I'm looking for advice on performance upgrades. I have a '98 convertible with auto trans that only has a Halltech intake with dyno tuning. The engine has very low mileage, so I really don't want to crack it open for a year or so. I have already priced an exhaust package to include a set of long tube headers, x-pipe, hi-flow cats, and new mufflers. It would probably be a good time to also replace the tunnel plate, plugs, and wires.

Any recommendations on mufflers? plugs? wires? How about suspension: springs? shocks? bushings? sway bars?

Any personal experience/history with trail and error is certainly appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

Good question, but you've left out quite a few details. What are you planning to do with the car? Are you looking for straight-line performance or autocross performance?

Narrow it down to help us answer your question!

 

Performance = $

How much are you looking to spend? Evil jr. raise some good points as well. More info would be helpful, but you're on the right track with exhaust. More dense cool air in, more air out...

 

Okay, so I'm a novice but I've got the desire to see it through. I prefer auto-cross but certainly don't want to give up any straight away power. Thanks for the responses!

 

You want both!!!!! WOW!!! You must have a ton of money to spare!

OK.. First of all, have you taken classes for xcrossing? Naturally this will help you to really understand what your car is capable of (stock). From this point, you can start to get real picky by pointing out things such as "well, I don't want the nose of my car to dip on hard turns", or "the butt of my car is loosing control on hard turns". If you already know how to xcross, sweet. Then it's safe for me to assume that you've already dumped the runflats too! If you haven't, do so immediately!

Now there are a few other things you should consider at this point. First, you can start with suspension. Since you stated you're runnin a '98, you'll want to get rid of the plastic end-links before they snap on you since they're plastic on earlier models. Look into an FX 45 or a Z51 setup. Either of the two are significant improvements over the stock setup, but will only be apparent to a person who knows what they're looking for and can immediately feel the difference. Plus, now would be a good time to get out the check book & calculator! $$$$$$$$$ This should cover your xcross mods.

Now on to straight line performance. Straight line performance is all about "breathing". Your selection of long tube headers, x-pipe, hi-flow cats, and new mufflers is a pretty good start. I would also add to this a set of 3.42's since your car will already be up in the air, plus it will save tremendously on labor cost too. 3.42's will enable your car to launch like a bat out of hell. Next would certainly be a 160 thermostat. You stated you're a novice, so it's safe for me to assume that you're still running stock thermostat. You can double check this the next time you're in your car driving around for twenty minutes. The gauge will read 220 degrees Farenheit. A 160 thermo will reduce the engine heat significantly, thus allowing better performance and saving engine life. As for the plugs, wires, etc.... don't worry about that just yet. You stated that the car is low mileage. Wait a while for that minor detail. Remember, you're getting ready to sign over your house for these mods!

All-in-all, you should see somewhere in the vicinity of 330+rwhp. Suspension does absolutely nothing for hp gains. Between the two, I'd feel comfortable to say that you're looking at approx 8000 dead presidents! and good luck!

 

Okay, I agree, the suspension mods won't help with the hp but they sure feel good. The wheels and tires were actually my first mod. I went with some 19" aluminum CCW's and Pirelli P-Zero's. I will do the springs, shocks, bushings, and sway bars myself, which should help with the labor (maybe not the frustration).

As for the rear-end, not sure, perhaps a mod party might be in my future. I'm not too sure about doing the headers myself. I don't think that I can get the car off the ground high enough to get the necessary clearance.

I guess my last question would be, any suggestions on parts dealers?

 

Fred Beans or Ken Fitchner would be a pretty good start. Everynow-n-then they have specials. In fact, I believe Ken Fitchner has a sale going on now, but cant remember on which parts. Look into it!

Also, as a reminder, I hope you don't plan on xcrossing with your ccw's. If you still have the wagon wheels that came with the car, I would highly recommend swapping them for the day just before you hit the track. Don't wanna bend the ccw's now do ya, and yes..... it has happened before!