Hey Looking to do my first performance modification to my stock 2005 S. What is a cheap, effective(meaning the most horses), SAFE, gas efficient initial mod?I was thinking maybe to exchange the Cold Air intake?Please advise.

 

Too many categories. I'm also relatively new to the S and from what I've researched, the car and the over all package is so good from the the factory that adding simple bolt on won't get you much unless you get the really expensive, well designed stuff. To answer your question though, I would go with a decent intake setup. AEM, Fujita are pretty popular. I have the K&N FIPK and I pretty happy with it. Supposedly you'll get another 5~ HP up top but more than likely 1-2 HP. The sound IS pretty cool, like a set of ITBs at VTEC. Exhaust would be another one I would go with. Again, minimal gains but most systems are lighter than stock so you'll trim some weight at least.

 

Get an exhaust for the sound and maybe a 3-8 hp gain. That would be my first mod. Or you can get a new final drive ratio for around $1,000 that will make the car a little more toruqey. Many say it is the best bang for the buck.

 

I'm pondering the same thing. I'll probably do an intake for the sound alone. I read that JDM tuning (I think that was the name) was the best one around but I'm not sure what the actual company name is.

I fear an exhaust because I don't want to sound like a ricer. If I get the wrong one, I'm screwed.

 

Well, speaking from experience, don't get an Invidia N1 or an Apexi N1 or a Skunk2 Megapower. Not that these products are bad but they're very very very loud. The Invidia N1 and the Skunk2 are pretty much identical and are, I think, a copy of the Apexi N1. I had an Invidia V2 N1 for a week and then I took it off, went back to stock and sold it.

 

If you don't want a "ricer" sound, I would go with the Invidia V4. But if you want a high quality sound, get the First F1 Racing Exhaust. I don't have one, but they sound amazing from this video.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xyUPoa_OleE

They look cool and they are relatively cheap.

 

Best cheap free mod is weight reduction. First thing I did was remove all the carpeting in the trunk, spare tire, jack, etc + AAA membership. There is plenty on the to choose from.

$75 Pulstar plugs

Gut the stock air box and get a better filter.

Buy a VAFCII for $250 -$300 used and get it tuned for $225.

 

75bucks for plugs? You have to be joking right?

 

Do a search on Pulstar plugs. They are supposed to be the sh!t.

 

I agree about the loudness, not to mention that you end up spending over $1,000 for 2 hp. The stock exhaust is very efficient(i have read that mugen designed it) and durable (it is stainless). I did the resonator delete mod and am totally happy with it. There is a small resonator toward the rear but before the exhaust splits. You can go to any muffler shop and have it removed and then a straight pipe installed. I paid $40 with a $10 tip. It gives it just enough noise in the low rpm range and cannot even really tell after about 5k rpm. An intake is an awesome first mod, although the power gains are minimal they can help with engine response and heat bog. The best part about getting an intake is the noise. The F20 and 22 have an awesome intake note, and the cool thing with intake noise is that you only hear it when you get on it and is silent when you are just cruising. I found an AEM version 1 intake on Ebay for 130.00 direct from Aem\Dc. There are some great deals out there!