Hi all,
I've just finished installing the sound system in my TJ VR-X and now im gonna start saving some cash for some increased power modifications.

I was gonna get a car PC with that cash but i may as well put it to something more useful, i get my p's in 3 months :D

I'm not sure what will be best value for money if im looking at spending around 500-700. I was thinking maybe a K&N filter and pacemaker extractors or something like that, dunno how much they cost fitted tho! I wouldn't mind a beefier exhaust note :D. What you guys think?

I dunno what other mods i could do that will give a considerable power increase for that amount. Was hoping ya'll could help me out :cool:

oh btw, do strut braces help much for handling? the cars already been lowered...I wouldn't mind getting one but i dunno if its worth it or not...and would a thicker sway bar help much?

5-700 will get you all you can get power wise. Extractors, full exhaust and either a K&N panel or generic pod filter should come under all that cost. If you had to pick between the two i'd go for the full exhaust set up.

The two mods have similar gains (2-10hp depending exactly what you go with) so exhaust should come first if you're looking for boasting factor. Filter if you're going for the sleeper look.

As for strut braces, without a doubt it was the best thing i got for my Diamante, completely eliminates front body roll when accelerating from 0 round a turn (i.e. turning at an intersection) and vastly improves handling at medium speed twisties. Though i wouldnt suggest trying to take hairpins at 150kmph!

i'd save a little more money and get paccies, k&n panel filter, DIY CAI and a new smaller straight through rear muffler(xforce,magnaflow) to make it really bark.........

paccies $550 installed(min)
k&n about $100
CAI $30
Rear muffler $100-$300 depending on brand and type

your looking at $800-$1000 for all that

Just a word of advice buddy I'm in the same boat as you, start shopping around for insurance now and ask about how much it will jack up your premium with mods. I'm insured with AAMI for $350 comprehensive driving a TL as a P plater, and I'm allowed 1 mod. If you really want to mod your car it will cost more with another company, but it's a compromise.

I doubt for $700 you could get Pacies (extractors) AND cat back exhuast AND K&N Panel.

However those 3 things are a good start, maybe be about $800-900 total.

I have the zorst part done and will be getting pacys in a few weeks. But AFAIK they dont give huge gains, 'minimal' is probably what they would be described as.

You could maybe consider a decent exhaust, a K&N Panel and Barry's Fuel rail and ignition kit?

That should leave you cash to spare.

Im currently thinking of taking the following route:
Zorst $240
Extractors $600 ish
K&N Panel and Barry's fuel rail kit $150
Haltec or Greddy ECU piggyback $1100? Not sure on this one
RPW Custom inlet mainfold (they still have these dont they?) with an oversized throttle body Again, $1100? not really sure

I have promised myself after those things, NO MORE in terms of performance :P

I have promised myself after those things, NO MORE in terms of performance :P


havn't we all said that at some point but it doesn't stick

exhaust and
oversize throttle body and fuel pressure regulator.
2nd two are supposed to be good for lower end torque ie acceleration off the line.

5-700 will get you all you can get power wise. Extractors, full exhaust and either a K&N panel or generic pod filter should come under all that cost.

I get the feeling you're forgetting a currency conversion factor? :)

Besides, a full exhaust is hardly all you can get power wise.

Mirikus - as others have said, extractors are probably a good way to go, as is some kind of CAI setup. Consider keeping the panel and running some piping down to the front of the bumper.

Yeah, i was a little intoxicated when typing that. However full exhaust setups here in the states cost about half as much as they do there so i was probably factoring that too.

As for no other options, i guess thats true too, however anything past exhaust and intake starts to get overly expensive and most people dont take it much further then air mods for that very reason.

im assuming your still 16, so i wouldn't be in too much of a hurry to power-up your car too soon. Maybe an adjustable rear-sway bar, and an air-filter will satisfy you for a while. Just remember to be careful, i remember how i drove when i got an exhaust back when i was on my p's (very fast lol).


Later:cool:

Hrmm thanks for all ur info guys. I think what im going to do is go with the k&n filter, strut brace, pacemakers then the exhaust, prolly in that order.

Will be a while before i get it all done, prolly 6 months or so into my p's im guessing...And like you said benny its got plenty of power already for a youngster my age, so no rush!