If squidd even gets near this thread... He'll give you a good learnin' on the 2 piece driveshaft design!
I'd say exhaust, if you're looking for a roar + some more power. Kooks longtube headers w/ x or h pipe and some nice axlebacks.
But.
If I was in your position, you could, for about the same money as a complete exhaust setup, make your car handle IMPECCABLY.
IMPECCABLY = PERFECT.
Check out Steeda's Club Racer Stage 1 suspension kit... It's about $1700, but well worth it. You can always do stage 2 (like $800 I think) later & have an UNBELIEVABLE setup. squidd will also have some great info on suspension as well, but as far as most people say, you can't go wrong with Steeda.
I guarantee you will be more happy with suspension.
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just because you like your stock exhuast doesnt mean everyone else does???
and yes, you will gain horspower or torque with a new exhuast.
with our "street 1/4 mile" by my house, i got a whole second off of my 1/4 mile time... and noticed it pull harder.
Uh....I find it hard to believe you cut an entire/whole/complete 1 second off your 1/4 mile time by just exhaust. I know it does add some torque and horses, but I don't think it could shave an entire second.
Uh....I find it hard to believe you cut an entire/whole/complete 1 second off your 1/4 mile time by just exhaust. I know it does add some torque and horses, but I don't think it could shave an entire second.
Yeah, I call bu!!$h!t on that
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Under Construction. Better, Stronger, Faster than it was before.
Sorry to start another "which mod next" thread, but I've got the green light from the wife, and money to spend. So what are your thoughts on where to put the money.....suspension kit (I'm thinking Eibach Pro System), exhaust stuff (I'm completely clueless), or aluminum driveshaft? This is my daily driver, and she's got like 58K miles on her. Thanks for your input (especially Mark!).
You left out the most important factor when deciding something like this……your budget. You are looking at three totally different priced things. Not exactly apples and apples. If you post your budget you will get more informed answers. Another factor you left out is what are your ultimate goals for the car? If you don’t have some, get them. It will save you a ton of $$ in the long run.
Budget guidelines not being available I suggest:
Suspension, but not suspension parts. Get a great set of tires. That will improve the “handling” of the car dramatically and is by far the best bang for the buck.
Exhaust, but that is because you get a performance advantage as well as “sounds cooler” advantage at the same time. It’s hard to put a value on what the sound is worth though. My advice is to go for an X or H pipe and an axle back system and leave the headers alone. If you have money to burn long tubes are great but they are a massive PITA to put on, not close to inexpensive, don’t give an earth shattering HP improvement and your clearance will be reduced and you may forget one day and whack a speed bump with them.
Driveshafts are great as long as you don’t plan to visit 150mph frequently. They are a big improvement for everything under those speeds though. (I happen to be selling one cheap by the way)
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like i said, its not a legit 1/4 mile we just measured it out on a open street with one of those roller things haha..so idk it might be a lil short or a lil longer but its still very close.
and yes on a bone stock car its not that hard to gain times...of course going from 12 to say 11 seconds would take tons more then just exhuast, but i went from 16 to 15 flat with just changing exhuast... i might of became a better driver and have had better luanches, but other then that, exhuast was the only thing that changed.
You left out the most important factor when deciding something like this……your budget. You are looking at three totally different priced things. Not exactly apples and apples. If you post your budget you will get more informed answers. Another factor you left out is what are your ultimate goals for the car? If you don’t have some, get them. It will save you a ton of $$ in the long run.
Budget guidelines not being available I suggest:
Suspension, but not suspension parts. Get a great set of tires. That will improve the “handling” of the car dramatically and is by far the best bang for the buck.
Exhaust, but that is because you get a performance advantage as well as “sounds cooler” advantage at the same time. It’s hard to put a value on what the sound is worth though. My advice is to go for an X or H pipe and an axle back system and leave the headers alone. If you have money to burn long tubes are great but they are a massive PITA to put on, not close to inexpensive, don’t give an earth shattering HP improvement and your clearance will be reduced and you may forget one day and whack a speed bump with them.
Driveshafts are great as long as you don’t plan to visit 150mph frequently. They are a big improvement for everything under those speeds though. (I happen to be selling one cheap by the way)
I didn't mention budget because budget isn't an issue. She's a daily driver (50 miles a day), so I don't plan on turning her into a Shelby or anything....just adding things as they bring me enjoyment! I decided I was willing to spend $1K or so on suspension, but I don't think I drive hard enough to justify the suspension (yet). So I've decided on axle backs AND the driveshaft!! If I'm gonna do the whole exhaust, then it's gotta be with the LT headers, and like you said...pita. So I'll wait awhile until I get bored again, then probably order up a Eibach Pro System. Thanks for your posts squidd, I enjoy them. Oh yeah I already took care of the tires/rims in September...
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like i said, its not a legit 1/4 mile we just measured it out on a open street with one of those roller things haha..so idk it might be a lil short or a lil longer but its still very close.
and yes on a bone stock car its not that hard to gain times...of course going from 12 to say 11 seconds would take tons more then just exhuast, but i went from 16 to 15 flat with just changing exhuast... i might of became a better driver and have had better luanches, but other then that, exhuast was the only thing that changed.
The numbers suggest a better driver. And there is no way exaust on a stock motor will gain a second.
Some exhaust testing data. Not a huge improvement even with a blower or heads.:
Headers
American racing LT’s
Tested on FI (Kenne Bell) ported and cammed 4.6 Gained 10.3%hp ad 8.7%tq
Peak Gains 8 psi + Headers. 3% gain @ 450HP= 13.5hpPeak gain 8 psi + Headers. 3% gain @ 410tq= 12.3tqPeak gain