let me start off by saying i am a huge noob with cars.
id like to apologize for posting this thread, but itd be nice to have some consolidated information on the subject.

i just got a 2003 TL-s and was looking to put some money into it since i stayed under my budget on the used car.

anyone have any recommendations for a good sub/amp combo with budget of about $400? looking for clear quality bass, not that concerned with power/strength.

as for performance parts, what are some cheap performance upgrades(under $200)?
ive heard cold air intake, spark plugs, and headers.

what are the specific ones that are best suited for the 03 TL-s?


thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to the forum.
Id start out getting used to the search feature. It will often help get you answers faster. If your still having questions feel free to make threads or bump older threads.

As for the sub question, check out the audio part of the forum. They might have better answers.

Performance parts, Intakes, headers and Crank Pulley. All (each) can be found for under 200. Many like Injen, AEM, and Comptech intakes. The later being the best, but more expensive. Headers, most go with the XS brand header. Pulley go with the UR brand.

 

ok well after doing some forum searching, this is what i have gathered:

intake: aem, injen, or comptech(who is out of business?)
headers: XS headers (referred to as the "ebay" brand, but were banned from ebay?)

prices on a lot of these are around $250. i was kinda hoping for something lower. any help?

is it also true that headers add around 20 hp to the wheels, while intake adds around 10?

 

www.xs-power.com

and.. i went Injen.

 

thanks jjashaa.

how much of an increase in hp did you see with headers and intake, and is there any tuning involved?

 

i got dc sports header (bought used under $200), and a comptech intake (bought under $200), and a UR pulley (stock diameter bought under $200)
with out the headers alone and a k&n drop in filter (about $45) i put down 225whp and 189wtq

with the headers, intake and pulley i put down 230whp and 200wtq
cant find the dyno sheet.

if ur patient and search long enough in the black market under private sales you could get some good performance stuff for cheep.

 

so 5 whp and 11 wtq for over $500? is that a significant increase?

 

its not a significant increase but u can feel the car pull harder and rev up faster, also sounds nice with the intake.

i did those mods because i have a zex dry kit hooked up so it help free up the flow.

 

ok so a few questions again:

im thinking about purchasing the following parts(once i save up enough money of course):

K&N Replacement High-Flow Air Filter
CT Engineering Intake - Ice Box
XS headers
Unorthodox Racing Pulleys - Crank Pulley


is the icebox worth the extra money over "Injen Air Intake - IS Short Ram Intake System"?

also, im not quite sure what maintenance was done on the car, and it's at 67k miles. should i hold off on the mods and get the vehicle serviced first?

the car didnt come with the owners manual so could someone point me in the right direction for maintenance?

 

why r u going to get a k&n replacement air filter and then buy the comptech intake? just save up for the comptech intake, i think the intake is worth it, looks stock and at idle is quieter then the other.

 

k well i seafoamed my car yesterday. to be honest, not a very noticeable change. however i have yet to fill up with a new tank of gas after putting a full pint of seafoam in there. maybe thats an issue?

anyways thanks for all the advice. probably start saving up for icebox + headers first.

any other advice for regular maintenance or amp/sub combos?

 

check out my thread on my audio
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=184190