I just ordered a K&N CAI, which got me thinking, I really don't have a good idea of what I want to do with my car.

I definitely want Stage II in the near future, possibly a better exhaust (I don't want louder, just better :p)

But after that, what's a good progression of performance mods to invest in? I don't want to turn it into a race car per se, as it's still my daily driver, so I don't want to have to worry about frying pistons or sploding rings, but I'd like a bit more oomph.

Any ideas?

 

intake header downpipe exhaust and stage 2

all these are great for a reliable daily driver with some more punch

 

An exhaust that has less restriction is going to be louder, you can't really get around that. I would recommend the GMPP touring if you are worried about how loud the exhaust is. It is a noticable difference, but definately not loud. I would also recommend you get an aftermarket header and downpipe. There are many different combinations to choose from, so you need to do a little research. The full exhaust will net you some decent gains.

 

I just recently installed my K&N CAI, I also have a 3" Downpipe and a Magna-Flow exhaust and I will be getting headers here soon. THEN I will get Stage II. My car is a daily driver also, I drive about 124 miles a day round trip and havent had any issues.

 

The exhaust seems like it's going to be a huge project. I do all the work myself in the shop I have access to, and while I'm comfortable climbing around old chevy small blocks, I'm kind of worried about having to work on a cramped 4 banger. Would I be smarter to just let an exhaust shop do the grunt work on that end?

 

well since ur an east coast grunt i would say yea let someone else do it but if u were out here on the westcoast i know some good squids (myself included) that could help u out haha..its easy man tear that sum bitch apart

 

The exhaust shouldn't be too bad, especially the cat-back. If I were you, I would just do the whole thing myself You only need patience and some basic hand tools.

 

Me and a buddy installed my Downpipe and my exhaust. It was very easy but time consuming. Just gotta be patient. I think installing the Cat-Back is definitly a 2 person job but the downpipe has like 6 bolts, 02 sensor and thats about it.

 

Exhaust is incredibly easy

take old exhaust off.. put new one on..

ive done full turboback exhausts on slopped driveways with the car on two jackstands.. no need to worry

 

Well ****, I guess I'll do it myself then :p Now... should I get an exhaust system before or after stage II?

 

alot of people are gonna have different opinions on this..i say traction and cooling mods first...others will tell u drop pulleys now...its all on preference man if ur going daily driver and arent gonna want alot of power (yea right) just slap on a stage 2 call it a day and ur good..but u know and i know it wont stop there

 

I have a buddy that has Stage II and an intake and he is happy with it. For me, I wanted to get my intake and exhaust all taken care of before I slapped the Stage II on my car but like Raven SS stated, its all preference. I wanted my whole Induction to be upgraded so that when I get the Stage II I can maximize it and allow the car to breath better but its not necessary.

 

I did my GMPP catback myself in about 30 minutes , it's one of the easier things to do . Manifold and downpipe are a little bit tougher i would imagine .

 

^x2^

 

My car is a daily driver. My plan is a zzp 2.9in pulley kit, 42 pound injectors, clear image header/ downpipe combo, and i would like a corsa catback with an extra resonator inline (but might go custom). Should be a very safe daily driver.

Oh yeah, dual pass, and a lfp heat exchanger, since year round its around 70-100 degrees outside.