AustinPro

I'm new to the whole car modification thing, and I've been learning as much as I can over the last several months. Can anyone recommend the best place for me to start? I'm handy with tools and I can figure things out, unfortunately I don't have a garage or special tools, so anything I do will have to be fairly simple or I'll have to have a shop do it.

Anyway, I have a 2002 ES 5spd. Some things I've been looking at - cat-back system, flywheel, CAI intake, Springs, Struts, Stabilizer bars, Tower Bar.

So, for you experienced modders, what is the first thing you would do, in terms of ease of installation and performance gain? I don't have any illusions that I'm going to turn my Pro into a BMW, but I'd like to improve what I can and have fun doing it.

Thanks for any help!

Sir Nuke

just remember, when you are increasing the performance of your car...its NOT just about going faster.....you need a balance....if you are going to make it go faster...it also needs to be able to stop better...and handle better.....don't make the mistake of only upgrading ONE aspect of your car....its a good way to find yourself in a ditch.

AustinPro

Heheh, good point. So maybe I should ask, what is the first combination of mods I should make? The absolute first things I should do? I haven't done anything yet, so even if you think it's obvious, go ahead and say it.

boostedmp5

I can help but it all depends on how much your willing to dish out . I suggest intake, cams and cat back exhaust. Intake and exhaust are easy they just bolt on basically. The cams are a different story, if you dont know to much about TDC and timing do not attempt yourself it could get ugly. Ive installed Fs-ze intake cam, mms exhaust cam, injen CAI and custom 2 1/4 straight pipe from manifold to a racing medalion muffler (no cats). My 2.0 p5 rips. I also have 10.5.1 high comp pistons wich i havnt put in yet and ive already spanked 2 MP3s wich has ten more horses than stock P5 at 130 vs 140. I beat them pretty bad to, almost a car and a half ahead i believe these mods have added 15 to 25 hp thats just a guess who knows it might be more it feels alot faster. they definately caught an *** woopin though all these mods cost me about 750 not including 10.5.1 pistons cant wait to get a j-spec ecu and install the pistons then its honda spankin all day

boostedmp5

sir nook has good point im going to need some better brakes pretty soon my p5 gets faster every paycheck.

AustinPro

boostedmp5:

Yes, my spending limit would be helpful I'm sure. For my first venture, I need to limit it to $1000 including labor if needed. Under $500 would be better, until I learn more.

So it sounds like you recommend the Injen CAI and an exhaust system, yes? I will have to stay away from cams unless I have a shop do it. Should I get a Bosal exhaust, or should I wait for Racing Beat to see if their cat-back system will work with the 2002?

What about the strut tower bar kit from Mazdastuff? It looks like a simple bolt-on, would that be worth buying? It's pretty inexpensive. And the stabilizer bars, are they simple bolt-ons as well?

Sir Nuke

Austin, since your ride is BRAND new.....Personally I would stick with the bold on stuff for now...the intake, the exhause, that sort of thing.....if you don't care for your factory wheels/tires...there is something else....brakes....all sorts of stuff you can do there...also the strut bar....bigger stabilizer bars......Personally, before I get into the internals of my engine....it will be out of warrentee.

:{D

Mxyzptlk

I am looking at the intake then exhaust and later down the road springs.

LinuxRacr

Boosted,

Where would you get the J-spec ECU besides Corksport or Mazdamotorsports? I may get one for my FS-ZE install.

Shawn

Corksport is considering getting it and I have never heard that mazda motorsports is getting it. In the end, Corksport will probably be one of the only places that sells the ECU. How many different places do you need?

boostedmp5

I dont have a clue where to get the j-spec ecu. Hopefully someone will get it soon and trow a post up. I really need this ecu for my engine to run at full potential. Does anyone know somebody in japan im dying over here. All i need for my p5 are fs-ze valve springs,intake manifold,a good header and that damn ecu. Everything else is done except for better clutch,lighter flywheel and crank pully. Cant wait till shes finished then ill really be zoom zoomin : We need to send corksport some emails or something for that damn ecu im loosing my patience.

LinuxRacr

I talk to them (Corksport) almost daily. It will do no good. Also for the FS-ZE ECU, you will have to change your wireing harness to match. Just something to think about....

Eric F

I would stick to brakes and suspension first. It's not very easy to increase the power output of the new FS 2.0L engine in your car without removing the primary restriction to airflow. That's the primary catalytic convertor right below your exhaust manifold. There isn't a drop in header that removes this cat yet, and it's probably illegal to do so in most places. There are many places you could probably get away with it, due to relaxed emmision testing. That's your call. Without removing the primary cat, the intake and cat-back exhaust are primarily going to give you more sound. They won't make a big difference in power. I'd suggest things like Porterfield R4-S brake pads, Goodridge stainless steel brake lines, B&M short shifter, AWR racing rear stabilizer bar or MP3/Racing Beat stabilizer bar kit, lightweight alloy wheels & better low profile tires. The rear stabilizer bar isn't that difficult to install, but the front bar requires dropping the front crossmember. Not an easy task without the right tools and experience. Many of these things will require at least a decent hydrolic jack and jack stands in addition to the standard metric socket and wrench set.