Basic Mod Do's and Dont's for 96-98's

[Lzr96Snake]

I've got a bone stock, 75k, Laser Red 96 Cobra, and I'm wanting to do some basic mods. I'm looking for some advice on a CAI. I would like to get the best one for the money, that would still let me use my strut tower brace. Any suggestions?? I know the BBK would allow me to do this, but I've read that the power gains are slight. Also, I know 96's were known for cooling system troubles. I don't think the radiator/fan has ever been upgraded, and it still has the grill in place. Should I wait to install underdrive pulleys until I replace the radiator, fan, etc? Besides that, I was planning on a cat back sys, FMS B springs, and some 03 cobra wheels for now.

Any other suggestions for basic, inexpensive mods? Thanks for the help.

 

[Ducci]

Try reading the sticky below. Has some great information. Also, just get a K&N drop in filter and save your money on the CAI. They aren't that good of a bang for buck for these cars.

http://www.svtperformance.com/forum...mmon-issues-basic-mods-track-tip-stckies.html

 

[gq916]

just get a cone filter

 

[Mystic-SVT]

+1 on dropping in a k&n filter, don't forget to remove the silencer from the air intake assembly. The BBK will look "good" but won't do much for you as far as power gains. Get yourself an off road X or H pipe too, it will wake up the car.

 

[Wynn]

I agree. Get a K&N drop in filter. Then exhaust. Then gears. Then a power adder.

 

[Lzr96Snake]

Thanks everyone for the info on CAI's. So, should I wait on the underdrive pulleys? As far as gears, 3.73 or 4.10's?

 

[cummins96cobra]

Thanks everyone for the info on CAI's. So, should I wait on the underdrive pulleys? As far as gears, 3.73 or 4.10's?

Asking people what gears to get isnt a good idea lol everyone has there own opinion but my 96 is stock with no cats, mufflers and it has a 373 gear and im going to get 430s soon because the 373 isnt enough for these cars NA IMO, if you plan on getting boosted soon then i would go with 373s

 

[Mystic-SVT]

You will get different responses on what gears to go with but I would say 4.10s. As for pulleys, go with a march fluid damner. You can do either one but the gears will make a much bigger difference in seat of the pants feel.

 

[na svt]

Do:
4.10s or 4.30s
drop in filter
long tubes
march fluid damper, small diameter alt and wp pulleys
short runner intake
97 and up a/c condensor
180 deg thermostat

Don't do:
CAI/RAI
Throttle Body
3.73s

The radiator is fine, the condensor is the major problem as it restricts airflow.

 

[Troyz R Us]

What gears depends on what your plans are for the car in my opinion. As stated above, if you plan on a power adder in the near future then I wouldn't waste my time or money with something like 4.30's.

 

[DVJ38]

Do:
4.10s or 4.30s
drop in filter
long tubes
march fluid damper, small diameter alt and wp pulleys
short runner intake
97 and up a/c condensor
180 deg thermostat

Don't do:
CAI/RAI
Throttle Body
3.73s

The radiator is fine, the condensor is the major problem as it restricts airflow.

I mostly agree with NA SVT on the things he said. I'd get mufflers or a catback to make it sound good though, and don't forget an O/R midpipe.

Also, getting subframe connectors and a shifter would greatly improve the car as well.

 

[svtrickey]

What gears depends on what your plans are for the car in my opinion. As stated above, if you plan on a power adder in the near future then I wouldn't waste my time or money with something like 4.30's.

Why not 4.30's and power adder? Just buy some really sticky tires

 

[Wynn]

Why not 4.30's and power adder? Just buy some really sticky tires

I have 4.30s and a 100 shot, and wouldn't have it any other way, myself. If you plan on trapping over 120 in the 1/4 then go with 4.10s, but for most people 4.30s will be fine.

 

[luke87gt]

Do:
damper, small diameter alt and wp pulleys

The smaller diameter crank will slow down all the accessories. A smaller diameter accessory pulley will speed it back up. For underdriving, you want a smaller crank, and a bigger accessories.

Unless you are having charging/cooling issues...

 

[Lzr96Snake]

It'll stay na. I'll probably get gears, a CAI or at least a drop in filter, and a catback for now. I got a good deal on some FMS B springs, so I'll do that soon too. I already installed a hurst billet plus shifter. I want long tubes, but it probably won't be for a while. I will try and find a used H-pipe for now too until I can get the headers and a new midpipe. From what you guys said, i'll either get 4.10's or 4.30's. What speedo gear(s) should I use? What should I get for a handheld tuner?

 

[luke87gt]

It'll stay na. I'll probably get gears, a CAI or at least a drop in filter, and a catback for now. I got a good deal on some FMS B springs, so I'll do that soon too. I already installed a hurst billet plus shifter. I want long tubes, but it probably won't be for a while. I will try and find a used H-pipe for now too until I can get the headers and a new midpipe. From what you guys said, i'll either get 4.10's or 4.30's. What speedo gear(s) should I use? What should I get for a handheld tuner?

I am using a Speed Cal to correct the speedo. It works great!

And I am thrilled with my 4.30s and would not want any less.

 

[NXGHOST]

Do's

4.30 Gears
Exhaust
Shifter
Rear Control Arms
B Springs

The above makes a 12 Second Capable street car with sticky tires.

I ran 4.30's N/A and with a small shot for many years. Went with a Paxton Novi and thought I should do 4.10's. Went to the strip and didnt like the 4.10's. Car went 12.40, Went back the next week with 4.30's back in there, 11.89@120MPH first pass on 26" Slicks. If I ever needed to go quicker I would simply go to a 27" tall tire. 4.30's are sick on the street!

 

[mrxr250rider]

Do's

4.30 Gears
Exhaust
Shifter
Rear Control Arms
B Springs

The above makes a 12 Second Capable street car with sticky tires.

I ran 4.30's N/A and with a small shot for many years. Went with a Paxton Novi and thought I should do 4.10's. Went to the strip and didnt like the 4.10's. Car went 12.40, Went back the next week with 4.30's back in there, 11.89@120MPH first pass on 26" Slicks. If I ever needed to go quicker I would simply go to a 27" tall tire. 4.30's are sick on the street!

you really make me want 4:30s. such a hard decision

 

[Lzr96Snake]

How are 4.30s at interstate speed? What rpm is the car at around 70mph?

 

[mrxr250rider]

wondering the same thing, do alot of highway driving,drive it almost everyday in the summer may supercharge eventually. not sure if 4:30s are for me.

iam planning on buying a wrx or evo in the near future though so i could always use that as a daily or on the highway