Performance and Cosmetic Stages.

[ebalita]

Hello guys. I have had my convertible for a week now.I am starting to look at what mods I can do to it.

I have started with a drop-in K&N on the stock airbox. But I am sure many of you have gone through performance upgrade stages.What I am interested in is a discussion of what bolt-on parts have been proven to have the biggest bang for the buck. For example, have people dynoed airfilters to see which has the most improvement? Which headers work best? Does a lightweight pulley provide noticeable gains? How about strut bars... who has the thickest? Of course, pricing and where to get them from would be great information to have. I am not going to do the manual transmission swap just yet but I would be interested in what you automatic guys have.

My car came with stock rims. I am definitely looking to upgrade. Actually, that would be my first major mod since I think stock rims just do not cut it for me. I plan on going to 17s... I would like to keep the cost low. The tires on my ride are still pretty decent. It is really more for vanity.

Air filter - Catback system / MufflerSpark plugsStrut Bars (Front Top, Front Bottom, Rears?)Springs and shocksPulleyEngine mountsBored Throttle body?RimsTires

You can start by telling me what you have installed on your car right now and how you like it. If money was no object what Brands would you buy? Or what have you gotten that was reasonably priced yet did the job.

Thanks in advance. Great to be part of this forum.

[94_240sx]

I bet most people have been there before. I'd suggest maintenance and research first and go for upgrade later. Maintenance means taking care of worn out bushings, replace valve cover gasket, crank seals...etc. That's how I started and it's been working great. If I have to go back, I'll do the same thing. Just make sure you don't do same thing twice. For example, I replaced tension rods with stock unit and later replaced again with aftermarket ones with pillow ball joints. Sure, I love pillow ball joints better than jelly filled with rubber bushings. I should have taken more time and did more research. Are you staying 4 lugs? That'll affect your decision on wheels, so plan out, take your time and do things slowly. Anyway... just search and read. That'll help you a lot.

[ebalita]

Great advise. I do plan to fix what needs fixing first.

This is probably a newbie question but I will ask anyway... what is the benefit of going 5 lug?

This is what I plan to do... please tell me if I am on the right track.

1)Maintenance (Timing, Spark plugs, Spark plug wires)2)Intake3)Exhaust4)Suspension (Springs, Shocks, Bars)5)Headers6)Lightened Flywheel7)Bored Throttlebody8)...?