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$200 What to do??

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Old 12-25-2012, 09:44 AM
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$200 What to do??

Ok so, my parents gave me $200 for Christmas and I would love some input on what to do w/ it. My ideas are Megan Racing Springs or an axle-back exhaust. Most of you know much better than I what is best to use the $200 for. And DO NOT say "save it until you can afford a catback or coilovers." That's not an option. Let the discussion begin!
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Old 12-25-2012, 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Rcrootbeer
Ok so, my parents gave me $200 for Christmas and I would love some input on what to do w/ it. My ideas are Megan Racing Springs or an axle-back exhaust. Most of you know much better than I what is best to use the $200 for. And DO NOT say "save it until you can afford a catback or coilovers." That's not an option. Let the discussion begin!

Ha ha ha!!! You're funny, but it's totally understandeable!!! How old are you?

If I were you, I would most definitely start with the lowering springs. I would go with H&R's though. Check out shiftice's website and look at the spring comparisons that he makes before you make a decision.
You're gonna need the change for the alignment. Good luck!

Last edited by MaxxedOutt; 12-25-2012 at 09:59 AM.
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Old 12-25-2012, 09:58 AM
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Don't waste your money, just send it to me, I'll make the best use out of it...
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Old 12-25-2012, 10:06 AM
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I'm 16! My car is my obsession but I've never had any money to do anything to it. I know exactly what to do as far as modding goes. Ive lived my modding life through all of you people And Gizmo Santa left me some M&Ms and a Dollar bill in my stocking! It's all yours
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Old 12-25-2012, 10:07 AM
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Rear sway bar

/thread

And with that left over 50 bucks treat yourself to a full tank of gas
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Old 12-25-2012, 10:10 AM
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0.0 A sway bar... Hmmm So many options
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Old 12-25-2012, 10:22 AM
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Rear sway bar and block off plate...
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Old 12-25-2012, 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Gizm0
Rear sway bar and block off plate...
He has a 2000.
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Old 12-25-2012, 10:56 AM
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What about an eBay catback? I realize the muffler is beyond rediculous so I could just use my OEM axle back. And also does it supply a place for the o2 bung?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/00-03-NISSAN...cd2893&vxp=mtr
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Old 12-25-2012, 11:02 AM
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O2's do not plug into either part of the catback. Do not get that exhaust. It will probably cause you more pain than pleasure.

Is all the maintenance on your car up to date? Power, sound, suspension or cosmetics? Pick a category and then narrowing down a mod will be easier.

Oh and Merry Christmas!
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Old 12-25-2012, 11:07 AM
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RSB, no question
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Old 12-25-2012, 11:16 AM
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RSB will change the feel of your car in a hurry for sure but it also depends on what you want to do with the car as well as how well its been maintained.

A set of phenolic spacers and new plugs would go a long way (even with a DE-K) if you dont have them already. $200 would also be a reasonable start towards an aftermarket sound system. Totally depends on what you want to get from the car.
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Old 12-25-2012, 11:18 AM
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Since I posted that I've done some research on the eBay GReddy knockoff and other than it rusting easily (I don't need to worry about that I'm in Texas) it seems like a solid piece. Mendral bent and all. And yes I meticulously maintain my car. Just replaced the radiator fans because it was vibrating like no other and now it's all good to go! I don't think I want a sway bar, I want something noticeable. Keep the comments coming though! Merry Christmas everyone
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Old 12-25-2012, 11:25 AM
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Get an oil change and put the rest in your piggy bank and save it.

Catback is about $200 plus another $100-150 for installation
Sway bars and BOP will cost you the entire $200 and that's if you can install it yourself, and if you do springs without upgraded shocks I garaunty you'll be going back in there within the next few months.
H&R springs is more than $200 then you have to factor in labour
Maybe a HID kit but the actuality is $200 will get you a DIY detailing kit, headlight restore, and an oil change.
Plasti-dip. LOL
You can buy 1-2 mods for the car but it won't do much unless you have mechanical skills
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Old 12-25-2012, 11:29 AM
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I will be installing whatever I get myself. Even though I'm 16 I am very mechanically inclined. I'm not even sure why, my dad didn't teach my anything. Just a go getter I guess But I just changed my oil 300 miles ago with 10w-30 Mobil 1 synthetic. My maintence is fully up to date.... And I already restored my headlights after I did the AE mod. I have a 10" orbital and all the detail supplies I need. I've been detailing my car, my moms camaro, and my friends cars for 6+ months. It's time for a some actual mods now!

Last edited by Rcrootbeer; 12-25-2012 at 11:32 AM.
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Old 12-25-2012, 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Rcrootbeer
I will be installing whatever I get myself. Even though I'm 16 I am very mechanically inclined. I'm not even sure why, my dad didn't teach my anything. Just a go getter I guess But I just changed my oil 300 miles ago with 10w-30 Mobil 1 synthetic. My maintence is fully up to date.... And I already restored my headlights after I did the AE mod. I have a 10" orbital and all the detail supplies I need. I've been detailing my car, my moms camaro, and my friends cars for 6+ months. It's time for a some actual mods now!
if I were you I would put the money in the gas tank... $200 worth of gas... think about it...
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Old 12-25-2012, 11:44 AM
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I have a job... It pays for my gas.
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Old 12-25-2012, 11:55 AM
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It sounds to me like RSB is perfect for you. It will be a fun little DIY and will make a noticeable difference in the ride. Everyone saying save the money is right but where is the fun there. You are 16. Enjoy the Christmas gift and good luck with whatever you decide.
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Old 12-25-2012, 12:06 PM
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IMO there is not much you can do in the way of mods that are a noticeable change.
With lowering springs comes struts (add another $500)

