performance on a budget.
 

Ok, I have been reading what others have been doing to thier rides. I have been shopping around the web. I have been stuck in Afghanistan. I have a question. Would you guys say $4000 USD is a good budget to start some performance mods? What kind of end result would i be looking at on a 2000 SSEi? and what should I absolutly do and what can wait?

Hope I am in the right area to post this...

Thanks for any input in advance,

jake

First off, THANKS for doing what you do, I know not many of us would risk our lives like you do everyday. And $4000 is an awesome start, I would say. YOu can get A LOT done with $4000. fenderwell intake, 180 tstat(drilled), PCM, pully, high flow cat, headers or ported manifolds, (well what about all new 3inch exhaust guys?) Port and polished SC UIM and LIM, rockers.... actually $4000 is soooo much I dont knowwhat exactly I would do, lets leave it to the professionals!!!! Fellas???

If it were me and i had 4000 to spend on a ssei. hmmm

I would buy a nicely built tranny (around 3000-3400). That would be a great start and eventually going to need it anyways.


Then with the remaning say 600 i would buy, a FWI, cooler plugs, 180 stat, and throw a 3.5 pulley on for now (as long as you have no KR). That would have you set up to go any way from there.

If the tranny was closer to the 3000 range you could throw on a set of pacesetter headers and get away with a 3.4 pulley and be ready for say a cam or rockers ect down the road. :lol:

$4000 will buy to lots of engine stuff. A cam & supporting accessories could probably be bought and installed for under $2000 @ INTENSE.

PRICE BREAK DOWN:

Stage 1X Cam $300
Comp Cams 105 Springs $135
Manley Retainers $30
Cam install kit ~$100
JP Performance chain $80
Rocker arm bolts $20
INTENSE PCM $100
MPS pulley system ~100
Half Price install $300 ($600 normal I think) Since you are in the Armed Forces :usa:

Approximate subtotal: $1165

Leaving you $2835 left in your budget. I would also recommend headers which run $700-750 + $150 install ($300 normal price)

1165
+900
= 2065
Leaving about $2’000 left for the transmission.


GOD bless you guys over there!

Ed

this is what makes you guys awesome
 

You guys rock!

I would have totaly have been kicking my self...I had rarely factored the transaxel into the spending and it only makes soooo much sence....what about the up grade kits from Intense (in thier performance pack section)?


Thanks a lot.

jake

Re: this is what makes you guys awesome
 

You should send Intense-Racing a E-mail and talk with them about your plans & budget. They won't steer you in any direction but the right one. I'm not very sure about the upgrade kit personally; I know if you have lots of miles on your current transmission it would be a good idea to replace the electronics in the transmission too while you are there among other things too.

You are very welcome,

Ed

You are really well off with what you have now, trans would be a good idea cause then you dont have to worry about your engine mods breaking it down. Get it built with posi and some gears, and get up outta the 'hole'. McGrath is right, talk to INTENSE, they'll know what ya should do with your money. And you'll be smiling every time you touch the gas!

Feel odd emailing them untill I am ready to put the cash down but when the time comes, I most likey will, I am starting to think that maybe I might wayt to try to save up an extra grand or so. I am not trying to build a strip only car, this will be driven on the street, but should not be my daily driver.

thanks again all

jake

Jake, just remember, the 1/2 price install will only work if you end up being in the Ohio area when you get back. If you end up in the NW again, that's not going to work.

I would be saying turbo it. but would would need to save up a little more money for the supporting mods.