a 4G64? It is closer in relation to the 4G63 than anything else. At least, most of the parts between the two engines are interchangeable.

 

[Locke]

I don't recall hearing anything about any of those vendors. I am sure somebody on here has experience with them, though.

If you intend on boosting your 4g64, a 3" exhaust now wouldn't be a bad idea. If you leave the catalytic converter in place, the noise shouldn't be too crummy before you put a turbo in the exhaust path to calm it down. Expect some highway drone.

Your being N/T probably stood out, while the fact you have a Spyder was probably overlooked. I will see if I can get the thread moved back to the Newbie section, for you.

 

[jmcompt]

As far as the exhaust is concerned, I'm just nervous about the Fart-Can aspect of oh-so many little sport compacts out there. I don't want to sound like a cross between a bee and a Suzuki motorcycle. Any companies you would suggest avoiding? I hate buying things twice, because even though I earn a decent living, I can't stand wasting money. I'd rather wait for the good deal then rush out and buy crap, only to have to replace it in six months.

 

[Locke]

I am a fan of (as well as numerous others) the inexpensive china exhaust. Read http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=250603. That thread is full of reviews, pics, issues, and videos.

Your being a 2.4 will likely make better use of the 3".

 

[jmcompt]

This looks like the right one for me:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/N1-C...emQQcategoryZ33630QQihZ018QQitemZ280138446267

If it sounds as nice as 96gstdsm's kit, then I'll be more than happy. It sounded quite nice, indeed

Now, I'm back to my inquiry on customer experiences with http://www.hopupracing.com , http://www.racerwheel.com , and http://www.body-kitz.com .

Where should I post that inquiry so as to get the best possible answer?

Thanks for being helpful. Most boards are pretty harsh when dealing with unfamiliar faces.

 

[jmcompt]

On second thought, I'm probably not going to go for that exhaust kit you guys have. 96gstdsm's kit is rusting pretty bad, and if he has to ship it back to the company, he'll be paying for shipping both ways. Now we're back to the whole not wanting to buy parts twice thing.

Is it really a deal if you're only buying time? I've read that you've had pretty good results with yours, but I'm on the beach all the time. Looks like Apex-i or similar cat-back is the route to go, unfortunately. Quite a bummer at this point, since I really liked the look and sound of that kit. Any advice?