Need some help as far as performance/aftermarket goes
12-23-2009, 03:37 AM
#1
Cruisin' down the street
Thread Starter
Need some help as far as performance/aftermarket goes
Excuse me for making a new thread but I didn't want this to get lost in the socal thread and I just wanted some inputs from different people.
I'm sure there are lots of threads and all but I don't really have the patience or time to read through each and every one even though I try.
Alright, so here's the deal. I'm a student and have a fairly low paying job. My parents pay for insurance so I don't have to worry about that. Aside from gas I don't have many expenses. Life story aside, I want to start adding in and replacing things into my 8. I don't have a huge budget, I make like $200 a week. Can you guys sort of prioritize some things for me, like as in which upgrades should I get first? Should I get an exhaust, should I get new wheels, should I get a short shifter, an intake, body kit? Brakes etc. I'm not too car savy but I'm trying to learn despite there being quite a lot to learn. So can you guys help a brother with some advice? I'm completely stock by the way.
The things on my list so far are
1. Clear Corners
2. Wheels
3. Spoiler
4. Intake
5. Exhaust
6. Tires
7. Body Kit
8. Short Shifter
9. Turbo (If I ever have a spare 2k)
10. ???
Can you guys give me some suggestions on what to get, which things I should get in which order to give the most results. Remember, I'm on a very tight budget, so a 1.2k exhaust isn't much of an option.
Also: If any of you are selling the things I've mentioned I would be interested in hearing about it. Thanks for reading and hopefully I can get some responses.
In return: I will provide virtual hugs, free autocheck reports, love, and gratitude.
I'm sure there are lots of threads and all but I don't really have the patience or time to read through each and every one even though I try.
Alright, so here's the deal. I'm a student and have a fairly low paying job. My parents pay for insurance so I don't have to worry about that. Aside from gas I don't have many expenses. Life story aside, I want to start adding in and replacing things into my 8. I don't have a huge budget, I make like $200 a week. Can you guys sort of prioritize some things for me, like as in which upgrades should I get first? Should I get an exhaust, should I get new wheels, should I get a short shifter, an intake, body kit? Brakes etc. I'm not too car savy but I'm trying to learn despite there being quite a lot to learn. So can you guys help a brother with some advice? I'm completely stock by the way.
The things on my list so far are
1. Clear Corners
2. Wheels
3. Spoiler
4. Intake
5. Exhaust
6. Tires
7. Body Kit
8. Short Shifter
9. Turbo (If I ever have a spare 2k)
10. ???
Can you guys give me some suggestions on what to get, which things I should get in which order to give the most results. Remember, I'm on a very tight budget, so a 1.2k exhaust isn't much of an option.
Also: If any of you are selling the things I've mentioned I would be interested in hearing about it. Thanks for reading and hopefully I can get some responses.
In return: I will provide virtual hugs, free autocheck reports, love, and gratitude.
12-23-2009, 04:02 AM
#2
Daddy's Home...
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well if you aren't making a lot and it isn't in your budget i wouldn't advise modding your car as it is a very expensive hobby and maybe you could be allocating it somewehre else...
but if you think otherwise
i'd say stray away from performance mods and go with appearance at is has a better bang for the buck and your quicker results...
i'd go with clear corners and lighting...ie LEDS in the interior (it really changes the look of it), LED parking light, fogs, etc...
then for sure i'd get some springs for a drop it really changs the appearance of the car and its really inexpensive..2 bills the max usually.
then if you have the extra i'd pick some kind of body kit you'd like or save up for some wheels...
but perhaps you may get flamed a bit by otehrs...
just because of your financial situation. hahaha
but know exactly what its like...
but if you think otherwise
i'd say stray away from performance mods and go with appearance at is has a better bang for the buck and your quicker results...
i'd go with clear corners and lighting...ie LEDS in the interior (it really changes the look of it), LED parking light, fogs, etc...
then for sure i'd get some springs for a drop it really changs the appearance of the car and its really inexpensive..2 bills the max usually.
then if you have the extra i'd pick some kind of body kit you'd like or save up for some wheels...
but perhaps you may get flamed a bit by otehrs...
just because of your financial situation. hahaha
but know exactly what its like...
