Im just wondering what i should invest my money in for mods that will help my performance the best. Keep in my that i'm only 17 and im a total newb, but im taking auto engines & auto performance for a whole year at my school so i might be able to do some of the stuff at my shop at school.
Anyways I have a 97' Accord SE auto(errr) w/ 130k miles which i have had for about 2 months and i've got a magnaflow muffler and new piping installed on it, but not the full exhaust. I also installed a front strut for $35 which i've noticed is a biiiiiig change in handling from when i didn't have it.

Now i'm wondering which mods/parts i should install first that will give me the best bang for the buck. Friends of mine have mentioned a new airfilter, like a K&N, will give me 5-10 hp more, but i don't know if that's something i will feel when im driving or accelerating and I'm not quite sure if thats worth spending $40 on, but that's why im asking u guys. Also i know about racing chips and how they alter the car's computer to get the most hp out of your engine, not quite sure which one is the best tho and im not quite sure how im gonna install it either. I researched a lil on the internet and found the JET one to be around $200, im not sure if that'll fit my accord or if it's the best, but like i said that's why im here on my comp and not tearing up the streets . I also thought about new springs, cause from the feel of things, the accord's springs seem really plush when i even lean on the car.
So does anyone have any suggestions?????

~Thx

 

There's a guide of what things you shoud get to your car at the begining of forum's listing.
My opinion: get an air intake first. You can get an AEM, short or long ram. Short ram is a easy to install, air filter replacement. That should give you some horsepower. The long ram, will require you to remove the front bumper in order for you to install it.
I bought a BOMZ air intake (shor ram), works just fine, and only cost 40 ot 50 bucks.
A suspension will cost you some money. Parts and installation together can cost aroung 600 to 1k.
When I got my suspension done.... I was happy as s***.. having the car's ride more rigid.
BTW.... when getting the shocks.... get some KYB agx, because you can adjust how soft or how hard you want them.

 

if you really wanna just do something thats simple and easy, that you can do on your own, then an air intake is a great way to just get started...

however, dollar for dollar, suspension/tires are definantly the most bang for buck

 

I would say go with an intake and a header. It sounds like you've got mandrel bent exhaust piping. If not, get that too. Then maybe a cam regrind and a gear. If you buy an ebay intake make sure to put a K&N filter on it. Don't get a JET chip, they don't do anything. If you might get NOS in the future don't get a chip, they advance timing.

I would say these are the least expensive mods plus you could do them yourself. This is just my opinion though, so whatever you do, decide for yourself.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fw190bvi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">however, dollar for dollar, suspension/tires are definantly the most bang for buck</TD></TR></TABLE>
And I would add that suspension is one of the FIRST things one should do to their car. Why have a modded engine on stock brakes/suspension and have the engine outperform your SAFETY parts?

 

...well... that DOES make sence..

 

true true, Mestizo

I just ordered a k&n air filter from my local store and it should be comming in the next day, i'll see what taht does and if i get some more cash saved up i'll think bout the suspension upgrade.

Soo i shouldn't get a chip upgrade by the sound of things??

 

Depends on what you want to do with the car. I'd sit down, preferably with some friends that know what they're doing..........and map out your plans of the car. I made my own list of things....first starting with suspension and braking. However I did run across some deals that could NOT be passed up (which ended up being aesthetic...) Anyway among them were springs and struts...but now I want true coilovers or the Ground Control/Koni Yellow setup. So the money I spent in my first setup I lose out...but it was a learning experience for school as I put the suspension kit in for my grade. To me, first and foremost is suspension and braking which kind of includes transmission stuff (gotta put more power to ground and the trans is the link, then safety stuff like (if I was going this far......a rollcage/harnesses) then engine/power mods. Last but not least is aesthetic parts like carbon fibre stuff...spoiler or wings if the car is capable (but for racing only). I hope you get the picture and good luck with your buildup.