Mods that I have planned, not necessarily in this order:

OBX headers
NWP spacers
lowering springs or coilovers
tint
lighter rims
smoked side markers
CAI
advanced timing

My current mod fund is $600. I was planning on doing the headers first, but am not sure if should go with a tint and drop first; especially since it's summer.
I should have another $400 or so by the end of August.
What would you do 1st?

 

Obs headers=420 $
Nwp spacers=200
Tint=100
Lowerung springs=80-300 not worth it imo just get coilovers 750 $ megans new
Cai=150 n up

Yea

 

Cai waste of money

 

My suggestion, buy used parts if possible. Especially for items that aren't affected by time, like headers and rims. If you're on a budget, new should be last choice.
Get in the my5thgen.org group on Facebook...you're up in the Northeast and there are usually used parts for sale in there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/183877908331009/

I also say avoid CAI

 

+1 for buying used.

Those all seem like good mods, except for lowering springs. If you plan on keeping your stock struts/shocks, just know that they won't last too long with lowering springs. Lowering springs with performance struts/shocks or coilovers are the way to go.

If you plan on getting headers... you may not get the most out of them without a tune. The acceration in my car was not smooth until I got a tune.

Personally, I would recommend starting off with the suspension, since that's the weak part of car. For a family sedan, a stock 5.5 gen has good power (faster than many sports cars)... but the handling sucks, so that's what I would remedy first. If you have lots of power, but a soft suspension, you'll be wobbling around every time you accelerate.

 

Don't do Headers. just buy catman y pipe $240 stock manifolds flow just fine and not restricted much. the y pipe is bigggg restriction!!!


Make a custom short ram intake from elbows n stuff from pep boys. bout $70 with k&n filter.

H&R drop springs=$210

springs-$210
Y pipe-$240
custon cai-70
2Degree timing advance-$40 max.

total-$560 and will drive n pull like a whole different car.


Run mobil 1 oil and k&n oil filter hp1010 i beleave. tune up!

August comes around buy some kyb. adjustable shocks to take advantage of new springs and better feeling ride. their $500 for 4.

 

Doesn't this apply to just 5th gen? Mine is a 2003.

 

Y may free up a few ponies but yes, headers are the way to go on a 2002-2003. (just make sure you have a shop to help you with emissions tests and visual inspection if your state requires that- ie. O2 sim)

 

Sorry thought u had 5th.

 

Any special tools that I would need if I decided to take the DIY path with the headers? I'm guessing since my car has no rust that I won't have any trouble with the bolts.

 

Time and gloves, I shredded my knuckles. You may have to shave the X member

 

I already shaved my member. Wait, what are you talking about? Would a double-blade or triple-blade razor be required?

This is beginning to sound like a major PIA.
Now I'm thinking NWP spacers($225), H&R springs(~$150), tint(~$150), magnaflow or knockoff($cheap), 17 degree timing(free). I still may be left with enough to replace the stereo.

 

1. new bushings everywhere
2. summer-only tires
3. Rear Sway bar

In that order, likely using up your budget. And yet none on your list.

 

Your first mod should be selling me your TE wheels!

 

you need a catman 3'' catback.

 

since you're on a budget... give me your oem catback and 150 bucks for my megan catback

 

LOL what a horrible deal that would be!

1. Replace bushing wherver possible with ES bushings.
2. Spacers.
3. Springs

 

Watch your springs(especially if you go way low), it's recommended you get new struts with them.

Suspension, Headers and Brakes will all be the best game changers in regards to performance mods.

 

Anyone familiar with these: nevermind