phenolic spacers or RSB
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Old 12-25-2012, 12:10 PM
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RSB indeed.
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Old 12-25-2012, 12:19 PM
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You said you dont want the RSB because you want something noticable? the RSB is the MOST noticable performance/suspension gain you will get from $200, period.
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Old 12-25-2012, 12:32 PM
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Maybe noticeable isn't the right word, and don't get me wrong I trust you all with the RSB being the most noticeable in the feeling. So basically I think I decided I want to change my cars sound. Whether that be an intake, axle back, or the full eBay catback I'm not quite sure yet. I haven't seen much in the way of bad things towards the N1 catback and I've been researching for 3 hours. By all means blast me if my ignorant 16 year old mind is coming through but for now I'm feeling good about it.
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Old 12-25-2012, 12:55 PM
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Get yourself a short ram air intake. Not sure how much of a difference it does on the 3.0, but the 3.5 growls nicely with an intake.
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Old 12-25-2012, 01:04 PM
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Most after market catbacks will have either rasp or drone or both. My megan has some bad drone but luckily I have a 6sp and can deal with it for the most part. The one you are getting will likely be just as bad if not worse.

This all goes back to the first question I had about power/suspension/Cosmetics. If you want sound then go intake. Super fast and easy install and a big sound change. That was my first mod too. I enjoyed the sound change. Just remember that is the only change....and some extra room in the engine bay.
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Old 12-25-2012, 01:05 PM
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You'll lose power, but putting a cone filter on the end of the MAF will set you back around $70-100, the sound will be awesome.

This is the best bet for sound under $200. There's really nothing you're going to buy for exhaust that will not sound obnoxious for under $200.

Of course, that's a matter of opinion, some people like silly, loud exhausts that don't rumble.
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Old 12-25-2012, 01:07 PM
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http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=h...9QEwBA&dur=291

That and a MAF adapter will be all you need for what you want.

Any more is a waste of money because you're losing power no matter what you do here with an SRI especially on the 3.0
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Old 12-25-2012, 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Rcrootbeer
I'm 16!
Well.... I was going to tell you to have a hell of a good time at a strip club, but nevermind.

How about doing a bi-xenon HID retro?
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Old 12-25-2012, 04:04 PM
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Just lower the car on some springs done deal everybody will notice that. You dont need a intake or exhaust or a rsb when it doesnt sound like you race anyway. You can still use your stock struts it aint that bad untill they actually blow out completely.
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Old 12-25-2012, 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by maxima.713
You dont need a intake or exhaust or a rsb when it doesnt sound like you race anyway
And that is where you are wrong sir. I race alot, only on the track though. I do not mind a loud exhaust at all, although Im kind of more mature than most kids my age. I will never stick a fart can on my car or port holes or a ghetto lip, etc.
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Old 12-25-2012, 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Rcrootbeer
And that is where you are wrong sir. I race alot, only on the track though. I do not mind a loud exhaust at all, although Im kind of more mature than most kids my age. I will never stick a fart can on my car or port holes or a ghetto lip, etc.
You dont mind loud huh? Aite go to a muffler shop get your cat cut off and tell them to put a 2.5 inch straight pipe all the way back. No resonator and no muffler. You will get faster for sure and its loud. Check it out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RH6...e_gdata_player
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Old 12-25-2012, 04:56 PM
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1) That is REALLY loud!
2) What kinda gains are we talking here?
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Old 12-25-2012, 05:03 PM
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I'd do some sort of CAI. Despite what most people think, they do change your sound a little, You'll get a few more horses, and it's not too incredibly hard to install on most cars. Your engine will thank you.
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Old 12-25-2012, 05:04 PM
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Good gains. Cars that were neck and neck i was beating them by like 2 cars maybe more.
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Old 12-25-2012, 05:08 PM
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Ok, now my question to you. If I were to straight pipe it back to my OEM muffler, how much would this shop charge me do you think?
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Old 12-25-2012, 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by MaximaJeff02
I'd do some sort of CAI. Despite what most people think, they do change your sound a little, You'll get a few more horses, and it's not too incredibly hard to install on most cars. Your engine will thank you.
^ and it's entirely legal. Maybe install a electronic cut-out before the cat. Open on the track, closed on the street. Your neighborhood will thank you.
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Old 12-25-2012, 05:14 PM
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I would do the nwp 3 peice spacer and a razco udp... you would feel that son
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Old 12-25-2012, 05:15 PM
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Originally Posted by litch
I would do the nwp 3 peice spacer and a razco udp... you would feel that son
What is a razco udp?
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Old 12-25-2012, 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Rcrootbeer
Ok, now my question to you. If I were to straight pipe it back to my OEM muffler, how much would this shop charge me do you think?
I wouldnt recomend that. It will sound real nasty if you keep your muffler
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Old 12-25-2012, 05:20 PM
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Well i'm going to need a resonator in there somewhere because I need to keep the noise level down or my mother will shoot me. How about this, how much did it cost you to straight pipe the whole thing? Lets go from there
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Old 12-25-2012, 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by litch
I would do the nwp 3 peice spacer and a razco udp... you would feel that son
Those udp dont do squat! Lol waste of money.
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