I'm looking for some input here. I'm getting a 2001 Black/Black late next month and i'm looking to mod it for power and speed. But on that note, I have little knowledge about the modding and tuning of cars. Some of the stuff i read here just goes right over my head but i read on hoping to learn . . . anyways, i want to get some ideas from the people around here of what mods they would make. Cost is not a factor. Thanks for all the advice on the site.

 

First of all, are you planning to take the N/A or FI path?

 

i was thinking mainly about going with FI but are there any main advantages or disadvantages to either?

 

gains can be minimal or major. my suggestion - get the car and drive it for a while, learn how it drives and learn to get the most out of it before dropping serious dollars in the car. serious dollars can either gain you 10HP or 100HP depending on NA vs. FI. just hang around the forums and look and see impressions from other people's purchases. that's my take.

 

that's what i've been trying to do for the past couple of months . . . i've definitely taken a lot of notes . . . if anyone has any input on some "must-haves" please let me know . . . thanks again

 

One thing you will most likely find is that a good amount of NA mods will nod make HUGE differences in your car. I don't think anyone has broken +20 hp with any amount of NA mods, with perhaps the exception of someone installing the AEM EMS (1-2 grand).

Forced induction will get you power, for sure, but there are downsides to that as well. Keep your eyes open on the board or search for

comptech supercharger
speedcraft turbo

and enjoy the tons of material you'll have to read.

 

I think a must have is comptech supercharger, but you have to go all the way with it to get the max out of it. I mean drivetrain, some kind of cat-back system. Learn how to get the car to rip before you mod it, then it wont be as bad for your car.

 

How soon are you looking to make these mods?

 

as far as time frame, i have no real urgency, i just want it to be something that i'll enjoy and want to be sure i've checked out all the options before i have the work done . . . i have no problem waiting until year-end or later

 

If you go the N/A route, this is what I would suggest:
Intake: Mugen, Comptech, or AEM
Header: Mugen
Exhaust: This really depends on how much noise you're willing to put up with, but be careful here, a lot of exhausts have been known to LOSE power. In this department I think weight savings will be the biggest benefit, therefore, Amuse wins since it's full titanium, but is extremely pricey.

Aftermarket ECU: Mugen, or (when/if they make it more tuner friendly) AEM PEMS. Hams2000 has reported some substantial gains with the AEM system.

Cams: Toda

Flywheel: Toda, Comptech, Spoon, or J's

Clutch: Star or ACT

Wheels: Do not go larger than 17's and to keep the weight down, stay with 16's. I'm still waiting for the right wheels to come along that are lightweight, look great, and have the proper offsets.

Suspension: still undecided, but Tein RA's are looking pretty good.

Seats: Recaro SP-G's , or any reputable racing seat maker that will reduce the weight significantly.

CF hood: since the stock hood is aluminum, and already light weight, not much to be gained, but venting will decrease underhood temps so I would recommend either Amuse, Mugen, or Top Secret.

Battery: Odyssey (save weight!)

Brakes: Pinnacle (save weight and increase braking performance)

Remove your spare tire and tool kit (if you dare)

Also waiting to see how the head-work project that UL is working on comes out.

Am I forgetting something? Not sure, but I'm no tuning expert. I Just do a lot of research on this board and draw my conclusions, so do some searches on the above topics and draw your own conclusions on what's right for you. If you're going the N/A route though, I think that saving weight where you can is the best thing that you can do to increase performance all around. Just my 2 cents.