Q's on Most Often Recommended Mods
 

I'm rather new to the whole modification process (but loving every minute, even if the bank account doesn't always :D ), and I don't know very much so no flaming please.

I've done a fair bit of reading on this and other forums, and the general consensus seems to be that the mods that give you the best bang for the buck (other than going turbo, etc or spending $1500+) are intake, headers, exhaust. Others that have been mentioned are cams, underdrive crank pulley and front motor mount to name a few.

I realize that everyone has their own opinion, but if I could get some feedback on the following questions for the various mod's, I would greatly appreciate it. After all, they do say knowledge is power! :)

- what does each component do within the system as a whole
- why is it better to go with the aftermarket part(s) vs. the stock ones (ie justify the $)
- what kind of gains - torque, hp, or otherwise - should I expect to see/feel with the mod, either on it's own or grouped with one or more of the others
- which brand is better and why?

Thanks in advance for all the replies and for humouring an eager apprentice!

To simplify everythign for you I'll keep it real short and sweet. These comments go for all modfications (mostly)


The reason aftermarket stuff is prefered over factory pieces is that stock stuff is NOT designed for performance. It's all designed to save money.

Engine mods like intake, header, exhaust, even turbo kits help the engine to breathe better.

more air + more fuel - weight - rotating weight = Very fast car.

intakes and turbos stuff more air into the motor

exhausts help the gasses get out faster/smoother

pulleys reduce the amount of power it takes to spin the belts and pumps saving power for the wheels


the engine mount is reccomended because out stock mount is WAY too soft and causes the engine to wiggle and this allows the axles to hop and causes traction issues. It's the best $65 you can spend on a protege.