Hello everybody, I decided to sign up because I found this forum pretty useful.

Anyways, I have a 2001 Acura 3.2TL (White), it's completely stock but I want to make a few upgrades in the next few months. I've been working full time and putting money aside to put towards my car. What would be some worthy / noticable upgrades for $250? I know upgrades aren't cheap, but in the long run I plan on having at least:

Intake, headers, exhaust, maybe drop it a few inches .. haven't decided

Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

CAI is a good upgrade

 

Thanks for the fast reply. Would it give a noticeable difference .. sound, performance, etc?

 

XS Headers will give you the best bang to buck. Plus it'll only cost you about $125.

 

Intake, headers, pulley, hid fogs could all be done each is less than $250.

 

headers only 97$ shipped and a drop would be nice. H&R springs for only about $120 used.

 

i don't think just springs are a good idea, he has an '01 so the stock shocks have some mileage on them.

just save up and do the whole spring/shock or coilover together.

i'd say start simple and go CAI, or tint it.

 

Where can I find headers for $97? I'm guessing ebay .

 

If you're planning to kinda put it together in the future, start with the drop. From there, you can get your rims to fit and look right. Or start with the XS headers - the most bang for the buck - then get the intake, exhaust, pulleys, later that go along with the headers. Also keep in mind how much installs are gonna cost ya since you only have $250.

For looks, debadge, 3A tips, lip spoiler are cheap.

Also check out this recent thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162981

Oh and welcome. Once the mods start, its like a disease.

 

stock shock with aftermarket springs are fine. many people run that set up and have over 100k miles still with no problem. Headers first is still a better idea because its cheap and you get the most gain from it.

 

the SSauctochrome website, or maybe its XS-Power now. I dunno, search google.

 

http://xs-power.com/honda/honda027.html

 

 

I'm sure ill regret asking this question (probably why i cant find anything on search):
what are xs-headers?

 

did you try to use the search button, select 2nd gen and type in "XS Power"or "headers" etc?? I came up with a awful lot of info

XS is a Brand of headers.

 

xs headers + thermoblock + remove intake resonator = about 250max

 

Wild Weekend in Tijuana.

 

i'm just saying from experience. if you're going to do mods, do it right.

if you just do springs, you're going to have to uninstall/reinstall shocks. why not do it together and do it properly? i put H&R sports on my stock shocks, but that was at 30k miles. they will shorten the life of oem shocks.

why buy 3A exhaust tips and waste money if you're going to go with an exhaust later on?

spoiler? eh.. no spoiler is worth the money. m3/m5 lip is ugly IMO, and ww is ugly also. mugen is impossible to find/afford. wingless looks cleaner anyways.

 

this can ONLY be said because the XS ebay header is available.

yes a lot of people have this header with little to no issues. i even have them, only for temporary, because i want comptech. what's the point of a $140 header for him if he can't install himself, and has to pay $200 to get it installed? the xs header is an amazing price but it's not the best.

from relative easiness and cost/quality, i would go with an icebox/injen cai or if it's looks you prefer, tint. this is all my personal opinion so let's leave it at that.

 

For 250 If you want to speed up your car id get UR Underdrive Pulley, you can probably get that and installed for 250. If you were gonna get a CAI I would wait untill you can throw down an extra 60 bucks and get a AEM V2. I got one and its the s**t. As for the headers im kinda skeptical on the XS Power ones Because over half of the members who have them have renosance problems. But If your not a perfectionst and can handle an unexpecting sound everytime you step on the gas this is the "Best bang for you Buck" Other than that spacers or springs is also under $250. Thats just my advice good luck.