12-23-2009, 04:25 AM
#3
Ninja Name: Shimojikushi
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Most of the mods you will make on an 8 are more or less cosmetic. Few things will actually give you any real gains. So as far as most of the things you listed besides the turbo are really up to you and what you like or can budget for.
12-23-2009, 04:43 AM
#4
Cruisin' down the street
Thread Starter
Ok, about wheels then.. What is a good brand? I'm not looking for the 2k ones but maybe something in the 600-800 range for a set? I also am not entirely sure on wheel sizes.. and Nikko, I don't care if I get flamed, I'm asking for help if they want to be bitches they can go ahead and do so.
12-23-2009, 04:51 AM
#5
Ninja Name: Shimojikushi
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lol this is like workin with a fresh car.
Ok so dont worry too much about brands...there are reliable non-expensive brands...Now as far as size and everything go many ppl here will tell you to go aggressive but it really depends on what you are looking for. Have you seen any wheels you like.
Mesh or spokes, any colors, styles? From then you choose size which will 90% of the time be 18. Then you choose your width in whatever they have available and to what offset...the offset is gonna determine a lot as well as the width. (aggressive or not)
Remember if you do go aggressive then tires will need to be stretched which wont last you as long, and fenders will need to be rolled.
Ok so dont worry too much about brands...there are reliable non-expensive brands...Now as far as size and everything go many ppl here will tell you to go aggressive but it really depends on what you are looking for. Have you seen any wheels you like.
Mesh or spokes, any colors, styles? From then you choose size which will 90% of the time be 18. Then you choose your width in whatever they have available and to what offset...the offset is gonna determine a lot as well as the width. (aggressive or not)
Remember if you do go aggressive then tires will need to be stretched which wont last you as long, and fenders will need to be rolled.
12-23-2009, 04:52 AM
#6
Cruisin' down the street
Thread Starter
12-23-2009, 04:55 AM
#8
Ninja Name: Shimojikushi
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Dont know what color you want but these are similar 10 spoke wheels...come in gold and gunmetal
Rota G-Force
Rota G-Force
12-23-2009, 04:58 AM
#9
Cruisin' down the street
Thread Starter
I want a white finish, I like the look of that mixed with my wwp. I don't really know which would be best but I plan on doing some drifting here and there. So "aggressive" would be good I suppose. I'm just really new to this stuff and all the info thrown at me can be a bit overwhelming.
12-23-2009, 05:00 AM
#11
Ninja Name: Shimojikushi
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ok...are you talking about drifting realistically or you fooling around in a parking lot?
White wheels are not easy to pull off...mostly cause they get so damn dirty and its easy to tell when there are rock chips and curb rash
White wheels are not easy to pull off...mostly cause they get so damn dirty and its easy to tell when there are rock chips and curb rash
12-23-2009, 05:02 AM
#13
Ninja Name: Shimojikushi
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the wheel experts around here are Atilla and Tiltmode...they know lots. They obsess on wheels they can prob give you the best advice...as far as your other things go like exhaust and intakes...its all up to you. Stick to reliable brands and such AEM, Mazdaspeed, Racing Beat, HKS, Greddy, and so on.
12-23-2009, 05:03 AM
#15
Cruisin' down the street
Thread Starter
That's a good thought about the curb rash. I might change to gold, I don't really know what looks good on a wwp. I think black is kind of cheesy
12-23-2009, 09:22 AM
#19
1. Clear Corners Ebay or there is a vendor on here who sells them - budget $65 and maybe you'll get them for $50.
2. Wheels To be honest, watch the FS threads and buy used. If your budget is 1200, a good set of wheel will kill that. If you can get a pair used (not curbed), you could do half that. Remember whatever you buy will require tires to fit. For your use, I'd go stock width and maybe push them out a touch. That way you stay on stock tire size.
