Best HP bang for the buck?
02-16-2007, 04:00 AM
#1
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
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Posts: 128
Best HP bang for the buck?
Hi all... I picked up an '04 automaticgt convertible last month (9k miles) and installed a SLP Loudmouth 1 catback, removed air intake silencer, installed a K&N filter, and flashed the computer with Diablosport Predator w/+10 timing advance, and Mobil 1 oil.Now I'm trying to figure out what is the best bang for the buck for my next mod. This is not a daily driver car; it is only for weekends or when I feel like going to clubs or a track. I'm thinking about 4.10 gears, but heard that they can be installed improperly even by pros so I'm afraid of taking the risk and paying $300 for an install and end up with a loud rear end. Headers sound good but they seem to be difficult to put on (aka costly for an install- especially for convertibles). Underdrive pulleys may be cheap but I don't want my car to run like crap with weak power steering and reduced cooling/charging. I can't do an off road x-pipe because I need to register my car here in NY. I have seen many videos of people's engines starting on fire with nitrous. It seems that a throttle body / plenum would be good, but I'm not sure how difficult it is to install and what kind of real world gains to expect on the track. If anyone has realistic suggestions for additional power that you are very satisfied with, please help! (no lame "SUPERCHARGE IT" ideas please 
) I'm takingit to a track in Detriot this year, and want to try to get it into the 14.2 range if possible. I think stock hardtop 5-speeds can do this, butI have an AT Convertible so there is some ground to make up...and Yes, I did ask for an auto because I was sick of shifting my civic). Thanks!
) I'm takingit to a track in Detriot this year, and want to try to get it into the 14.2 range if possible. I think stock hardtop 5-speeds can do this, butI have an AT Convertible so there is some ground to make up...and Yes, I did ask for an auto because I was sick of shifting my civic). Thanks!
02-16-2007, 04:07 AM
#3
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location:
Posts: 284
RE: Best HP bang for the buck?
ORIGINAL: mb7756
Hi all... I picked up an '04 automatic gt convertible last month (9k miles) and installed a SLP Loudmouth 1 catback, removed air intake silencer, installed a K&N filter, and flashed the computer with Diablosport Predator w/+10 timing advance.Now I'm trying to figure out what is the best bang for the buck for my next mod. I'm thinking about 4.10 gears, but heard that they can be installed improperly even by pros so I'm afraid of taking the risk and paying $300 for an install and end up with a loud rear end. Headers sound good but they seem to be difficult to put on (aka costly for an install- especially for convertibles). Underdrive pulleys may be cheap but I don't want my car to run like crap with weak power steering and reduced cooling/charging. I can't do an off road x-pipe because I need to register my car here in NY. I have seen many videos of people's engines starting on fire with nitrous. It seems that a throttle body / plenum would be good, but I'm not sure how difficult it is to install and what kind of real world gains to expect on the track. If anyone has realistic suggestions for additional power that you are very satisfied with, please help! (no lame "SUPERCHARGE IT" ideas please ) I'm takingit to a track in Detriot this year, and want to try to get it into the 14.2 range if possible. I think stock hardtop 5-speeds can do this, butI have an AT Convertible so there is some ground to make up). Thanks!
Hi all... I picked up an '04 automatic gt convertible last month (9k miles) and installed a SLP Loudmouth 1 catback, removed air intake silencer, installed a K&N filter, and flashed the computer with Diablosport Predator w/+10 timing advance.Now I'm trying to figure out what is the best bang for the buck for my next mod. I'm thinking about 4.10 gears, but heard that they can be installed improperly even by pros so I'm afraid of taking the risk and paying $300 for an install and end up with a loud rear end. Headers sound good but they seem to be difficult to put on (aka costly for an install- especially for convertibles). Underdrive pulleys may be cheap but I don't want my car to run like crap with weak power steering and reduced cooling/charging. I can't do an off road x-pipe because I need to register my car here in NY. I have seen many videos of people's engines starting on fire with nitrous. It seems that a throttle body / plenum would be good, but I'm not sure how difficult it is to install and what kind of real world gains to expect on the track. If anyone has realistic suggestions for additional power that you are very satisfied with, please help! (no lame "SUPERCHARGE IT" ideas please
) I'm takingit to a track in Detriot this year, and want to try to get it into the 14.2 range if possible. I think stock hardtop 5-speeds can do this, butI have an AT Convertible so there is some ground to make up). Thanks!
02-16-2007, 04:14 AM
#5
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location:
Posts: 284
RE: Best HP bang for the buck?
