what would be the easiest/cheapest performance mod that would boost my HP the most? keep in mind i don't know anything about cars and i dont have too big of a budget (dont want to spend over 120 or so) .

 

Get XS Power headers and replace the bolts and gaskets with OEM. Should give you a decent boost in HP for around $150ish. They're cheap so you may have some resonance issues though.

 

Only need the bolts. The stock gaskets are reusable.

 

would he be able to install the headers himself? because i thought those would need welding??

i say a CAI would also help, and make you love to hear your car roar

you can also get spacers

 

Cheap modifications that only require basic bolt ons that actually do something are:

-CAI
-XS headers
-Intake mainifold/TB spacers

Change out the oil/tranny fluid, run some seafoam through the engine/gas tank. Make sure the tires are properly inflated. Everything adds up.

 

CAI was my first mod, love everytime i start my car gives you the best sound

 

I'd say Headers or CAI since they are about the same price depending on brand but you would have to spend over 120 for sure unless you can find used parts.

 

CAI's are the best bang for the buck performance mod out there.

 

yeah i got my CAI for like 50 on ebay brand new (minus shipping) and installed it with a friend pretty easily if u follow a DIY section

 

honestly ur first mod on that car should be lowering springs. aint nuttin like seeing the difference between ur stock tl n lowered. night n day difference

 

what is CAI?

 

CAI = Cold Air Intake, SRI = Short Ram Intake. I might as well answer this question before you get a brutal verbal beat down

 

Welcome to Azine!

 

The best bang for buck would be the XS headers at $150. Installing them is kind of involved and highly recommended you have some good tools. You can probably pull off the CAI its pretty easy but they are a little more then $120 usually.

 

Did they raise the prices on the XS headers? They were just over $100 if I remember correctly and some people even got them for less than that.

 

No, believe it or not they, they lowered them even more
http://ssautochrome.com/level.itml/icOid/1494
I paid $11 too much

 

I say Comptech Icebox, UR pulley and headers.

 

Yeah your right I payed 150 a long time ago

 

No. They dont need welding

 

get nitrous oxide..easy 100 hp boost ..... then after you blow a nice big hole through one of your pistons and bend a connecting rod u can replace the engine and put in a type s motor.

 

CAI if not feelin up to XS headers

 

^^great advice....Truly.....

But seriously, go with a cai, but now that i see that fsttyms1 said that haders need no welding that wold be a GREAT MOD...if you had experience.

 

Yea the CAI would be the easiest for you since you said you don't really have that much mechanical experience. I wouldn't reccommend trying to do the headers if you don't really know how to use a wrench (not really, but you know what I'm saying). The CAI is very easy to install compared to the headers and spacers.

 

i remember people saying you get about 18 hp for a set of headers, for 100 bucks with the XS, that's about as good a deal as you can get. but the problem with XS headers is that they are a hit or miss kind of thing they can work like a dream and you'll swear by them, or you can suffer hearing loss due to massive droning.
if that's the route you wanna go then cross your fingers, otherwise a nice CAI will make your engine breathe slightly better, about 3 HP gain (? pulling numbers out of my ass here) and a deep growl when u unleash the beast

 

It's not deafening droning, but a grinding sounding resonance at certain RPMs. Definitely standable

 

I'd think a good intake will give you more than a 3hp gain. Some like the AEM V2 can give over 12 at certain RPMs. It will also give you better throttle response to a certain degree as well. Now a SRI that will only give you around 3-6hp tops.

 

Yeah especially if you keep the stock exhaust and intake. Headers and CAI is a noticeable gain though.

 

i got this for my type S a few months ago when i first got the car.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-02...QQcmdZViewItem
cheap yet works perfect and i loveeeeeeeeeeee the sound

 

I might get the zomk or bomz intake and put a k&n dryflo filter on it myself. Not till spring though. I just bought new headlights and tires (Dunlop SP Sport A/S) and I still need to buy ppl x-mas presents.

 

Smoke your taillights.. I get comments all the time on mine.

 

I doubt this will provide the extra HP that the OP is looking for.

I only picked up like 3HP at the wheels when I smoked my tail lights

 

Debadge=26WHP! About as cheap a mod as they come too!

 

i have always wanted to know what bad the resonance is. I don't wanna attract any cops lol

 

I doubt it's enough to attract the cops and even if it did, they couldn't do shit about it since you still would be using the factory catalytic converter. They don't make actual race headers for the TL.

 

It's not that bad at all. People that hear about this "resonance" from XS headers think it is some Civic sounding deafening drone but you can barely hear it at all. Mine is even more prevalent because of the intake and both exhaust resonators removed. It just makes a slight grinding sort of noise when the engine is cold and it is at certain RPMs. After the car has been running a few minutes and everything gets nice and hot, the noise goes away.

 

so I am looking to get a CAI....where can I find the best prices and a reliable brand? hook it up!

 

Talk to excelerate. Hes a vendor on AZ, he'll be able to hook you up!