3. Spoiler - Good body work takes time and skill. Not cheap. Pass on this for now - unless you are looking for a stock spoiler which you can get painted, it'll fit, and won't be too expensive.
4. Intake - An AEM intake will run you 300-350 new or ~200 used. It's more sound than power, but a good sounding rotary is pretty sweet.
5. Exhaust - Budget $600 for this new. Tons of opinions. It really depends on what midpipe you want to pair it with (or any midpipe at all). The stock cat will keep noise down so you can go louder on the exhaust. An aftermarket cat will be a little louder. A straight pipe might get too loud with a loud exhaust - personal tastes withholding.
6. Tires - Tires are a fantastic mod. However, you should use up what you have and then buy tires w/ wheels when you buy wheels. You can save money that way. Resale on your stock wheels (normal Rx8 wheels) should be $300-$400.
7. Body Kit - Expensive if done well and expensive to maintain if not babied. If you really want to drift, save the money for suspension and tires.
8. Short Shifter - I generally hear the AFE SS is a fantastic piece. I see them for sale used here and there but it seems so popular that it always makes me suspicious that it's a scam. I'd buy new given that they resale pretty high.
9. Turbo (If I ever have a spare 2k) - Don't bother on your budget. $2k is not even going to get your foot in the door. You could probably do a cheap 250 whp greddy for $5k. $2k would get you a pile of pipe and a turbo with shaft play that sits in your basement until you sell it to someone else.
10. Suspension - If drifting is your thing, you'll want to first learn a ton about the car, its balance, and what you need. Then you'll need the parts to make it do what you want. Maybe it's shocks/springs, maybe it's coilovers, maybe sways, maybe some body roll reduction. Suspension is a very deep pool of modding but at least it can be done step by step, piece by piece.
2. Wheels To be honest, watch the FS threads and buy used. If your budget is 1200, a good set of wheel will kill that. If you can get a pair used (not curbed), you could do half that. Remember whatever you buy will require tires to fit. For your use, I'd go stock width and maybe push them out a touch. That way you stay on stock tire size.
3. Spoiler - Good body work takes time and skill. Not cheap. Pass on this for now - unless you are looking for a stock spoiler which you can get painted, it'll fit, and won't be too expensive.
4. Intake - An AEM intake will run you 300-350 new or ~200 used. It's more sound than power, but a good sounding rotary is pretty sweet.
5. Exhaust - Budget $600 for this new. Tons of opinions. It really depends on what midpipe you want to pair it with (or any midpipe at all). The stock cat will keep noise down so you can go louder on the exhaust. An aftermarket cat will be a little louder. A straight pipe might get too loud with a loud exhaust - personal tastes withholding.
6. Tires - Tires are a fantastic mod. However, you should use up what you have and then buy tires w/ wheels when you buy wheels. You can save money that way. Resale on your stock wheels (normal Rx8 wheels) should be $300-$400.
7. Body Kit - Expensive if done well and expensive to maintain if not babied. If you really want to drift, save the money for suspension and tires.
8. Short Shifter - I generally hear the AFE SS is a fantastic piece. I see them for sale used here and there but it seems so popular that it always makes me suspicious that it's a scam. I'd buy new given that they resale pretty high.
9. Turbo (If I ever have a spare 2k) - Don't bother on your budget. $2k is not even going to get your foot in the door. You could probably do a cheap 250 whp greddy for $5k. $2k would get you a pile of pipe and a turbo with shaft play that sits in your basement until you sell it to someone else.
10. Suspension - If drifting is your thing, you'll want to first learn a ton about the car, its balance, and what you need. Then you'll need the parts to make it do what you want. Maybe it's shocks/springs, maybe it's coilovers, maybe sways, maybe some body roll reduction. Suspension is a very deep pool of modding but at least it can be done step by step, piece by piece.
Last edited by maxxdamigz; 12-23-2009 at 09:26 AM.
