Hey! New to the board. I have a 2003 that I'd like to start performance mods. Not an unlimited budget so I'd like to hear suggestions on where to begin. Thinking of a Borla catback and crawford cat. I'm an old dude - 40's - and gotta crate clients around. Too loud? Do I need to reprogram my ECU to accomodate exhaust mods? All suggestions and help appreciated!

 

If you use your car for clients, I would stay away from exhausts and CAI... I would limit yourself to a suspension kit and some rims and maybe the Factory Body Kit...

 

So you don't want any increase in noise? Rear sway bar upgrade! 10 wire hypergrounding
kit from gordgee. You will be very happy with these two mods.

 

I would go with a Z tube and a K&N filter. best mod for your buck in my opinion.

 

I agree with Shodog. K&N filter and a Z-tube.

 

I agree with them...the Z tube (air intake from the 350Z) and K&N air filter definitely, followed by Gordgee's 10-wire HG system. BTW - you'll only notice the Ztube's sound above 3,500 rpm, but it does provide a significant sound and power improvement. See my review (and others) of Gordgee's HG grounding system in the Mod Reviews section.

 

Thanks for the input! On the Borla exhaust, I don't mind more exhaust note - just not too much! For example, the FX35 seems to have a louder throatier sound than the G. I could easily live with that sound plus a little. Any thoughts, let me know.

Thanks for the tips on GroundingGear and the K&N/Z tube. List is with Santa.

 

Definatly stay away from the Stillen Exhaust then

Personaly I like the stillen sound now that I've had it on my car for awhile, but its a little shocking when you first put it on..

 

i too crate people around(Realtor), and i have the following; z-tube, kn panel filter, stock airbox mod(from yours truly), y-pipe, resonator removed but kept the stock muffler...........it's obviously louder than stock, but not obtrusively loud......with clients in car, i usually shift before 3k rpm and have soft music playing..........when solo, it's either with system thumping or windows down listening to the intake/exhaust duet......or sometimes both when i feel like it.............weird.....

 

Your needs are very similar to mine, For performance I would suggest:

1.) Z-tube/K&N Filter
2.) Plenum-Crawford now or APS if you can wait a couple of months
3.) Grounding Kit
4.) Coupe Midpipe (Slightly more throaty-closer to FX from what I have heard, but probably very marginal hp gains)
5.) Crawford Hi-Flow Cats
6.) UR pulley-great mod for power, some debate as to on engine harmonics-do a search to learn more. I am still undecide and am waiting to see if any problems surface as more miles are put on these.
7.) Technosquare ECU -do this after all other mods to engine


I still only have the z-tube/ K&N filter. I think I will do the APS plenum when it comes out.

Good luck,

g4ian