So, I picked up my '03 TL Type S a few weeks ago and would like some help/advice on some tasteful mods.

I'm not new to modding cars, but new to this specific car. My previous cars include a modded GTP, Corvette, Trans Am and Steeda Mustang.

On this car, I'd like to get around 300whp, but don't really know the general direction in which to go. On my Steeda, when putting a CAI on, a tune was required. Is that the case with these cars, too? A CAI is the one thing I KNOW I'd like on the car. What about cam gears? Headers and an exhaust system are also a must-have, but I'm not familiar with what's good and what's not. Adjustable coilovers are also something I'd like, because I definitely want a more aggressive stance and would like to be able to change the ride height for winter driving, without having to take out lowering springs.

Basically, I'm open to any and all suggestions for what you would do to this car to make it stand out and perform a little better. HID fogs are also something I definitely would like, so where would I go about getting a great set?

Currently, I've just painted my calipers. The car also has the OEM kit on it (which I LOVE).

Thanks in advance, everyone! I look forward to any and all input, along with making some new friends. I'll try to post some pix up later this evening.

Jeff L.

 

Whoops......I meant 300 total, not 'whp'.

Jeff L.

 

Good Luck!!!

 

pulley, headers.

got money, shell out a grand for ATLP exhaust (i'm selling mine btw... =] =] )

doing all the little bolt ons you can.. but it still wont get you near 300..

just supercharge it and call it a day.

 

kris could help you with 6mt so you won't have to worry about tranny blowing

 

that too..

 

That'd be nice and all, but I think I'm going to want to keep this car somewhat the way it is and just improve a few things

Jeff L.

 

yea............ i said that too. now look at mine

 

Yeah, I've said that about all of my previous cars, too. We'll see what happens, but for now, I'm just looking for some good priced used parts to give me the 'mod-bug'.

Jeff L.

 

Headers, CAI, crank pulley, are about the best cheapest mods that give gains. Exhaust doesnt do much, there arent tunes or chips for the ecu. You want 300whp you are going to have to SC it and or do the 3.5+ conversion (with boost it will be higher)

 

What brand CAI (and where to get it) will net me the most gains (and that great sound)? Also, what brand headers and where would I look for the crank pulley?

Also, I meant to initially say 300 TOTAL hp, not 300 whp. I corrected myself in post #2.

Jeff L.

 

To lower the car, get Function Form coilovers. They are cheap and price but great in quality. A few members on here had them on their cars and the cars were slammed.

 

Every thing i posted can be bought thru our vendors Excelerate or Heeltoe.

CAI its a tossup. Comptech icebox (though not as loud) or AEM or Injen. Cant go wrong with any of them.

Though im not a fan of coilovers in snowy climates. I have had bad luck with them in the past with the salt and sand corroding the threaded collar and sleeve to the point where adjusting them after one winter wasnt going to happen. I have been running lowered hondas in WI for 15 years and have never had a issue with a 2" drop. I do run snow tires and wouldnt drive any other way in the winter with or without a drop though. As well known by many here i prefer H&R springs and a good shock like Koni or Bilstein.

 

Comptech Icebox = Most HP gained
Comptech Headers = Most HP gained
DC Sports Headers = 2nd best headers
XS Headers = Cheapest in price, some issues here and there. You pay for what you get.
AEM/Injen= For that extra "Growl" when Vtec engages.

Best HP gain? 50 shot NOS.

 

6 speed swap and headers. i put down 249 hp and then 253 on a daisy chain run. i have a posted 243 whp run somewhere on here.

then add a supercharger and ur done. no point in wasting money on hella boltons

 

^ considering he has a TL-S, those simple boltons will give him a good boost in HP. And the $4000 you spend on the CT blower is NOT worth the 60+/- HP it gives you.

 

I'm sure this project will start like all of my previous ones.......telling myself that I DON'T want to heavily mod the car and just put a few things on, but then once I get used to the gains, I'll be left wanting and buying more

Jeff L.

 

may i ask what made u go from all ur domestic to this import? (that i luv btw)

 

I'd have to say just growing up. I've always had a love for cars, but with being a single person, especially in this economy, it wasn't feasable to have two cars. I wanted something that I'd still get a kick out of driving, has potential, but more importantly drivability. Wisconsin winters really suck!! We're getting hammered as we speak right now with 3-9" of snow. I can't wait to go 5mph all the way home after work...

Jeff L.

 

hah...only two inch here .....diein to go sideways but damn fwd...ill neva give up a rwd if i get my hands on it..lol