Originally Posted by
Zef_66
Here is my opinion on everything and how I would go about it:
Exhaust: I would buy some mufflers, and have them installed locally, if you really want your car to sound better. The only reason I did the exhaust on my car is because the stock was rusted off. If I had a good stock exhaust on my car, I wouldn't touch it. It will handle into the mid 13s just fine. No reason to change it. So unless you really, really need to change your exhaust, or just want it obnoxiously loud, don't touch it.
Headers: Pacesetters are okay, but they are probably going to be a nightmere to get to seal. Even with getting them from ZZP. If you want the headers, check ebay. I think they sell them on there for a little cheaper. If you are tight on cash, get a P-log for the front, 3" DP, and a ported rear manifold. Should be more than enough for the mods you want to do.
Pulley: Yes, install last. After you make sure you don't have any knock. Then scan again to make sure you still don't have any knock.
Intake: Yes, Wizaired is a really good intake. But it is really expensive. I have a cheap DIY-from-Lowes intake on my car and it works fine. Check around and read up on do it yourself FWIs and save yourself $150.
PCM: Okay, here is where you are not going to like my opinions. If you plan on doing all these mods to your car, an off the shelf PCM may work just fine. But if you want the most of out these mods, you need a tuner. The cheapest one I would suggest is the DHP Powrtuner. They are no longer made, but a lot of people have them, and they still have some good support for them. They can be picked up for around $350 used. Get a $100 laptop, and you are ready to go. [plug] If you are interested in a used PowrTuner, PM me. I have one for sale.[/plug]
Thermostat: Personally, I don't think the t-stat is needed, unless you live in really hot climates and drive your car like you stole it everyday, everywhere. But this has been debated. You car will run fine with a stock t-stat. Mine does everyday. The only way that your car will get more performance with a cooler t-stat is if you are not modding correctly and are getting KR. At the track, yeah, run a cool t-stat. But if you drive your car at all on the street as a DD, a stock t-stat is fine. And ditto picking it up at a local auto parts store to save a couple bucks.
Mod Order: If it were me, I would get the tuner first. Get used to scanning. Get comfortable changing things. Get a good tune before you mod. Change your trans settings, etc. Then make a cheap DIY intake. And re-tune. Then do your exhaust work. And re-tune. Then, if all is good, drop down a pulley size. And re-tune. If you do that, you should have an awesome mid-high 13 second car.
