I'm just a working guy like many of you with bills to pay, however my company is giving us a mid-year bonus in a few weeks (about $650 for me after taxes) so I finally will have some money for some minor upgrades. What should I do next? The only thing I have done so far is add a Stillen Z-Tube and I just added an Android USB adapter to the stock stereo.

Here's my thoughts:

1. An HKS replica cat-back exhaust - $246 on ebay + installation.
2. Power Stop High-Performance Z23 Complete Brake Pad & Rotor Kit (drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic brake pads) - $334 on JEGS + installation. The way I drive this might be smart
3. A Megan Racing strut bar and and 1" wheel spacers - $200ish total.

I have an '05 G35 Coupe 5AT.

 

If you're looking at upgrades for $200-500, the best for your money is probably going to be a motordyne plenum spacer or new sway bars. Just my thoughts.

 

I don't like drilled and slotted unless it's on an actual racecar. Porsche, corvette, Ferrari..go for it. Otherwise stock brakes are fine, and at most get slotted. Drilled and slotted on a regular car (especially if you don't have a BBK) look pretty douche-y imo.

 

It looks nice, but most of the time the drilled portions are just cosmetic.

Stick to slotted only for performance and reliability.

 

A solid NO to options 1 and 2.
3 is in the right direction however, I'd first look into some adjustable sway bars. If you want a super solid frame, pair the strut bar with chassis braces and your ride will stick in the corners.
Best part, you'll still be under your 650.

 

EnCr1pt3d, you should want to get the most for your $$ and 1 thru 3 isn't your best option! Replica exhaust systems are trash! Bla, bla, bla brakes aren't a bad idea, do you really need brakes? Strut bars and sways you won't notice much difference...fact! The best mod for your $$ has always been Motordynes 5/16" spacer which corrects Nissan's design flaw plus gives you a few more WHP you can feel while driving!
Gary

 

Thanks for the suggestions all. gary c, you're killing all of my dreams lol, but I appreciate the honest feedback.

Guess I'll look into the plenum spacer...or get a tattoo instead

 

Tattoo will make you faster, but the spacer will make you cooler... Sorry.

Also, copper ISO or no ISO, as the ccv means danger if someone else drives your car. I would avoid the CCV at all costs.

 

Ccv?

 

This is retarded. OP, pay no attention to this comment.