Hey guys, just got done doing my catback and making some brackets here and there for it. I was thinking about getting a used set of MAC headers, but I want to wait till I have some more money to spend on the car so I can get the full exhaust ceramic coated from the headers to the tips.

I was thinking about getting a set of Spectacle Solutions subframe connectors and their strut tower brace, then with the left over money make my own panhard and lca's out of aluminium tubing and rod ends. I would really like to get some performance items for the car, but I also want to touch the chassis up a bit to get a better feeling car.

What are some of the basic peformance items that are really worth getting, right now I have just a Hooker Catback and 160º thermostat, I would think the following might be good?

Moroso CAI
Moroso 11.5mm Plug Wires
Thunder Racing 3.73 rebuild kit
GMS Mass Air sensor
Hypertech Airfoil

I know a stall would really help in my case but I plan on swapping it out for a manual... and as far as ignition goes, from your guys/gals experience what would be the best route to go?

Thanks!

 

definitely the CAI
wires i really dont think they make any difference (i went from accel 8.8's or something back to stock delcos...)
forget the mass air
airfoil, might as well, its cheap
gears, definitely

how bout this? roller rockers i dont know if youd need to change the springs though, but im pretty certain youd gain more off of those than the mass air or wires.ditch the cat as well. free and you should gain a little. tb bypass , free as well what about an electric wp? just a few thoughts, hth

 

No can do on the cats Gotta keep them there for smog checks. I could eventually do dual exhaust around here as long as I had cats, but I like how quiet the exhaust is in the cockpit.

I had planned to do a hotcam swap when I tear the car down, so eventually there will be some roller rockers on there, these mods are just to hold me over till I finish building my truck.

So you think the stock ignition is pretty adequate?

Thanks for the response.

 

everyone of those mods you mentioned but the cai is basically worthless....be patient and save your money for a cai and a nice set of LT's

 

Having used both 3.73 and 4.10 I would say get the 4.10. There loads more fun!!! Especially if you're going to get that T56 you keep trying to steal out of my car. 11.5mm wires are WAY overkill and might actually reduce the spark a bit. Get the 8.5mm MSD ones. Quite excellent. Airfoil is useless. MAF is useless (just port the one you have). I recommend an electric water pump. I felt a real seat-of-my-pants increase when I installed mine.

 

I don't know how worthless they are, I figure with programming that will pretty much nullify what the GMS mass air sensor does, maybe just port the factory housing, throttle body airfoil isn't really on my high priority list for mods, but it will help a small amount with airflow.

But like I said before, how are Spectacle's parts? I did a search and didn't find a whole lot, heard good things and I heard nothing.

LT's are out of the question as the car will be eventually dropped 1.25" - 1.5" and I'm not buying FLP's.

Anything on ignition parts though? Is it worth upgrading or just keeping the factory parts in good working order/maitenence?

 

You don't need an aftermarket ignition unless you're stroked or running N20. A lot of people get them needlessly for the coolness effect ("I have an MSD Ignition!") and because they don't know better. Hell, I have a Jacobs Pro Street ignition ( ) so even I fell for it.

 

to answer your ? about the stock ignition beeing adequate, if the wires are fine, id say leave em. the thicker ones are just more of a pain in the a** im running an accel 300+ ignition, cant say wether or not its benefitted or benefitting me more than the stocker did, but i would do that mod again. id still say do the rr's now nothing else is coming to mind though

 

From what I've heard the MSD wasn't too hot of an ignition, I think I'll stick with the factory plugs and coils and get that over the valve cover kit w/Taylor wires when I do the headers. I also broke the #1 electrode plastic shroud on the optispark when I changed my front crank seal. It's been hanging on there for about 3 1/2 months now but no problems, maybe its time for my 3rd opti when I do the cam?

DJ, how is that water pump holding up? Did you get a Mezeire or CSI? I wouldn't mind it if it would last about 2 years at a time at the very least, whats' it like 6,000 hours of use or something?

 

Mines fine. Runs strong, no leaks,

I have it wired to the ignition fuse but I need to install a relay for it but you know how I hate electrical work. If I did it again I would get a CSI. Better reputation, don't have to mess with the fan shroud, smaller size, etc. A little waterpump housing altering with a Dremel never hurt anyone.

The electrical pump was one of the easiet mods I've done. I was picky and let the sealant cure for 24 hours before I filled it up. I'm **** like that sometimes.