Bang for My Buck/ Next Mod!

herostar

herostar

Member
Location
Denver
Car
2005 FX35 2012 G37x
So I've been searching these and other forums for a while before and after purchasing my 05 FX35 (Sport/Prem) back in August. Lots of good info on here and helpful people too!

Right now I am pretty stock. I installed a full intake and a 5/16 MD plenum spacer. These helped a little, but I would like to get a more out of my FX for my weekly ski trips up in the Rockies. What you all think my next mod should be to give me the most bang for my buck!

Tell me what you think... some ideas I had:


Hi-Flow Cats
TS ECU flash
Headers
Tranny Shift Kit
H&R Springs
New Muffler
 
herostar said:
Hi-Flow Cats
TS ECU flash
Headers
Tranny Shift Kit
H&R Springs
New Muffler
Click to expand...


check my thread to get a lot of info that you will want to read...

///7177
I basically asked and answered the same questions

get the springs first :wink: I like eibachs though.
and get an exhaust before any of those
the tranny shift kit is alot of $$$$ for not that much unless you are doing a bunch of other stuff down there etc. etc.
just read my thread
 
New muffler and TS for sure. Of all the mods I've done I would say the TS reflash was the single best bang-for-buck mod in terms of throttle response and power. Since you started to improve the breathing you might as well continue with the exhaust too, which will enhance what TS can do for you.
 
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TS flash & exhaust.

Shift kit is about $250 - Shift kits are not that expensive, but the labor to install it needs to be considered.

Springs are a nice mod, but won't give you too much in the way of performance. Installation for springs can get pricey too.

Don't bother with HFCs unless you plan to go turbo or supercharger.

Headers on the VQ engine don't yield much in the way of gains, but it does change the tone of your exhaust.
 
well when you drop 550 for the ts ecu flash and stuff it's better to have a bunch of supporting mods first! so exhaust first, then the reflash if you are leaning towards it
 
I really don't want to spend $1000 on a catback system, are there any cheaper options that give me a better flowing muffler?

I don't want it to be too loud either, I've driven cars with loud exhausts for the last 10 years... That's why I was thinking cats or headers.

Are any of the lightweight/underdrive pulleys worth looking into?

What about upgrading spark plugs/wires?

---------- Post added at 02:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:43 PM ----------

Also, are there any exhausts that work with the factory trailor hitch in place?
 
herostar said:
I really don't want to spend $1000 on a catback system, are there any cheaper options that give me a better flowing muffler?
Click to expand...

if you want muffler only you can look at flowmaster series 80 or just get HKS/any other name brand muffler only and not the whole system
 
We don't have plug wires; the coil packs sit right on the plugs. Upgrading the plugs won't make any performance difference unless your old plugs are toast.

herostar said:
I really don't want to spend $1000 on a catback system, are there any cheaper options that give me a better flowing muffler?

I don't want it to be too loud either, I've driven cars with loud exhausts for the last 10 years... That's why I was thinking cats or headers.

Are any of the lightweight/underdrive pulleys worth looking into?

What about upgrading spark plugs/wires?

---------- Post added at 02:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:43 PM ----------

Also, are there any exhausts that work with the factory trailor hitch in place?
Click to expand...
 
I noticed a performance difference when i switched to the Pulstar Pulse Plugs. I personlly have not dyno'd before and after plug install but, pulstar shows on their site a consistent gain of about 5hp on various cars and motors. I would say this is a correct/modest statement!
 
herostar said:
I really don't want to spend $1000 on a catback system, are there any cheaper options that give me a better flowing muffler?
Click to expand...
Stock muffler flows great, there is almost no HP difference in adding a new muffler, only sound diff.

herostar said:
I don't want it to be too loud either, I've driven cars with loud exhausts for the last 10 years... That's why I was thinking cats or headers.
Click to expand...
Stay Away from the Headers and HFC's then...VERY loud on this engine.

herostar said:
Are any of the lightweight/underdrive pulleys worth looking into?
Click to expand...
UR and Stillen are the same..great results, faster reving.


herostar said:
What about upgrading spark plugs/wires?
Click to expand...
Only replace the plugs and wires if there worn out...stock works great.


BEST Bang For The Buck: used HKS exhaust from 2 members selling here:
http://www.infinitiscene.com/forum/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=256
https://www.infinitiscene.com/search/1/?q=vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=252
 
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