I have a pretty good job this summer, so I will finally be able to afford some good modding. I have a 99 SE-L automatic. These are my 3 options:

1.) Supercharger from used or stillen $4200 with installation.

2.) Brand new 5-speed LSD swap (good clutch and STS) $3500 with installation.

3.) "Pimp" it with 18" Evo 5's with decent tires, stillen body kit painted, eibach springs and KYB AGX's. $3500 with installation.

Some things I am going to do no matter what are, frankencar intake, install the RSB I have, and window tint 20-30%.

Please share your opinions.
Thanks,
Dan

 

2 and 3

SC'ers are nice, but reliabilty can be an issue later on...



Eric

 

Definitely 2. The fun factor of the car will multiply enormously, and it will still be the same ole reliable car that you're used to.

SCs have alot of power, but I consider reliability as part of the fun factor. SCs kindof suffer in that extent.

As for #3, you can do that anytime, and maybe do it slowly by getting wheels one month, body kit sometime later etc. New wheels are always coming out and getting cheaper also because larger wheels are becoming OEM more and more.

DW

 

If you supercharge your car, the auto tranny will eventually blow up (like probably in less than a year, closer to 6 months)... So maybe do that first, then save up for the 5spd swap, it'd work out pretty well. If you don't wanna invest in all of that just go with option #3, I would seriously reconsider on the springs though... something lower would look much much better.

 

if you have to choose one and only one, get a 5speed. limited slip would be great. if you get money down the road, then get stuff for #3

 

i say 2 and i agree with dwapenyi
you can buy #3 all at differ times

 

I would choose # 3 because #2 is a kind of wasting money in my opinion. Why do you have to convert your Auto tramsmission since you are not going for SC. #1 is costly and you will have to maintain it at variable cost. #3 with an Injen CAI, UR Pulley, Stillen Oil cooler, Transmission cooler, VB Mod, new Ypipe, exhaust , and etc. Your car will look great and your car performance will be a lot better and still has a dependability to drive..............you will be and when you sell your car. you can take off those modded stuffs and sell it. Be smart

 

#1 if you like to race
#2 if you like to drive
#3 If you like to show off

My advice - make a compromise between #2 and #3 = your car will be fun to drive and will look good.

 

Definitly get #2 ...It's like reliving that awesome feeling you get the first week you got your automatic, except now this feeling will last as long as you have your 5 SPEED MAX!!

 

i have to say #2. u'll gain A LOT of respect by doin a swap, and driving will be more enjoyable.

u can get #3 for a lot cheaper price than tat... look under GDs and sales section, u'll probably pick up couple nice deal there.

www.speedandstyle.com << they offer great wheel/tire package there as well.

 

I would say option #4:
-Save the money for wife and kids (what lies in the future) and have REAL happiness.

 

save more and do all 3

 

my kids are going to be my cars

 

Why dont you sell your car and buy and a stick I would think it would be alot cheaper than converting. And you know it will be done right. Unless your upside down on your loan (if you have a lein). If thats the case you should use your money to pay off the car.

Or (i know this one isnt going to go over well) sell your car and take the money you were going to buy a SC with and buy a faster OEM car. If you choose well you wont be sacrificing reliability.

Unless you are really attached to your car. Then its totally up to you. I have to admit I love having a stick. BUT converting is the worst investment of all three options....when you decide to sell your car (someday you will) you wont get a penny of that money back.

I would either trade my car for a stick. Or option three. Because an SC makes no sense without a stick or a built tranny.

 

Thanks for all the replys guys. Yeah my first choice would be to sell the car and either buy a stick max or a stick bmw or other car, but theres no way that is going to happen. I got a huge loan from my father so even though I payed him back, he wont let me sell the car until I am out of college. (I am a sophmore) I am seriously thinking going the tranny swap direction. Are there any other large expenses besides the tranny itself? (99 lsd=$1700 from JR nissan). Does that include the clutch and shifter assembly?
Thanks,
Dan

 

Put the money toward your college education...??

 

forget college, it's overrated

i vote for #2, cuz i vote for that on my car all the time (if i just had the money for the swap...)