Baby steps....

[punishercb]

Hey all, I just ordered my first mods for my gst. I bought a high flow intake and a short throw shifter. I got the knockoff version of the B&M shifter because I can't justify paying 4 times as much for a product that is pretty much the same. I'm not really sure about the power gained from the intake, but I know that it helps in throttle response and sound. Now i can't wait to install the stuff. That's the best part!(aside from using it)

So what's the next thing you guys think i should do? I'm lookin for worthwhile gains too. I'm planning on getting a MBC and maybe a boost guage. But what other mods will give me the biggest gain in the butt-o-meter test? A catback will come someday, but I don't have 300+ dollars sittin around to spend at the moment. Maybe 200 MAX. so I am on a budget.

Thanks

 

[Defiant]

I don't have 300+ dollars sittin around to spend at the moment. Maybe 200 MAX. so I am on a budget.

Stop there. Settle on a reliable, quick car. Broken DSMs don't register as much on the butt-o-meter as an emerging turd does.

But, insofar as that's wasted breath, use the tuning guide here:

http://www.dsmtuners.com/tuning-guide/

Once you have about twice what you paid for the car saved up, you can begin.

Don't even think of trying to do it half-assed. You need a complete ass to measure butt-o-meter gauge, the cheeks are interdependent.

Add a boost gauge and settle with that. Don't be another broken DSM owner.

 

[punishercb]

Thanks for the info Defiant. I honestly don't plan on putting that much money into my car. I really don't want a car that can whoop anybody's ass on the road. I just want a gst that sounds good, has quick acceleration and can hold it's own. I don't plan on doin fuel pump, fuel injectors, bigger turbo....etc etc. I just want a car that I can romp around in sometimes to put a big smile on my face.

So that's why I was wondering if something like a catback, downpipe and high flow cat would give me a NOTICEABLE gain. Also, I am getting a boost guage, that's a given. But that's about all I want to do to my car. I realize that the more mods i do, the less reliable it becomes, so I def. don't want to do that many mods. Being as how I am in college I can't afford any kind of unscheduled repairs.
So back to the good ole butt-o-meter, would it detect any gains from a catback exhuast with a hi flow cat and downpipe?

Thanks again,
Chris

 

[Quasimondo]

Yes. You'll notice your car has a quicker step to it. I think an exhaust setup, upper intake pipe, and less restrictive filter will be just right for you...

...of course once you start going fast, you'll realize that it's never fast enough. Resist the modification bug!!!

 

[marcmsj]

i would go with a less restrictive exhaust system next if you want the most bang for your money this early on in the modding stage...

 

[2gGSX]

I'm at an early stage in modding, so I can honestly say the best mod I've put on so far is my UICP/1gBOV (albeit this was after my catback).
For a quick mostly stock car, I'd say get an exhaust system, UICP/BOV, intake filter/maybe a pipe, then gauges and you're set.

 

[punishercb]

That's pretty much exactly what i'm plannin 2GSX. My next investment is gonna be a guage and then a UICP. Man, I seriously can't wait to get all my stuff from ebay. It's like christmas all over again.

 

[Turbo Talon DL]

If you dont have the ca$h to do the entire exhaust yet, just sit on it and save. I dont think you would be content with just a cat-back system. You can justify not having an aftermarket exhaust yet by saving up for a FULL exhaust so you dont have to get another one down the road. Fuel pumps are pretty cheap too.