Am I ready to start modding?

[Dream On]

Hey guys. I've had the car for about two months now, and have been doing tons of maintenance things so far. I've done/replaced:

both front axles
front passenger outer tie rod
front passenger lower ball joint boot
front driver's side ball joint
oil and filter
transmission fluid to Pennzoil Syncromesh
transfer case fluid to Redline Heavy Shockproof
rear differential to Redline Heavy Shockproof

So here are some of my questions:

1) I've found that my exhaust manifold has about 3 cracks in it (1g of course) and I'm wondering if I should do that first with a 2g manifold, or is it ok to do some other mods first?

2) How long will the stock clutch last if I just do supporting mods for the 14b? I've got about 129-130k miles on my car, and the clutch still is pretty good, I don't notice any slipping.

3) Should I go ahead and replace the fuel filter before I start modding as well? I get about 25 mpg if I baby the car and don't boost.

Thanks for reading. Sorry its so long...

 

[JST2FST]

So here are some of my questions:

1) I've found that my exhaust manifold has about 3 cracks in it (1g of course) and I'm wondering if I should do that first with a 2g manifold, or is it ok to do some other mods first?

2) How long will the stock clutch last if I just do supporting mods for the 14b? I've got about 129-130k miles on my car, and the clutch still is pretty good, I don't notice any slipping.

3) Should I go ahead and replace the fuel filter before I start modding as well? I get about 25 mpg if I baby the car and don't boost.

Thanks for reading. Sorry its so long...

1) I would say go and replace the manifold first. There is no point in starting to do other mods when there is still something that needs to be fixed on your car. If I were you I would make sure I fixed the problems first. If in the process of fixing something you can replace it with an upgraded part I would.

2) If its still the original clutch, you might want to start saving up now. The best thing would be to keep some money set aside so that if the clutch does start to go you can just replace it when needed.

3) I have no idea about this one. I would just wait till you got an bigger fuel pump, I think they come with a new fuel filter, mine did.

 

[SBstar]

I would replace the manifold right off the bat. With how cheap you can get a 2G ported mani or even and EvoIII manifold, why not just do it. The stock clutch isn't going to last long once you start modifying your car. But provided you're not absolute hammering on it, I'd wait until you start feeling it slip to replace it. ACT 2600's seem to be the weapon of choice. Fuel filters are cheap if you think its coming to its end go ahead and replace it. Of course putting all those little cheaper items together makes them not so cheap, I would definately read the tech guide, its a good little guide to follow while modding your car.

 

[ddavisaf]

I would do a timing belt job before I started modding. Don't forget to do the free mods also. Such as a fuel pump rewire etc...

 

[Dream On]

Timing belt was done before I bought the car (at 125k). Plugs are new and they are NGK's. I don't have a lot of time to do the manifold right now (going off to school) but I'm thinking that when I come back over winter break I'll put on a ported 2g manifold and O2 housing, and build my custom exhaust. By then I'll probably only have an air filter and a boost controller and boost gauge. Thanks for the input.

 

[rocketjr]

Changing the fuel filter after 1ooK plus defiantely can't hurt.

If you can afford it get a tubular exhaust manifold. That made a difference for me.

Hard intercooler piping is something that you can do yourself for cheap and its fun (I think).

Balance shaft removal is a cheap good one. You need time for this tho.

And definately start saving for that clutch. Once you start modding and testing its new found power it will probably go quick.

Good luck

 

[TurboDSM86]

Timing belt was done before I bought the car (at 125k). Plugs are new and they are NGK's. I don't have a lot of time to do the manifold right now (going off to school) but I'm thinking that when I come back over winter break I'll put on a ported 2g manifold and O2 housing, and build my custom exhaust. By then I'll probably only have an air filter and a boost controller and boost gauge. Thanks for the input.

Look to the future on what you want to do with your car. If you are going to go with a bigger turbo that requires an external wastegate, why buy a manifold with out a flange already on it? Sure you can send it out and have it done but why if you can do it once the first time. Just a suggestion.

Do the fuel filter. Its easy, cheap, and a good peace of mind.

 

[Dream On]

Like I said, I'm gonna stick with the 14b. Only way I'll change it for now is if its cracked. So I think I'll go with a ported 2g and o2 housing. Then I'll make my exhaust and IC pipes. Thanks.