Progression Upgrade Advice

[Firedancer]

So I just picked up a 2nd job for the summer and will be working about 70 hours a week. This translates into making some pretty solid money after I pay off some bills.

I don't have a picture of my car but it's a stock 08 grey 2.5 (womp womp)

The things I want to do for sure are as follows

-halo projector headlights
-intake
-exhaust (more than likely Borla)
-tint (my good friend owns a shop)
-wheels and lowering kit (I think these two need to go hand in hand)

As much as I wish I could do all this in one shot I just don't have the funds for it. So I am wondering what is going to look best as far as progression goes. I absolutely can't stand my stock wheels. 15" wheels? Really? I didn't even think they came like that anymore. I mean my 94 Grand Prix has 16's on it. That being said, I would love to do wheels first but obviously that is the most expensive upgrade I plan on. I just think the car would look pretty silly with lights, exhaust etc with those god awful stock wheels on it. Now a lot of you are probably saying "there you go, you just answered your own question." The factor that hinders this is I live in North Dakota. Most of you may not know where that is but let's just say our summers are short but sweet. Thinking by the time I get the funds for wheels, tires,springs, mounting etc It will be late summer and before long off they go for the winter and back to my tiny stock ones.

So my question is: What would you guys do? Would you get some of the less expensive upgrades first so you can enjoy them for the summer and not worry about how ridiculous the stock wheels look? Or save up and get the most expensive upgrade done with first?

Any advice would be appreciated so I can come to a decision soon.

[SEismyG]

My route was performance. I just bought 1 or 2 mods at a time. I don't think Borla offers an exhaust for the 2.5 A/C. If you want to go for looks right now, a drop and tint would do, maybe wheels, what are you thinking about? Take it slowly so you can think as you go. If you want performance: Intake, Exhaust, Headers. Check out the LSD exhaust. Sounds pretty nice. Just pick your route for now: Performance or Looks

[D3santis]

Anything other than stock height look bad a**, Drop the car on some springs, and Get some tint on the windows and tailights, It will look 100 percent better, you woldnt even reconize your own car honest, That you can to performance mods, Or whatever you please.

[aphu]

This was my order of mods. Tint, black out lights, rims and tires, then exhaust intake and other small things

[RiedelRidesVolkl]

I was in your same position but finally was able to save enough for some more drastic mods. 1st: I swapped headlights, but not projects just put HID's in the stock housing. 2nd: interior LED swap. 3rd:tinted tails &tinted windows. 4th: aftermarket fog-light housing and switch and put HID's in them. Then more recently(past month) i purchased wheels, tires,Stillen front lip, and BC Coils. I couldn't be happier now. But Id recommend the wheels and tires and drop last unless you know exactly what you want and have the $$ to do it.... But the little mods go along way!

[Firedancer]

Thanks for the advice.

Totally forgot about no Borla for the 2.5's. Damn it that is killing me!!!! I am really hesitant on exhaust. I realize I have an import with a 4-cylinder engine but I really don't want it to sound "ricey" In other words I don't want to step on the gas and have it sound like a lawnmower on steroids like some of the Hondas I hear as they drive by. I want a deeper, throatier sound. Hope I can find something that can produce that and still be compatible with my car.