Hi, I'm a high school student about to go to college and as a result, I'm on a budget.
So this is my plan:

used AEM intake: $150-$170?

DC JDM 4-1 ceramic: $300

Fairly cheap cat that will fit (I know carsound fits great but it seems kinda expensive and the great fit wont be necessary when the length can be adjusted b/c of the custom exhaust piping) $75-150?

Custom mandral bent piping from the catback $150?

Apex'i N1 universal NA 60mm $200

What do you guys think about my plan? Yes I realize that this set up will be loud with the N1 but I am going for gains for cheap so I think I can sacrifice. I cant really spend over $1000. No I do not want suspension mods as I think the limit to the car is my skillz rather than suspension and the handling will only get better when I get my Azenis. However, I may add a JDM 23mm rear sway and a JDM rear strut tower brace if I have money. I have some questions about my proposed set up though.
Is the DC JDM header collector 2.5 inches for ID or OD?
Should I make the custom piping 2.5 ID or OD?
I picked the Apex'i N1 universal because it seems to be free flowing, is there another muffler I should use instead that is better for less than $300?
Any suggestions for a cheap good cat?
Any more comments on AEM CAI other than already documented?

Thanks in advance guys.

 

used AEM, used JDM 4-1, Jeg's cat ($50), and used V-AFC.

I made 177whp with this setup

 

all sounds good but as for the cat go for a good one other wise your car will always throw a code due to sensor in cat (thats why car sounds is so good)
I think R&D makes one too?

 

No codes with mine in the eight months or so it was on before Spec B install

I have idea why everyone bashes the Jeg's cat. It's made for a small block, which is probably why it's so cheap. All you have to do is make sure to order an O2 sensor bung, and take it to a muffler shop to get welded on.

R&D, SMS and IPS all sell bolt-on solutions utilizing Carsound cats - hence the extra expense. Bolt-on rocks nads, but I'm cheap, so I chose to order a universal cat and have a shop install it.

 

You can get the DC JDM 4-1 SS I think for $288 at http://www.inlinefour.com

 

How much are O2 sensor bungs? If I get a cat that is not prepared, do I have to get this? I didnt think I needed a bolt on unit b/c I'm getting custom exhaust piping anyway negating the need for correct length, but if it saves me a lot of work and is only marginally more expensive, then I'll go with a prepared one.

Can anyone answer me on the header and exhaust ID and OD? And those with custom piping, did you do anything to prevent rust?

 

bung = $4, thereabouts...

Just has to be welded onto the cheapo cat, and the piping welded to fit. If you're getting the custom piping done already, no reason not to go with the ghetto cat solution.

 

Thanks I think I will go with the cheap cat solution.....Can anyone answer me on the header and exhaust ID and OD? And those with custom piping, did you do anything to prevent rust?

 

dude, you can have my AEM cai for $90 with the bypass valve included. Currenly using Injen Race Division cai for my itr.

 

Thanks man but I am looking for it without a bypass valve install as I have heard that the bypass valve disrupts the flow of air causing a loss of a couple hp. I'm looking to go as fast as possible with as little money as possible. But $90 is an awesome price. Even if I decide to buy though, it wont be for another month or maybe more.

 

Well, it's not a couple HP cause the AEM produces only a couple HP. Don't expect big time gains or anything...

 

you want to sell the aem for 90$? is it for the R? where do you live in VA?

 

Actually Inline Four charges $288 is for the ceramic coated and $365 for the ss.