Cheap Mods

[cmkelly]

Okay, it's February (in case you haven't looked outside recently) and many of our 'verts are off the road for a while. Now's the time to do those little projects we put off because we'd rather be driving them.

Here's the thread:Cheap mods that either increase performance or looks. They've got to be under $150, easy to do and don't involve neon.

I need some ideas. Ready......go!

[nissanconvert]

Here's what I have to do this winter:Replace broken windshield $135Change diff fluidReplace belts, thermostat water pump, flush coolant (done)Replace trunk struts $30Replace rear speakers because theres more rattle then music nowWire the 2 dimmer switches I bought as rear window switches and put them in the OD light spot so i can get power mirrors later.

Other suggestions:New antenna, I got this and it works better then my old one ever did. Smooth, quiet, and great reception.http://www.crutchfield.com/S-8...tenna

Got this and the green lights/black faceplate and silver accents looks fairly good with the stock dash black with green lights in the hvac unit above.|Its cheap and plays mp3 cd's and th radio. I didn't need anything else.http://www.crutchfield.com/S-8...H2800

I've also replaced some missing smaller things that are cheap from the dealership like : the retainer strip for the boot behind the seat, some bolts for the headlights and a spring, new rubber bumpers for the hood so it would stop squeaking at every bump.

Wireless door lock kits are cheap.

Waterproof the top.

Change the fuel filter.

Install Hud

get power mirrors

get digital climate control

[ishkabibble]

This antenna:

http://www.locustom.com/shark2_kit.htm

Door panel conversionRe-do door panel inserts and glove boxNew carpetWheelskins leather steering wheel coverRed + clear taillightsSilvia emblemsNew NGK ignition componentsRemove resonator box from stock intakeMagnaflow high flow catReplace interior and trunk bulbs with a brighter bulbQ45 front brake conversionVW Bug fender conversionXenon front lip ($250, but well worth it)

[Loki]

I WISH I could garage my Vert for the winter...sadly it is my only car, and I don't even own a garage

Really wanna see some good suggestions in here, cause the less money, the better :p

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

ishkabibble and nissanconvert pretty much said everything I planned on saying...

[94_240sx]

If you do this, your car will run smooth and strong.

- Seafoam in crank case, transmission and gas tank. - Use Deep Creep for the throttle body.- NGK Iridium+ plugs- New ignition cables- 300zx fuel filter- Change fluid transmission, diff, engine oil...etc. I jumped to Mobil 1 when I had 100,000 miles and I loved it. - AEM dryflow air filter w/adaptor- Replace old belts- Replace valve cover gasket if it leaks. Remove upper timing chain guide while you are at it.- Flush radiator if the coolant is dirty- Use Simple Green/degreaser/plastic & rubber cleaner to clean up engine bay. Trust me. It feels good after you finish it.

Well, that's about it. If you search, you will see a lot of info on them. I think it might go over $150, but your car will run very smooth. I rather focus on maintenance stuff since our cars are old.

Oh! Recently I found this lower tie bar on eBay and got it. I saw it in one of the members RUCA install write up and asked. $19 shipped. Yeah! I love to stiffen up my car.


Modified by 94_240sx at 7:17 PM 2/5/2007

[ishkabibble]

- AEM dryflow air filter w/adaptor

- Use Simple Green/degreaser/plastic & rubber cleaner to clean up engine bay. Trust me. It feels good after you finish it.

Supposedly the stock airbox - the resonator + a good filter is just as good as a round filter + maf adapter on an S13. This is because the stock unit flows reasonably well, and what you gain in airflow with a round filter is offset by the higher air temp in the engine bay. I wish I had dyno results on this comparison, but if SPL races on a stock intake, I'll take their word for it.

I've used Simple Green to strip off paint, window tint, and silicone caulking before... that stuff freaks me out too much to use it on my car.

[ishkabibble]

I WISH I could garage my Vert for the winter...sadly it is my only car, and I don't even own a garage

Same! And my vert is red with mudflaps too!

You're always welcome to drop by and use the alley behind my building to do major engine work... the Autozone parking lot is nice, too.

[Eikon]

nobody said front strut tower bar/brace. that's a great one!

Cold Air intake was mentioned.

suspension stuff is always nice as well.. ball joints, ruca's, tc, etc..

[94_240sx]

Supposedly the stock airbox - the resonator + a good filter is just as good as a round filter + maf adapter on an S13.

That's what I heard, but isn't it going to help if you have aftermarket exhaust?

I've used Simple Green to strip off paint, window tint, and silicone caulking before... that stuff freaks me out too much to use it on my car.

I had crank seal leak for a while and used brake cleaner+simple green to clean up the engine. Worked great!! Yeah, not on plastic parts.

nobody said front strut tower bar/brace.

Yes, it's a good one. I forgot $32 shipped eBay cooling panel. Suspension upgrade is nice, but expensive. You can get Nismo poweer brace at $150.

[ishkabibble]

That's what I heard, but isn't it going to help if you have aftermarket exhaust?

Not if the increased flow is offset by higher air temps. Battery relocation and building an intake that goes on the passenger side (away from the exhaust manifold heat) might realize some gains. I've read about people building ram air systems, too.

[94_240sx]

Not if the increased flow is offset by higher air temps. Battery relocation and building an intake that goes on the passenger side (away from the exhaust manifold heat) might realize some gains.

I think that's what wirelessalpha has on his car. He didn't relocate his battery though. He used small one instead. How about cold air extension that goes inside of passenger side wheel well? Filter actualy seats right behind little vent under turn signal.

[wirelessalpha]

yeah, smaller battery - but I am gonna run with a trunk relocation kit and get a full size before I hit the track this year. Major pain in the *** if I don't drive it every 2 days....i constantly need to jump it cuz the alarm drains....