Okay, so I got quiet a bit of graduation/birthday money and I was trying to figure out what to do with it. These are some of the options I've come up with so far. I'm really torn on what to do and what would be best.

1) Buy the new C&L Intake Manifold for about $800 which would be an easy install for about 25-30hp and would only help out more as the build grew. I would probably get a new TB in the process as well, which I can get a single-blade from my buddies Mustang that just got totaled.

2) Buy a new set of cams, probably Stage 2 Comps which would require new valve springs and the works. Not as easy of an install, and I would probably have them put in by House of Boost were I could get some help making sure I do it all right. This would be the more expensive route, looking a $750 for the cam and probably around $1000 with install and a 3-run dyno tune.

3) Get some new wheels and tires, not a performance upgrade but still something I've been looking at. Since my tires will probably only last me until April I've been looking at this for a while. Of course I'm not sure what wheels I'll be getting yet, but they'll be at least 9" to 10" in the back and 9" up front. DD if it's possible.

So any insight?

 

My real life advice to you is to save your money or to invest it.

My internet forum advice is to go with option 3. If you've been looking at that for a while, you've kind of answered your own question.

I think cams, valve springs, installation, and a 3 pull dyno tune will cost more than $1,000 unless you're getting one hell of a deal. Also, I think the Stage II cams are a little too much. If I recall, they're for more modified cars. If I were you and I really wanted cams, I'd go with a Stage I or I'd just wait until I did a few more engine mods before I went with Stage II.

The C&L intake manifold, I don't know what to say about that. I'd wait until a few more people got it to see the results. I mean, it is a new product. AM's website says 15-17hp gain on a stock GT. Yours isn't stock, but I'm sure it wouldn't deliver anywhere near 25-30hp. I'd hold off on that one if I were you.

Good luck on whatever you choose, hun. Congratulations on your graduation.

 

Go with the new set of wheels, more traction never hurts. That's one of the things I regret not doing when I had the money for it.

 

Thanks Sunshine.

I'm leaning towards the wheels and tires just because she hasn't really been getting any loving in the appearance area. The reason I say the cams and dyno tune is around $1000 is because I know Erik who runs House of Boost and he said he'd let me slide on some of the install costs. The intake I agree with you completely on, I'm worried about it even without hearing anything bad.

I have heard problems with top-end on the intake in strict N/A cars so I'll probably hold off.

Looks like wheels and tires it is......now to just find which ones I want.

 

no matter what you do, please...i beg you. do not get bullitts. if you like them than whatever. but please go with something more original.

 

+1

 

let us know which rims you go with, gt4's are nice. i have the 2k cobra rims on mine with the cobra R center caps. the thin cobra rims are my favorite.

 

These are the wheels I'm thinking about. Chrome is out of the question as Missouri puts down salt like crazy and chrome would tear apart too quick. Switching from stock's to chrome would work but that means I'd have to keep good tires on both, not my budget.

They're 18"x9" which is okay....I'd like 10" or 9.5" at least but 9" will do.

My question is how do I know what offset is right? There is 5.5" 6" or 6.5" and I can't find pictures nor do I know where to measure to find out what I want. I want it to be flush with the fenders so it's kind of good to know.

 

definately sexy rims. +1 on that choice. 9" should do, may be just inside the fenderwell but you wont notice it much.