$000

[CHICO2003]

I'm not sure about anyone else, but I find it sort of odd reading about people investing thousands of dollars into their MSP in order to get it to go faster. I've had mine for about a month (love it) and definitely don't plan on investing 3-5 grand into it like some of the people on this board. Why? Well, prior to buying this car, I had narrowed my choices down to the WRX and the MSP. I went for this car because it was about 3k less. (there were still a few 03's left and they were selling for around 23 g'z) Anyway, in my personal oppinion... spending anywhere near 3 thousand on upgrades (and for me, that includes installation since I'm a complete dumbass when it comes to that stuff) is a absolutely illogical. (after all, for that dough I could have just got the WRX which is probably still faster than a MSP with 3 grand invested in it and it has AWD) As we all know, the MSP is the best car in it's class. There seems to be a lot of MSP owners out there who aren't satisfied with that.

Anyway, back to my main point. Despite everything I just said, I'm still interested in modifying this bad boy. Even though I could afford to put 5 grand or so into this, as I've stated, that would be moronic. So, I'm capping it at a solid G. That might seem low to some of you but it's the only number that makes sense. Since I've already mentioned I'm a dumbass when it comes to this crap (but I'm learning) I'm curious as to what the gear heads out there would advise I spend this cash on. Again, only interested in added performance and, unfortuneatly, I'll have to pay someone to install this crap.

Lastly, I hope I didn't offend anyone by what I said. Perhaps some of you live in a warm climate and AWD isn't as valuable to you as it would be to me living in CT. Maybe some of you have more than enough money, and like the idea of getting a relatively obscure car track ready, no matter what the cost. However, if you're just a regular dude like me and you're thinking about "over investing" in this thing, I suggest you think again. L8R

 

[falkofire]

I would say full turbo back exhaust...and possibly intake

 

[AFaceInTheCrowd]

uhh not flaming or anything, but what if ppl want to make big horse on THIS car? applying your logic elsewhere... so those 12-10 sec crx/civic hatches are a waste of money in your eyes. there is a line dividing tuners. there are the casual tuners (yourself) and the hardcore tuners (those who spend big bucks).

neways back to your question. for the most bang for your buck, get a manual boost controler. then get a boost guage so you know where your at. afterwards, pickup the injen intake(when it's done). that brings us to about $350-400 in mods. if you want to lower, pick up a set of eibach or spool springs, drops you bout $200. Lets be pesimistic, that $600 total. if you want some style points, get a couple 4 point harnesses or anything else that hits you for $400 (autoexe/mintblue stuff+paint). and there you have it, moderately modded MSP.

 

[InitialDMP5]

Thats exactly how I feel about that whole thing Chico. But then again, just like you decided to "cap" it at "a solid G", Others decided they want to spend upwards of 3 g's. Its just peoples decisions. But I am not telling you anything you don't already know. You seem like a cool dood. People just have different views of what is important, and what matters more. I always wonder where all these people get all the money? If people are spending that much money on their cars why not just buy a faster car in the first place? ( please refer to my response to CHICO2003's post ^_^)

 

[NEED4SPEED]

The MSP is not a fast car. Its quick, yes, but its not that fast. If speed is what you want, then an MSP isnt the best way to spend your money. Dont get me wrong, the MSP is a wonderfull car (i've had mine for a month now), and there are many very cool features about it. I too do not understand why people take small cheap cars and spend thousands and thousands on them. Personally, i would rather spend all that money towards a nicer car in the first place. But it really doesnt matter. People will spend money how they please, and there is nothing wrong with it. It is pointless to agrue with someone about it. Its just a matter of taste.

As for me, im not into the stickers and crazy body kits and such. However, there are a few things id like to do to make the car more aestetically pleasing. I might eventually put 18" rims on it and may get a new front bumper if one becomes available that i like. The only mods i really plan on doin in the engine is gettin a CAI, preferably the one from Injen (when available). Thats about it. If someone pulls up next to me and wants to race, sure i might take him on, but i dont expect to win (unless its in a turn ).

- matt

My next car will definately be an M3 (the M3 CSL would be nice).

