CAI and Exhausts

F

firefly

New Member
Hey guys/gals,

I'm pretty noob when it comes to modding cars, but I'm looking to maybe upgrade the air filter/intake and exhaust on my 2001 Lancer CE 1.8L Coupe. My goal is to boost performance and engine efficiency and improve fuel economy. I figured CAI and a better exhaust are the cheaper and simpler options to start with. I'm also pretty sure my suspension is on it's way out too so I might be looking to replace that at some point also.

I've read a few of the stickies on this forum but I'm still not really sure what I should do. So I'm just wondering if someone can give me some advice on what options I have to meet my goals. I'll break down in more detail my thoughts so far:

With CAI, I could probably install it myself if I knew the exact kit to buy but the thought of ruining my engine from water makes me wonder if I should bother. Is there a decent option that would give enough gains to make it worth doing but also allows me not to worry about engine damage?

Exhaust, I'm not really looking to get a big retarded fart cannon put on just for sound. I'm more looking at options that boost performance and efficiency and provide a more grunty sound that isn't over powering and annoying - as road noise on long trips is already annoying enough.

Suspension, don't really know much about it either but I have a feeling it might be dying as I hear a clunk and odd noises sometimes when going over humps. I guess if it isn't too expensive compared to what would normally be put in, I might look to getting some kind of sports suspension?

I have to get a service done soon as it's way over due so I might be looking to get some of this done at the same time. Not sure where I should go though - Repco, Autobarn? Any preference you guys have?

As for budget, I'm only looking around $1000 at the moment so "best bang for ya buck" works for me. Any links to parts I should consider, etc would be great!

Cheers
 
hey man, welcome to the forum :)

in terms of an intake and getting water up it, id say very low chance, ive got hensperformance intake, and thats down below the left front wheel, and ive had no issues at all, just dont drive through massive puddles like a retard and you'll be fine lol, the gains are noticable top end, and itt sounds the goods along with an exhaust.
in saying that, id defs recomend hensperformance's cold air intake, as would i recommend there extractors, ive heard good things about them,
you can contact henry on this sight as he's a sponsor now.

and with the suspension, 2 options really, coilovers (wich blow your budget out straight away) or some springs and shocks, wich you would be looking at like $600-$700 anyways.
samwyz is selling superlow springs and shocks forlike $400 second hand, you could contact him on here to enquire about that, pics, ride height etc.

with the serice, id recomend a mechanic 1st if you just bought the car, so he can give u professional advice on what needs to be done, or whats worn/needs replacing, then its just a matter of u doing oil changes :)

anyways , hope that helped, throw up a ride thread :)
 
CAI- hens version will cost around 300 bucks, decent gains but illegal pod filter.
- DIy pipe to front bar will cost you around 30 bucks, similar gains if done right but legal and retains stock look.

Exhaust- extractor will give decent gains without changing the sounds.

- hens extractors will set you back around 300 bucks again, smooths power delivery at low end, I can vouch for this.

- npower from eBay, stainless, look good, cheaper than hens and from what hear give decent gains. Around 200 bucks I
think.

As for servicing, new filters from repco/ autobahn etc will cost you around 100 bucks. And you can do it yourself.
 
Thanks for the swift responses :)

I've actually had the car for a few years but only now just thinking about modding it a bit. I bought it second hand and it was already lowered and fitted with lower profile tyres. Apart from that it is pretty stock standard and without spoiler. So with that said I don't really need to get a mechanic to check it out, just need to find a good auto shop that could service it and fit any of the modifications. I'm in Canberra so I don't think Hens is an option as I would like to get the work done locally for convenience. Though if I can order what I need from him and get it fitted here then that could work.

What sort of costs would I be looking at to get CAI and Extractors/Exhaust fitted professionally? Just so I know I'm not getting ripped off. Anyone used Repco or Autobarn for this sort of thing? I have them nearby which is why I ask.

With the 2" exhaust that was mentioned, what does that actually involve? Is it just a change of muffler or does it involve changes further up from the muffler? If it's just a muffler change then it wouldn't do much other than provide different sound, is that correct? In which case I actually want to improve efficiency not just get a better sound.
 
Getting a CAI fitted professionally IS being ripped off as it literally is 3 or 4 pieces clipping together.

Autobahn and repco won't have a CAI specifically for your lancer, only the parts to build one.

2 inch system can be waterer you want. It will affect price I all, typically though it will be 2 inch pipe, 2 inch cat., 2 inch premuffler/resonator and 2 inch muffler. You can have 3 mufflers or no mufflers if you want. Up to you
 
Don't only consider coilovers, if your budget will be stretched... I have lowered coils on stock struts and you will have a lot of left over money for other mods. For the record, $700 fitted is extreme... $270 will buy you the springs and with a few mates with the right gear, you could do this yourself... Thus saving lots...
 
these questions have been asked a billion times before

CAI info = viewtopic.php?f=8&t=769

links to info on suspension and most other things = viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1269

info on names of mods and what they will improve/do = viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1269

if all else fails and you dont know what to do with making a CAI etc. just test an idea out, cai's are very inexpencive to change and alter if you fk it up

as roy siad, hens cai, 2" zorst and hens extractors, bc red coils << if you want a faster car on budget with very little muck about in custom work that is the exact path i would recomend with a few strutbraces, swaybar and gsr front brake upgrade thrown in somewhere
 
Reckon! I think there will be a deficit of $200 once the coilovers are bought! = $1200!
 
mdclear said:
Trondabron said:
Royzie said:
Hens CAI

2" exhaust

BC coilovers

/thread
Click to expand...

Haha best $1000 bucks he'll ever spend
Click to expand...

be a bit more then 1000 for that
Click to expand...

I know, i was kidding LOL, I meant it would be a good deal if he did get all of that for $1000. If he does, let me know how and ill jump on the bandwagon!
 
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