First Mods - Need opinions
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
First Mods - Need opinions
I have been a member for a short time and have been reading the posts to come up with my list of mods below that I am considering, but would value your opinions.
I have an '01 - convertable - automatic - 29,000 miles - silver - black interior. No mods have ever been done.
I am interested in "performance" mods - but also need "new tires" and "brakes". My list below I feel in my priority of needs first, etc...
Maybe I can get my bank to "add" to my car loan with the mods - anyone ever head of that ? I still owe $23,000
Mod "wish list" : I would like you opinions
Tires:
* GoodYear FI GS D3 - 17 front 18 rear - (if I stay with the same stock wheels)
* Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 - (same as above for wheels)
Pads:
* Hawk HP Break pads
Calipers: "red" - (new vs painted ?)
Rotors: Sloted - (Zinc coated - ?) -
* Baer EradiSpeed - ?
* Wilwood Rotors - ?
* Raybestos - ?
Wheels: (can the originals stock wheels be traded for a value ?)
* CCW 505a = size 18 front 19 rear ?
* HRE 547
* SSR GT3
Air Intake:
* Blackwing Donaldson
* VaraRam Air Sytem - VR2B
Exhaust: (Note - I do not want it real loud - don't need to wake the dead - but I do want more growl than stock)
* Corsa Indy Pace Car Muffler System
* Corsa Touring Muffler System
X-Pipes: (Is this necessary if I go with any of the above exhausts ?)
* Corsa
STILL WISHING.......
Shocks: ( I would like to get away from the "stock ride suspension")
* Bilstein Sport Shocks
* Z06 Shocks - (part number ?)
Sways:
* Hotchkis
Springs:
* Z06 leafspring upgrade
DREAM ON......it may take a while but that' s my wish list.
I look forward to your comments on which way to go....beside the poor house.
Dennis
I have an '01 - convertable - automatic - 29,000 miles - silver - black interior. No mods have ever been done.
I am interested in "performance" mods - but also need "new tires" and "brakes". My list below I feel in my priority of needs first, etc...
Maybe I can get my bank to "add" to my car loan with the mods - anyone ever head of that ? I still owe $23,000
Mod "wish list" : I would like you opinions
Tires:
* GoodYear FI GS D3 - 17 front 18 rear - (if I stay with the same stock wheels)
* Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 - (same as above for wheels)
Pads:
* Hawk HP Break pads
Calipers: "red" - (new vs painted ?)
Rotors: Sloted - (Zinc coated - ?) -
* Baer EradiSpeed - ?
* Wilwood Rotors - ?
* Raybestos - ?
Wheels: (can the originals stock wheels be traded for a value ?)
* CCW 505a = size 18 front 19 rear ?
* HRE 547
* SSR GT3
Air Intake:
* Blackwing Donaldson
* VaraRam Air Sytem - VR2B
Exhaust: (Note - I do not want it real loud - don't need to wake the dead - but I do want more growl than stock)
* Corsa Indy Pace Car Muffler System
* Corsa Touring Muffler System
X-Pipes: (Is this necessary if I go with any of the above exhausts ?)
* Corsa
STILL WISHING.......
Shocks: ( I would like to get away from the "stock ride suspension")
* Bilstein Sport Shocks
* Z06 Shocks - (part number ?)
Sways:
* Hotchkis
Springs:
* Z06 leafspring upgrade
DREAM ON......it may take a while but that' s my wish list.
I look forward to your comments on which way to go....beside the poor house.
Dennis
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Welcome to the forum 
you came to the right place. That is a big list there. I am at work and leaving so here is a TTT(to the top) for ya.
Good luck
you came to the right place. That is a big list there. I am at work and leaving so here is a TTT(to the top) for ya.Good luck
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
welcome to the forum! I would go with the Vararam and Eradispeed rotors. Everything else is pretty much up to what you like best. The GT3 are my favorite wheels right now, I love the gun metal ones. For shocks, you can't go wrong with bilstiens.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Originally Posted by dgibson
I have been a member for a short time and have been reading the posts to come up with my list of mods below that I am considering, but would value your opinions.
I have an '01 - convertable - automatic - 29,000 miles - silver - black interior. No mods have ever been done.
I am interested in "performance" mods - but also need "new tires" and "brakes". My list below I feel in my priority of needs first, etc...
Maybe I can get my bank to "add" to my car loan with the mods - anyone ever head of that ? I still owe $23,000
Mod "wish list" : I would like you opinions
Tires:
* GoodYear FI GS D3 - 17 front 18 rear - (if I stay with the same stock wheels)
* Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 - (same as above for wheels)
Either of these tires are top of the line.. both have great reviews.. I have the Pilots.