 

[Volley2six]

A lot of people ask me why I spend money modifying my car. They don't see the point, and untill this year, neither did I. I think it has a lot to do with enjoying actually working on the car. It's a hobby, and I enjoy fixing it up and especially when I finish and get to take it for a spin. I barely have anything and it's already almost a G. I don't even have an intake yet. People spend so much money because they love to take a not so fast, or not so good looking car and make it so fast and so goodlooking. That's why I don't think I'd ever spend 30K on a car, even if I could afford it. I'd buy a $20 and spend a year or 2 buying stuff and working on it. Not that I can even afford a $20K car, or even a 15K right now. But that's just the way I look at it. Many people's opinions differ.

 

[L8R]

CHICO... one u put a 1grand into it... ure going to want more.. first itll be exhaust, then headers, then intake, then intercooler, then bigger turbo, yada yada yada i only spent money on my car cause i needed to in a way... needed new tires, got rims at the same time. lady hit my fron end, used her money to pay for a lip n grill. i just lowered my car cause it was fairly cheap lol well good luck - chris

 

[Familia323]

uhhh??? wasnt the WRX in the same category as the MSP?? and the WRX has beaten everything in its class for the last couple of years I thought.... ? ? ?

 

[unwrittenLaw]

I thought the WRX was in the next class about the MSP...oh well they're both cool cars...

 

[Familia323]

...oh well they're both cool cars...

true

 

[unwrittenLaw]

they should make an awd msp with more ponies..that would be sweet...

 

[twiztedjeckel]

CHICO... one u put a 1grand into it... ure going to want more.. first itll be exhaust, then headers, then intake, then intercooler, then bigger turbo, yada yada yada i only spent money on my car cause i needed to in a way... needed new tires, got rims at the same time. lady hit my fron end, used her money to pay for a lip n grill. i just lowered my car cause it was fairly cheap lol well good luck - chris

where's a good place to get some headers for our cars?

 

[Dexter]

where's a good place to get some headers for our cars?

yeah i was gonna comment on that too

 

[CHICO2003]

First things first... in my haste, I must've forgot to put a (1) before the 3 zero's in the subject field. No big deal I guess... anyway, I appreciate everyone's point of view and advice. I started writing down the ideas listed... and now nearly a whole page is full!! Obviously I'll have to narrow it down but this certainly helps.

It seems like most people decided to comment on what was meant to be merely the reason behind the mere 1 g and nothing more. That is, my confusion over why someone would spend a ton of dough on THIS car. As I mentioned, I can understand why the guy who could pretty much have any car he wants, would want to hook this ride up. It's definitely a lot more unique than the typical civics or eclipses you see... or even a bmw for that matter. Not to mention the notion that he'd be blazin a trail into relatively uncharted territory. If money aint a "thang", more power to ya! Someone also made a good point about simply enjoying the hobby of working on the car. Though this makes perfect sense, let's not forget that one could work on ANY car. Not to turn this into something it shouldn't be... but I just feel that, for the average guy, the MSP is pretty damn sweet stock... or, if you're going to mod it, do what I'm going to do and be conservative about it. If you're not the type of guy who JUST wants to have the fastest, most unique ride in town... no matter what the cost, why waste your money when you can have higher performance for less? That's really my only point. I'm not going to beat a dead horse here. I didn't buy this car to beat everyone I pull next to at the red light's doors off. I'm usually the guy who takes it nice and slow... until I hit 30 or so and then things get crazy. Let's face it, that's when this car shines. 40-80mph through the twisties... no other car in this price range can give you that same rush. (except of course the SRT-4! but since it's a Dodge (american POS) that rush won't last long since it'll be in and out of the shop every other week. Alright, enough!! Time to go "pet my cat". L8R

 

[brennan]

See people modify their cars to be unique and different. Some tuners go for just show others go for just go and Others (like Me)
Go for both, Sure I could have got a s2000 or used m3 but I like the fact that I can take a relativly cheap car and modify it. I enjoy being different. Yes I know this is already a limited and different car but I want to stand out in the msp croud, I love the import scene and have long before the F&F croud started to surface.

