With regards to modifications ...

[colnago1331]

in what order should they be performed? In other words, what are the priorities? Obviously, a CAI or exhaust falls on the less expensive side of the mod (with a turbo being on the more expensive side). Other mods would include better suspension, short shifter, flywheel, etc. So my question is this: Do you just mod as you can afford, or is there a preferred "order" in which you should mod? I hope this question makes some sense.

 

[Sir Nuke]

what you need to do is lay out a plan.....and decide what mods you intend to do up front. and don't do them half a$$ed either.

I mean if you are going to do a turbo....why bother putting in a CAI, as when its turbo time that will have to come out....then its money down the drain as the intake won't work with the turbo. and even if you sell it...you still lose some money. Another thing would be the exhaust...the size you would get for a naturally aspirated engine is not the same size as you would need for a turbo set-up....thus if you are truely going to go turbo....find out all the parts and how they match and do that all at the same time.

Suspension....do some homework, make sure that the parts you want to use are all compatible and compliment one another so that nothing wears our prematurely becuase the parts don't work properly together. Now, these mods shouldn't effect any of the engine stuff....so go for it.....but keep in mind, if you are planning on getting some new wheels.....and you are going to do that before you do your suspension....talk to a pro....just because your wheel/tire combo works with the stock suspension set up doesn't mean it will work with the car lowered.

the bottom line is....THINK AHEAD.....your car is a machine....that is a collection of MATCHED parts....just make sure you do your homework and match the new parts as well, or you will find yourself disappointed, and having had spent some green you didn't really need to.

 

[pr5owner]

yes i agree.. never do half assed work on your car, don't let anyone else do half ass worked either. i have done all the work on my car myself (audio, performance, etc) total time was over 24hrs (hard work hours) and it was all worth it.

 

[MP5Raycer]

hard work

BINGO ..... I feel that if can't do your own work then its not even worth having it.. because you willnot be able to appriciate it .. and i dont mean if you buy wheels you have to balance tehn and mount your tires your self .. or if you want to paint or put graphics on your car you have to do it all by your self ..but i mena ther are some people that pay $100's of dollars to have a Cold air intake put on.... when it takes abotu 15 mins to do it your self ...

 

[katsmp3]

remember computer upgrades need to be done last so that all upgrades can be taken into consideration

 

[njaremka]

personally, i would do it this way:
1. brakes - if you can't stop good, why make the car faster?
2. suspension - if you want to go faster, better make the car more controllable and stable.
3. intake - make the car suck more. (air, that is)
4. stick a header on the engine - face it, the protege needs it. (unless you want a turbo)
5. exhaust - make the engine blow more. (gotta get those bad gases outa' there)

i agree too with the comments made above about knowing where you want to go. the above list is what i would like to do, but i want to wait a couple years before i start. you have to have a goal of where you want to go, but regardless of you power pursuits, i would reccomend the first two items i have listed above before you do anything else.