Pads:
* Hawk HP Break pads
I do not like the hawk brakes.... I like the GM ceramics... the Hawks almost ruined my rotors..
Calipers: "red" - (new vs painted ?)
Painted it the way to go and save alot of mod money for other things..
Rotors: Sloted - (Zinc coated - ?) -
* Baer EradiSpeed - ?
* Wilwood Rotors - ?
* Raybestos - ?
The best bang fop the buck are the Sportbrakes.com rotors.. they are drilled , slotted and zinc coated for 249 dollars and 30 to ship anywhere in the country.Zinc coating will make those rotors look good years from now,,.
Wheels: (can the originals stock wheels be traded for a value ?)
* CCW 505a = size 18 front 19 rear ?
* HRE 547
* SSR GT3
The SSR GT3's are great looking wheels..but they are clear coated which means they will be degraded by any stone hits.. it's the reason I did not buy them.. any wear through will cause oxidation and you cant polish it oput because when you do.. it will remove more clear coat and it can become a cancer... also clear coated wheels are degraded by brake dust..
The HRE's are beauticul but they are 6 to 7 thousahnd dollars in 18 and 19's with polished centers and lips and barrels..
The CCW 505 A's are 2500 dollars they are true forged and polished everywhere including the inner barrels, these where my choice based on looks and quailty and price
Air Intake:
* Blackwing Donaldson
* VaraRam Air Sytem - VR2B
Either is a great choice
Exhaust: (Note - I do not want it real loud - don't need to wake the dead - but I do want more growl than stock)
* Corsa Indy Pace Car Muffler System
* Corsa Touring Muffler System
THe Corsa Indy's were my choice with the Xpipe..Ive had them for five years and could sell them tomorrow and buy anything else I wanted.. but I have yet to find a better exhaust for my style of driving.. the big thing about the corsa is they have no resonance at 1500 to 2500 cruising range like many of the other do..
X-Pipes: (Is this necessary if I go with any of the above exhausts ?)
* Corsa
STILL WISHING.......
Shocks: ( I would like to get away from the "stock ride suspension")
* Bilstein Sport Shocks
* Z06 Shocks - (part number ?)
Sways:
* Hotchkis
Springs:
* Z06 leafspring upgrade
DREAM ON......it may take a while but that' s my wish list.
I look forward to your comments on which way to go....beside the poor house.
Dennis
I have an '01 - convertable - automatic - 29,000 miles - silver - black interior. No mods have ever been done.
I am interested in "performance" mods - but also need "new tires" and "brakes". My list below I feel in my priority of needs first, etc...
Maybe I can get my bank to "add" to my car loan with the mods - anyone ever head of that ? I still owe $23,000
Mod "wish list" : I would like you opinions
Tires:
* GoodYear FI GS D3 - 17 front 18 rear - (if I stay with the same stock wheels)
* Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 - (same as above for wheels)
Either of these tires are top of the line.. both have great reviews.. I have the Pilots.
Pads:
* Hawk HP Break pads
I do not like the hawk brakes.... I like the GM ceramics... the Hawks almost ruined my rotors..
Calipers: "red" - (new vs painted ?)
Painted it the way to go and save alot of mod money for other things..
Rotors: Sloted - (Zinc coated - ?) -
* Baer EradiSpeed - ?
* Wilwood Rotors - ?
* Raybestos - ?
The best bang fop the buck are the Sportbrakes.com rotors.. they are drilled , slotted and zinc coated for 249 dollars and 30 to ship anywhere in the country.Zinc coating will make those rotors look good years from now,,.
Wheels: (can the originals stock wheels be traded for a value ?)
* CCW 505a = size 18 front 19 rear ?
* HRE 547
* SSR GT3
The SSR GT3's are great looking wheels..but they are clear coated which means they will be degraded by any stone hits.. it's the reason I did not buy them.. any wear through will cause oxidation and you cant polish it oput because when you do.. it will remove more clear coat and it can become a cancer... also clear coated wheels are degraded by brake dust..
The HRE's are beauticul but they are 6 to 7 thousahnd dollars in 18 and 19's with polished centers and lips and barrels..
The CCW 505 A's are 2500 dollars they are true forged and polished everywhere including the inner barrels, these where my choice based on looks and quailty and price
Air Intake:
* Blackwing Donaldson
* VaraRam Air Sytem - VR2B
Either is a great choice
Exhaust: (Note - I do not want it real loud - don't need to wake the dead - but I do want more growl than stock)
* Corsa Indy Pace Car Muffler System
* Corsa Touring Muffler System
THe Corsa Indy's were my choice with the Xpipe..Ive had them for five years and could sell them tomorrow and buy anything else I wanted.. but I have yet to find a better exhaust for my style of driving.. the big thing about the corsa is they have no resonance at 1500 to 2500 cruising range like many of the other do..