So as I say to people that ask me why I modify my car and put so much money into it is because I enjoy it and I like to be different than everybody else, I owned a p5 for a year before I traded it in for my msp. I hated the fact that everywhere I looked I saw p5's, It was turning into a civic, Everybody and there brother had one. So that is my reason for modding my msp.

 

[unwrittenLaw]

That's one of the reasons why I like the MSP..its unique. Around here everyone's driving in monster trucks with shocks that are more than the truck itself...but whatever floats your boat..

 

[Dexter]

the whole idea behind this "be different" crap kinda gets annoying. anyone can be different. i can glue seashells to my car and be ******* different than EVERYONE. its not just about being different. it takes skill to be different and make it look good. but dont just do s*** to your car because you can or just because it makes you different. thats just dumb. like JUST because i can get retard-teza lights for my car doesnt mean im going to. i dont feel the need to mod everything that can be done or buy everything they are selling. striving to be different on purpose seems retarded.

this stupid rant really wasnt directed at anyone in particular and i dont know where it came from either

 

[servoeyes]

Hey hey! Another Connecticution joins the board! A little off topic, but where'd you get your MSP? Went to Modern (Thomaston) myself...they rock! Anywho...onto your questions and concerns.

Here's the way I look at it. I do no want rice, bling, or cheese on my car. Hence all mods shall be self-gratifying, clean, aesthetic, and also meant to enhance my love for the car into embroiled and unbridled passion. So here's what I'm thinking so far:

1) Injen CAI (ETA ~ 1-2 weeks we hope)
2) Turbo timer (if in a hurry...I'm not...yet)
3) Greddy(or other) oil catch tank
4) Powdercoat of #1,3, and strut tower & plastic engine cover
5) Boost Gauge, A/F gauge, Piller mount (no rush)
6) FMIC & Nice BOV (post warranty install..long down the road)
7) Synth Oil Changeover...(minor detail, should be a no brainer...do at second change...use motorcraft or puralator filters)
8) Summer Tire Change (Yohohama AVS - tirerack.com is your friend)

For me #1,3,4,5,7,8 are definates as money permits. That's a little over a grand there. But spent over time it's good. Of course I may find some of these rather unnecessary after completing one mod so your list must remain a living document.

For someone like yourself I suggest snow tires be your #1 mod...they were for me! Then from above list, #(1,7,8). These are good, basic things that will make your car happy and keep some money in your pocket! If you are hasty to kill your warranty than the MBC is a good way to go...same thing with an electronic boost controller(which should have a turbo timer). Also the FMIC to follow those up. Those will set you back big though.

Honestly, though, I couldn't agree with you more...the MSP is the best new car that 20.5k can buy. It's got everything you could want as a basic tuner, and everything is covered by warranty and insurance since it's stock. That's why I chose this over a 1998-99 2.5RS...great modder car, but too expensive and none of the mods are covered under any sort of warranty. Good luck with your mods...hope to see you at the car shows (May 25th at Lime Rock - Lakeville, CT!)

(ricer)

 

[uclap5]

the whole idea behind this "be different" crap kinda gets annoying. anyone can be different. i can glue seashells to my car and be ******* different than EVERYONE. its not just about being different. it takes skill to be different and make it look good. but dont just do s*** to your car because you can or just because it makes you different. thats just dumb. like JUST because i can get retard-teza lights for my car doesnt mean im going to. i dont feel the need to mod everything that can be done or buy everything they are selling. striving to be different on purpose seems retarded.

this stupid rant really wasnt directed at anyone in particular and i dont know where it came from either

brilliant.

i second that motion.

 

[joka1]

just to let you know i have altezzas and i like them, but anyway mine are being painted diffrent so they look better!! anyway i mod my car because i love to work on it! i have spent around 3 grand so far and every pennie is worth it to me, its like christmas 3 times a week when i get packages at my shop and i run right and put them on! but i had an 11 sec probe gt which i wrapped around a tree at around 130 so this car i am doing all the safty stuff first(hense the seats and harness's) brakes are on the way and when that is all done this summer i will get my turbo and then knowing me i will get nos again!! what fun is it to buy a 30000 fast car when you could buy a 20000 fun car and make it fast!!!!!! just my opinion though
http://members.cardomain.com/joka1