New upgrades?

[crimsonGST]

Okay, I have a FEW (emphasis on few) upgrades to my car.
Im looking for strictly performance upgrades right now. I do eventually want to go turbo, but thats not for atleast another 6-7 months.

What is the next thing I should upgrade for more power?


And I am looking for your opinions. No matter what it should be, I'd like to hear it.
I know you guys like to keep it non-opinionated but I'm asking for it.

 

[-TunedDSM-]

Follow this upgrade path

http://www.dsmtuners.com/sub.php?page=2gntupgrades

 

[oldman]

Moved to 420a bolt on tech.

 

[absolute_DSM]

Honestly what I would do - save the money you want to spend on parts now for your turbo upgrade later.

Put the money in a different account so you cant even touch it, then when you go turbo youll be less strapped for cash.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

The most effective, and yet most basic power modifications can be summed up in the acronym I/H/E: intake; exhaust; headers. The main challenge for any enthusiast is choosing parts based on the goals for the car.

Exhaust Systems
A good cat-back exhaust system can benefit anyone. Cat-backs basically use the same piping in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated (N/A) applications. Some may argue that piping diameter should vary between the two (larger for turbocharged cars), but that's subject to opinion. It is, however, true that you'll reach a point of diminishing returns where larger piping won't benefit a N/A car any more. If brand names aren't important to you, pick up a cheap system on eBay: you can hack off the muffler and replace it if you want something unique or quieter.

Headers
On a similar note, a good set of headers should be on the shopping list for any serious N/A enthusiast. Those of you who plan on turbocharging sometime in the future may choose to omit headers as they'll be replaced by the turbo exhaust manifold and the turbo itself. Again, if you don't care much for brand names, look for cheap sets on eBay. Be warned that many eBay sellers are unscrupulous when it comes to describing their products: 4-1 and 4-2-1 headers may be advertised interchangeably.

Intake Systems
Intake systems are relatively simple in concept. A pipe directs air to the intake manifold... You can buy into the advertising of the larger manufacturers, but consensus is "a pipe's a pipe." The absolute cheapest eBay intake will suffice. You will, however, want to replace the filter with a quality unit with the proper inside diameter (usually 3") from a reputable manufacturer (K&N, etc.). If you plan on adding a turbocharger in the future, the intake system will invariably need to change. But don't fret, you didn't spend hundreds of dollars on a brand name; you bought a cheap eBay unit!

Underdrive Pulleys
Another highly effective modification to consider is an underdrive crankshaft pulley. Underdrive pulleys (UDP's) divert less power from the crankshaft to the accessories, leaving more power to the wheels. Unlike exhaust systems, headers and intakes, when it comes to UDP's, it is wise to invest in a quality unit. Howell Automotive and Unorthodox are two very well known manufacturers. Given the fact that UDP's rotate at high speeds, buying cheap units is a risk: they may be machined to sloppy clearances.

A word of warning...
Whatever you do, do not buy into electronic gimmicks. For the most part, any ECU modifications or mysterious black boxes that connect to the throttle position sensor (TPS), coolant temperature sensor (CLT), or intake air temperature senor (IAT) don't work and aren't worth the money.

Always do your maintenance!
As always, before you modify anything, be sure your car is up to date with all maintenance: change the oil; check all other fluids (flushing where necessary); replace the oil and fuel filters; inspect all belts (replacing if necessary); and change the spark plugs and wires. Seafoam is a good way to restore an older, carbon-clogged engine to health.

 

[link16]

Well, Paul seemed to cover it all.

I would also suggest to look around for some nice deals on turbo stuff. It is always easier on the wallet to gradually spend everything you have than to drop it all in a couple of days.

One mod Paul did not mention would be a short shifter; a short shifter does not add power and this is his probable reasoning. A short shifter reduces the throw length inbetween gears; the general concensus was that the ebay shifters are usually fine, you should just look into some new bushings, as the ones included in their kits are crappy.

 

[Blitzeclips]

Boost it man it's the most cost effective way to get power. I saved up for a year then shopped for a year just piecing my kit together. Saved over $2000 though!

 

[knight007]

well since your wanting more power and gonna go turbo soon ide recommend these....polyurethane mounts, a full 3 inch exhaust, a good clutch/flywheel combo, and about a 500 dollar buffer because youll probably break a few things after the turbo install

 

[crimsonGST]

Wow, that's ALOT of good information and I'm extremely happy with the feedback. I'm most probably going to follow the list that Paul gave me extremely closely. Just spend what I need to basically get it read for the turbo, but still gradually adding some power to the motor.

I'll definately look into cleaning my motor with seafoam as my motor has 100k+
Thanks for everyones opinion and I'd say this thread is basically done unless anyone else has something to add.

 

[tegster1]

You could always do a compression check to make sure everything is alright before you boost it to go along with the maintenance and keeping the engine healthy.

One thing to do is to read and read and read and ask questions if you cant find them on the forums already answered somewhere. I have learned how to rebuild an engine just from reading since any question I had was already answered. You seem to have a good plan and know what you want for now but remember to search the forums when it comes time for bigger mods a.k.a. turbo.

 

[crimsonGST]

Okay, I'll remember that! I've only been a member for about a week or two and I've already learned SO much from you guys, and just reading. Hopefully I can build the car of my dreams with you guys' help. Thanks and I'll keep everyone posted on problems and upgrades.