X-Pipes: (Is this necessary if I go with any of the above exhausts ?)
* Corsa
STILL WISHING.......
Shocks: ( I would like to get away from the "stock ride suspension")
* Bilstein Sport Shocks
* Z06 Shocks - (part number ?)
Sways:
* Hotchkis
Springs:
* Z06 leafspring upgrade
DREAM ON......it may take a while but that' s my wish list.
I look forward to your comments on which way to go....beside the poor house.
Dennis
Welcome to the forum...
Last edited by Evil-Twin; Nov 1, 2004 at 08:36 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 923
Likes: 200
From: TX
Welcome to the forum!
I know this is boring but the first mods you need are the rocker rails and frame savers from A&A.
Then maybe step out and get the tranny fluid changed to a synthetic atf, particularly if you are going to run her a bit.
Its not like getting killer wheels but you will be glad you did.
verysoon
I know this is boring but the first mods you need are the rocker rails and frame savers from A&A.
Then maybe step out and get the tranny fluid changed to a synthetic atf, particularly if you are going to run her a bit.
Its not like getting killer wheels but you will be glad you did.
verysoon
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Evil-Twin, thanks for the reply and details - I have seen your posts and car several times - nice ride!!!
* Any ideas on what the "painted calipers" should cost ?
* Regarding the Corsa exhaust - are there distinct sound differences between the Indy' and the Touring mufflers ?
Thanks;
Dennis
* Any ideas on what the "painted calipers" should cost ?
* Regarding the Corsa exhaust - are there distinct sound differences between the Indy' and the Touring mufflers ?
Thanks;
Dennis
Cherish your Hopes...
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,074
Likes: 236
From: West Palm Beach FL
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07
Welcome Dennis to mod haven...and for the modding maniacs who want to make your wish come true... 
first love the color...Quicksilver IS Gold
Since you want "performance mods" -
Tires and brakes first...you should drive safely first...
Michelin on 18's all around on front 9.5 and rear 10.5 inch rims
or Michelin on CCW 505a = size 19's
Brakes...Baer EradiSpeed
Rotors: Sloted - One piece ("Zinc coated" yea but you still may want to cover them later...)
If you want to autocross more seriously... Wilwood braking systems.$$
OEM brake pads for low brake dust...
Calipers: "red" - (new or painted if you DIY)
Air Intake:
* VaraRam Air Sytem - VR2B
Exhaust B&B Bullets
with X-Pipes to reduce popping and resonance...
Hotchkis upgrades
Remember true performance is in the engine...and a good tuner should release the power...
Illl be watching...
first love the color...Quicksilver IS Gold
Since you want "performance mods" -
Tires and brakes first...you should drive safely first...
Michelin on 18's all around on front 9.5 and rear 10.5 inch rims
or Michelin on CCW 505a = size 19's
Brakes...Baer EradiSpeed
Rotors: Sloted - One piece ("Zinc coated" yea but you still may want to cover them later...)
If you want to autocross more seriously... Wilwood braking systems.$$
OEM brake pads for low brake dust...
Calipers: "red" - (new or painted if you DIY)
Air Intake:
* VaraRam Air Sytem - VR2B
Exhaust B&B Bullets
with X-Pipes to reduce popping and resonance...
Hotchkis upgrades
Remember true performance is in the engine...and a good tuner should release the power...
Illl be watching...
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If you are still above the loan value of the car, the bank may consider increasing your loan. Wouldn't say you were doing mods though. 
As far as your list goes, here are my comments:
The Goodyear GS-D3's are very good tires. So are the Michelins. Either way, you will have a good set of rubber on the car.
For brake pads, I think I would go with GM ceramics. My Hawk pads squeal a lot now and they only have a few thousand miles on them.
Paint your own calipers - easy to do and a lot less money involved.
I have a set of the Eradispeed one piece rotors all the way around and they are nice. You may want to consider the Sportbrakes also.
As far as your list goes, here are my comments:
The Goodyear GS-D3's are very good tires. So are the Michelins. Either way, you will have a good set of rubber on the car.
For brake pads, I think I would go with GM ceramics. My Hawk pads squeal a lot now and they only have a few thousand miles on them.
Paint your own calipers - easy to do and a lot less money involved.
I have a set of the Eradispeed one piece rotors all the way around and they are nice. You may want to consider the Sportbrakes also.