sup guys, I just got my first car yesterday-- a 99 GSR with 28k miles for $16,500. I finally don't have to ride in my friends cars and envy their cars. Anyway I am really excited and I have a couple of questions to ask regarding <U></U> suspension, AEM CAI, and an exhaust system.

First of all I was thinking of getting V-SPEC or Ground Control Coilovers. I am thinking about buying shocks also, but my question is do I really need shocks?? I dont want my car all bouncy and ****. And Im wondering will coilovers **** up my car's suspension and my car in general???

2nd, I want to buy an intake, I wanted an AEM COLD AIR, but I heard that the AEM intake rubs against the A/C lines creating holes in the A/C lines. Is that true??

Last, since I don't have that much money, I was thinking about just getting a 2 1/4 custom piping at a muffler shop for like $100 and then getting a brand name muffler such as an apex for another bill instead of getting a $500+ exhaust system from tanabe or greddy. Can you guys tell me any disadvantages of getting a custom job instead of getting a whole system?? Will an exhaust system like a tanabe give me more power than my other option??

Please help. THanks a lot guys.

 

If you change out the springs you need shocks. The increase in the spring rates and the fact that you're lowering the car will kill the stock shocks really easy. Just a recommendaton, don't lower the car more than 2 inches.

As far as the AEM, I have heard about the intake rubbing into the A/C lines on Integras, the fitment isn't that great, but if you bend the lines and isulate that area with rubber around where it would rub there should be no problem, plus it's also kinda the luck of the draw. Some people get good fitting AEMs and some don't. An Alternative would be to get the comptech icebox if cash permits.

As far as the exhaust goes, I don't know of too many who are happy with their custom jobs. Most custom jobs i've seen seem to come out bad and the exhaust sounds crappy and really really loud. I would just save up for an exhaust system, besides exhaust won;t really increase your performanc eby that much unless you're running cams or something, so I just say wait till you can buy a system if you really want an exhaust. Anyways, I hope that help and you got that car at a great price! btw, are you located out in socal?

 

congrats on ur new GSR. thats an awesome price too.
AEM CAi or injen CAi are fine and what most recommend.
i would get KYB AGX shocks and H&R springs for a great ride. not bumpy and
stiffer than stock and lowers about 1.5 in the front and 1.8 in rear.
as for exhaust i would get any cat back system by apexi, greddy, dc, or even stock ITr exhaust with some slight modification. not loud and stock looking. u may get harrassed with the others i mentioned.
get headers too to compliment the intake and exhaust. the advantage is direct bolt on and u can do it yourself. disadvantage--poss harrassment from cops and theif attraction.

hope this helps

 

Congratulation on your new best friend! I remember when I got my first car, the only thing on my mind at night was modification.
Well when getting coilover or lowering springs, it really depends on how lowered it is and the spring rate. I got Oe H&R springs which lowers it very little but stiffen the ride for better handling. Since its not that lowered I didn't really need aftermarket shocks but decided to changed it to Tokicos anyways. So it depends on you, if your drop is beyond 1.5 inch then go ahead and spend the extra cash and get shocks with it. Another thing to remember is if you drop it alot you might also consider getting a camber kit to put some positive camber back. Without the camber kit your tire will have inner tire wear.
As for the intake, there have been a big debate here with Aem Cold Air vs Comptech icebox vs homemade cold intake. Doing a search will give you a better idea of which to choose from. My current setup is the Comptech Icebox with the foam filter and stock intake pipe. The total cost of the setup is $240 ($170 for the icebox and $70 for the foam filter). I'm pretty happy with it.
Last if you are tight on money, don't get an exhaust system, custom or catback. There isn't really that much gain from upgrading that right now. If later in the future you decide to start modifying heavly then the exhuast might be your bottleneck. Beside the cops these days are being such asses you might worry about getting a exhaust ticket evertime you past a doughnut shop. Goodluck!

 

1. Ground Control coilovers are very forgiving, and will ride pretty nice with the stock shocks. My buddy's ride with Skunk coilovers and KYB AGX shocks ride much bouncier than another GSR with Ground Controls and stock shocks! If you don't have the extra cash and want to wait awhile, your stock shocks will be ok, as long as you don't drop it TOO much

2. AEM Cold Air intake can rub on those AC lines, but if you watch out, I don't think you'll have trouble. I placed mine so that there is a little space between the AC line and pipe. You should also check out the Comptech Ice Box, as it's gaining popularity, and no hydrolock!

3. You can find full catback exhausts for around 375+ if you look around. Apex catbacks can be found for pretty cheap. but, if you're buying the exhaust because you want more power, don't get it. It makes maybe 1-3hp, and money can be spent better elsewhere. Maybe you should look into getting a header, cam gears/tune.