12-23-2009, 09:34 AM
#20
Okay first three mods I would reccomend:
1. short shifter $200
2. clear corners & get some white leds for the parking lights and side markers ~$120
3. lowering springs ~100 if you get them used
these will improve the looks and drivability. Then start saving up for an exhaust. Don't even bother with an intake maybe a K&N filter and remove the vfad but that's all you need.
Don't forget you need to budget in oil changes and other miscellaneous maintenance issues
1. short shifter $200
2. clear corners & get some white leds for the parking lights and side markers ~$120
3. lowering springs ~100 if you get them used
these will improve the looks and drivability. Then start saving up for an exhaust. Don't even bother with an intake maybe a K&N filter and remove the vfad but that's all you need.
Don't forget you need to budget in oil changes and other miscellaneous maintenance issues
12-23-2009, 11:16 AM
#21
The Great Dick
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don't get rotas. never ever ever. sportmax(xxr) are more durable even though they still are a knock off brand.
also anything thinner than 8 is wack and purely cosmetic rims. go 17x9 +0 front with 200/40 tire and 17x10 -5 rear with 215/40. or the same sizes but in 18s. for drifting don't go cheap on suspension you will regret it later when you have to upgrade to coilovers. lowering springs will end up being a waste of money and they don't improve handling unless upgraded with a shock that combines well with it. But lowering spring with shock will end up costing almost as much as a full coilover set up.
also anything thinner than 8 is wack and purely cosmetic rims. go 17x9 +0 front with 200/40 tire and 17x10 -5 rear with 215/40. or the same sizes but in 18s. for drifting don't go cheap on suspension you will regret it later when you have to upgrade to coilovers. lowering springs will end up being a waste of money and they don't improve handling unless upgraded with a shock that combines well with it. But lowering spring with shock will end up costing almost as much as a full coilover set up.
Last edited by iLikeEatPoo; 12-23-2009 at 11:21 AM.
12-23-2009, 12:02 PM
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Okay first three mods I would reccomend:
1. short shifter $200
2. clear corners & get some white leds for the parking lights and side markers ~$120
3. lowering springs ~100 if you get them used
these will improve the looks and drivability. Then start saving up for an exhaust. Don't even bother with an intake maybe a K&N filter and remove the vfad but that's all you need.
Don't forget you need to budget in oil changes and other miscellaneous maintenance issues
1. short shifter $200
2. clear corners & get some white leds for the parking lights and side markers ~$120
3. lowering springs ~100 if you get them used
these will improve the looks and drivability. Then start saving up for an exhaust. Don't even bother with an intake maybe a K&N filter and remove the vfad but that's all you need.
Don't forget you need to budget in oil changes and other miscellaneous maintenance issues
rev defintely hit it on the spot...all those three are relatively inexpensive and makes a difference esp. a short shifter...i'd get that first as they often go on sale sporadically and are gone fast..and makes a great difference when driving...as far as wheels go, if you want inexpensive defintely go with rota...they often have imitation wheels of popular designs from other companies.
or save up some money and hang around as wheel sets go one sale for around 1k with tires sometimes.
12-23-2009, 03:07 PM
#24
Ninja Name: Shimojikushi
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don't get rotas. never ever ever. sportmax(xxr) are more durable even though they still are a knock off brand.
also anything thinner than 8 is wack and purely cosmetic rims. go 17x9 +0 front with 200/40 tire and 17x10 -5 rear with 215/40. or the same sizes but in 18s. for drifting don't go cheap on suspension you will regret it later when you have to upgrade to coilovers. lowering springs will end up being a waste of money and they don't improve handling unless upgraded with a shock that combines well with it. But lowering spring with shock will end up costing almost as much as a full coilover set up.
also anything thinner than 8 is wack and purely cosmetic rims. go 17x9 +0 front with 200/40 tire and 17x10 -5 rear with 215/40. or the same sizes but in 18s. for drifting don't go cheap on suspension you will regret it later when you have to upgrade to coilovers. lowering springs will end up being a waste of money and they don't improve handling unless upgraded with a shock that combines well with it. But lowering spring with shock will end up costing almost as much as a full coilover set up.