No prob man 
and if you plan on taking your car to the track, some suspension upgrades would help out a lot. Upper and lower control arms, sub-frames, maybe some springs, shocks/struts.It helps tranfer weight better and get the power to the ground.
and if you plan on taking your car to the track, some suspension upgrades would help out a lot. Upper and lower control arms, sub-frames, maybe some springs, shocks/struts.It helps tranfer weight better and get the power to the ground.
02-16-2007, 04:18 AM
#6
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 12,575
RE: Best HP bang for the buck?
ORIGINAL: hammerdown99
There is a huge misconception on nitrous. If installed properly and tuned properly you really should have no problems with it. It is by far the best bang for buck as you will be getting 100hp for around $550 for a wet kit. If you want to go with a high flow catted x pipe, the difference between it and an off road x pipe is around 2hp. Underdrive pullies do not mess with you power stearing and you will see no reduced power ( i have them ) just dont get the piggy back styles. I recommend steeda. ffrp 4.10's installed professionaly really should make no noise. throttle body/ plenum you will see about 6-8rwhp from. My suggestion would be to go with the nitrous, its what im going to do in a few months. Just be sure and get a TUNE. Its very important. Good luck man
ORIGINAL: mb7756
Hi all... I picked up an '04 automatic gt convertible last month (9k miles) and installed a SLP Loudmouth 1 catback, removed air intake silencer, installed a K&N filter, and flashed the computer with Diablosport Predator w/+10 timing advance.Now I'm trying to figure out what is the best bang for the buck for my next mod. I'm thinking about 4.10 gears, but heard that they can be installed improperly even by pros so I'm afraid of taking the risk and paying $300 for an install and end up with a loud rear end. Headers sound good but they seem to be difficult to put on (aka costly for an install- especially for convertibles). Underdrive pulleys may be cheap but I don't want my car to run like crap with weak power steering and reduced cooling/charging. I can't do an off road x-pipe because I need to register my car here in NY. I have seen many videos of people's engines starting on fire with nitrous. It seems that a throttle body / plenum would be good, but I'm not sure how difficult it is to install and what kind of real world gains to expect on the track. If anyone has realistic suggestions for additional power that you are very satisfied with, please help! (no lame "SUPERCHARGE IT" ideas please ) I'm takingit to a track in Detriot this year, and want to try to get it into the 14.2 range if possible. I think stock hardtop 5-speeds can do this, butI have an AT Convertible so there is some ground to make up). Thanks!
Hi all... I picked up an '04 automatic gt convertible last month (9k miles) and installed a SLP Loudmouth 1 catback, removed air intake silencer, installed a K&N filter, and flashed the computer with Diablosport Predator w/+10 timing advance.Now I'm trying to figure out what is the best bang for the buck for my next mod. I'm thinking about 4.10 gears, but heard that they can be installed improperly even by pros so I'm afraid of taking the risk and paying $300 for an install and end up with a loud rear end. Headers sound good but they seem to be difficult to put on (aka costly for an install- especially for convertibles). Underdrive pulleys may be cheap but I don't want my car to run like crap with weak power steering and reduced cooling/charging. I can't do an off road x-pipe because I need to register my car here in NY. I have seen many videos of people's engines starting on fire with nitrous. It seems that a throttle body / plenum would be good, but I'm not sure how difficult it is to install and what kind of real world gains to expect on the track. If anyone has realistic suggestions for additional power that you are very satisfied with, please help! (no lame "SUPERCHARGE IT" ideas please
) I'm takingit to a track in Detriot this year, and want to try to get it into the 14.2 range if possible. I think stock hardtop 5-speeds can do this, butI have an AT Convertible so there is some ground to make up). Thanks!
02-16-2007, 04:26 AM
#8
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location:
Posts: 128
RE: Best HP bang for the buck?
Seems like the price/performance ratio for a tb/plenum kit isn't the best.... Nitrous seems like a good way to go, but of course I would have to go all out and get the bottle heater/cooler and the all of the safety gear. From what I understand you can get a kit for like 400-500, and the additional safety / temperature devices, cooler spark plugs, and custom computer tunekick it up to around $1.3K. Any suggestions as to which brand? I think NX makes decent kits, but if anyone here has a nitrous kit and you are happy with it, voice it man. Thanks.. I'll be back tomorrow.
02-16-2007, 08:47 AM
#9
Retired MF Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,891
RE: Best HP bang for the buck?
heh.. just get the nitrous. you can have them setup a lot like a centrifugal blower for the most part. the power comes on at a certain RPM range automatically and stops when you let off near red line. it's a nice kick in the pants. i wish they never made fast & the furious. that oscar winning seen "NAAAAAWWWWWZZZZZZZZZZ" gave nitrous such a bad rap.