 

just stay away form vspec coil overs
i had them in my last car(accord) and lets say, i crashed that car...
not the fault of the coilover, but my ride was very harsh

and I think u should get shocks ASAP for ure Coilovers Sleeves. Like EK said, the stiffer springs will need help with shocks.

AEM intakes are great. i have one and i love it. Just make sure to leave room so u dont hit the AC line. I had my AEM CAI for about more then a year, and it is still in good condition with no holes.

As for Exhaust, u can find one for under 400 if u look in the right places as mentioned.

Also mention was to get a header. Do so

Well, Congrads with the car, have fun. DRIVE SAFE

 

Sup. Great to hear you got a very great purchase! You'll love the GS-R!

I'm still debating on what shocks and springs to get, so I can't help ya there...

As for AEM CAI, it's one of THE best intake's out there. It is proven to give you the most gain out of any aftermarket Intakes out there. I have it and I love it. No problems and if you install it correctly and nice and tight, you shouldn't have any problems with the AC lines...

As for custom exhaust, it really depends on what you get. I have my TT Custom exhaust and I love the sound and performance on it. The piping that I have is VERY similar to the stock GS-R pipes, so it's nice and sounds great. I chose the best sounding muffler the shop had and I don't regret it at all.

Just remember to research everything before you actually buy the product so you won't regret later on...

Congrats!

 

I know this isn't what you mentioned, but first, get a helms manual. It'll the best 60 you blow on your car. Next, if you got the money, I'd dump it into a LSD-maximize the power you currently have before getting more. With a friend, it's a weekend project.

Happy motoring

 

Yup I agree get the helms manual. It will help you alot when you begin modifying your car down the road. One of the first investments you should make.

 

Well...congratulations!

Shocks are not necessary right away. I've been rolling on Neuspeed Race springs for over 60K. Not that bouncy at all. My friend just has coilovers and THAT"s bouncy. Every bump will throw you out of your seat!

AEM is cool. My Tenzo R short ram has burned into my AC lines - hasn't gone through yet though. I was thinking the AEM wouldn't do it because what really melts the lines is the chrome tip thats on the filter. I never heard of AEM burning the lines.

Exhaust? Well...I would personally go with a full-cat back system. Which is $500. But that somewhat straight piping with full-cat back system I think is not even worth it. A cool universal muffler like Apexi would be fine. Especially on a budget.

But...you know what I would do - take that $500 and buy yourself a NOS Plate kit especially designed for GSRs. 75SHOT of nitrous direct port.
Can you say 225HP and 200tq? Sure beats the 10HP you gonna get with that exhaust and intake - doesn't it.

And if anyone says NOS is dangerous - it's just hype. YOu just have to get the timing and the plugs. With the plate kit - you can run all day on stock motor. No worries.

Bolt-ons = Waste of money.

 

hey thanks a lot man! HONDA-TECH is tiiite! I learned a lot just by reading other peoples messages. Well, yeah after reading all these replies, I definitely want to get shocks with coilovers. Im thinking about going with ground control or vspec and getting tokico shocks.

Hey if you have AIM, can you hook it up with your SN???..I want to talk to people that know their **** and it seems like you know a lot.

 

sup, yeah i love my GSR all ready!!! I didn't even know how to drive stick until yesterday night. I took it out today for a while and it was fun cruising around with my friend who has a ef9 with a b16a.

okay, i want to get shocks, is it really necessary that they have to be adjustable?? Is it that much better? Same question with springs vs. coilovers? I want to lower my car so there wont be any gap between the tire and the fender.. and what would be a good price for shocks and coilovers???

 

WELL, Im new to dis honda-tech siite and I wanted to reply back to all of you..but its hard, if you guys have GSRS, can you guys AIM me at KPDOSA96???? thanks for all your help..this site kicks ***.

 

If you're going to get springs, get shocks, for two reasons. 1) OEM shocks wear out fairly quickly with replacement springs, especially lower ones, and 2) you'll probably want shocks at some point anyway, and this way you pay the labor bill only once. I have KYB AGX's coming, and H&R OE Sport springs too. Sort of a value package, much better handling, and adjustable shocks, though only about an inch of lowering.
The other thing I'd do while you're doing the shocks is an ITR rear swaybar. Mine just came in (or I have the UPS sticker saying it did at least, heh) and everyone I know that has one says it's the best low-cost handling mod for the buck, and that it's really helped their cornering ability. I'm waiting to put it in till the suspension comes in too, then it can all be done at the same time. Oh, btw, you'll need either the BSQ or Beaks mounting kit for the bar too, so it doesn't tear out your subframe. IM BSQ, he's one of the members here, he'll tell ya all about it.