Need Quick Help w/ Mods...Thanks
Need Quick Help w/ Mods...Thanks
Hey guys. This is pretty much my first post here, so bare with me. I’ve searched as much as I can, but my Internet availability is limited at the moment and I can’t find the “exact” answers to my questions. If you would kindly answer my questions or post links, I would greatly appreciate it.
I just bought a black 01 LX coupe with automatic and I have about $1500 to mod the car, so I’m looking for some help. Everything is currently stock and it has 50,000 miles. This car will mostly be used for casual travel with the occasional spirited outbursts.
1. The tires need to be replaced, which means it’s a good time to upgrade. I checked the wheel section and it looks like everyone is using 17” or 18” wheels. Is that because you can’t find many “good” wheels in 16” or because most of you are running on tracks and need bigger wheels for larger brakes? I was hoping to get 16s, but I can go 17 if there’s a good reason.
2. I’m looking for about 1.5” drop. Should I just get springs or go the whole way and get a complete suspension package. I was looking at the set Dezod has on their site for about $500. Have any of you used them and how much did they cost to install (or did you do it yourself)?
3. If I buy my wheels online as a complete set (tires and rims), will it be a simple matter of bolting them on. I’m assuming I will need an alignment, but is there anything else I would need to do?
4. Do they make intakes for automatics? If so, could you point me to a couple respectable manufactures that do?
5. I’m looking to replace the front rotors and brake pads. I’ve seen some people using the AEM pads (?), but what about rotors? What would you recommend for low cost, decent quality rotors?
6. Last one. Do any of you know a good mechanic in the Atlanta, Georgia area?
Well, that should get me started for now. Thanks for all your help and I apologize for asking such basic questions. Flame if you must.
I just bought a black 01 LX coupe with automatic and I have about $1500 to mod the car, so I’m looking for some help. Everything is currently stock and it has 50,000 miles. This car will mostly be used for casual travel with the occasional spirited outbursts.
1. The tires need to be replaced, which means it’s a good time to upgrade. I checked the wheel section and it looks like everyone is using 17” or 18” wheels. Is that because you can’t find many “good” wheels in 16” or because most of you are running on tracks and need bigger wheels for larger brakes? I was hoping to get 16s, but I can go 17 if there’s a good reason.
2. I’m looking for about 1.5” drop. Should I just get springs or go the whole way and get a complete suspension package. I was looking at the set Dezod has on their site for about $500. Have any of you used them and how much did they cost to install (or did you do it yourself)?
3. If I buy my wheels online as a complete set (tires and rims), will it be a simple matter of bolting them on. I’m assuming I will need an alignment, but is there anything else I would need to do?
4. Do they make intakes for automatics? If so, could you point me to a couple respectable manufactures that do?
5. I’m looking to replace the front rotors and brake pads. I’ve seen some people using the AEM pads (?), but what about rotors? What would you recommend for low cost, decent quality rotors?
6. Last one. Do any of you know a good mechanic in the Atlanta, Georgia area?
Well, that should get me started for now. Thanks for all your help and I apologize for asking such basic questions. Flame if you must.
Last edited by Erighan; Jul 26, 2006 at 08:25 AM.
there's plenty of good 16" wheels...i'm upgrading soon from gram light 57-c's in 17" to probably the same in 16"....17's and 18's are just more for looks imo...dezods progress spring setup there looks like a good one too....if you buy your wheel package it is as simple as bolting them on if they are already mounted and ballanced....check ebay or 7thgens classifieds section for an intake....try to stay away from the cold-air and get a short ram style intake, it'll save your motor and a headache down the road.....good luck and welcome to the site...it's the greatest resource i've found for our cars
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Originally Posted by Erighan
Hey guys. This is pretty much my first post here, so bare with me. I’ve searched as much as I can, but my Internet availability is limited at the moment and I can’t find the “exact” answers to my questions. If you would kindly answer my questions or post links, I would greatly appreciate it.
I just bought a black 01 LX coupe with automatic and I have about $1500 to mod the car, so I’m looking for some help. Everything is currently stock and it has 50,000 miles. This car will mostly be used for casual travel with the occasional spirited outbursts.
1. The tires need to be replaced, which means it’s a good time to upgrade. I checked the wheel section and it looks like everyone is using 17” or 18” wheels. Is that because you can’t find many “good” wheels in 16” or because most of you are running on tracks and need bigger wheels for larger brakes? I was hoping to get 16s, but I can go 17 if there’s a good reason.
Lots of people run lots of different sizes. There are plenty of good wheels that come in 16's, and generally it will be cheaper for you.
2. I’m looking for about 1.5” drop. Should I just get springs or go the whole way and get a complete suspension package. I was looking at the set Dezod has on their site for about $500. Have any of you used them and how much did they cost to install (or did you do it yourself)?
Dezod makes great stuff, but you'll be able to get away with a simple spring swap, perhaps some Tein S-Techs. Going to full coilovers will blow that stash you have in no time. You may want to invest in a camber kit
3. If I buy my wheels online as a complete set (tires and rims), will it be a simple matter of bolting them on. I’m assuming I will need an alignment, but is there anything else I would need to do?
Bolt them up and drive to the alingment shop
4. Do they make intakes for automatics? If so, could you point me to a couple respectable manufactures that do?
They sure do, everyone from AEM to Injen.
5. I’m looking to replace the front rotors and brake pads. I’ve seen some people using the AEM pads (?), but what about rotors? What would you recommend for low cost, decent quality rotors?
Brembo blanks are great, and so are Hawk pads. If your desperate though OEM replacements can be found easily, but the price is usually more.
6. Last one. Do any of you know a good mechanic in the Atlanta, Georgia area?
Can't help ya there
Well, that should get me started for now. Thanks for all your help and I apologize for asking such basic questions. Flame if you must.
I just bought a black 01 LX coupe with automatic and I have about $1500 to mod the car, so I’m looking for some help. Everything is currently stock and it has 50,000 miles. This car will mostly be used for casual travel with the occasional spirited outbursts.
1. The tires need to be replaced, which means it’s a good time to upgrade. I checked the wheel section and it looks like everyone is using 17” or 18” wheels. Is that because you can’t find many “good” wheels in 16” or because most of you are running on tracks and need bigger wheels for larger brakes? I was hoping to get 16s, but I can go 17 if there’s a good reason.
Lots of people run lots of different sizes. There are plenty of good wheels that come in 16's, and generally it will be cheaper for you.
2. I’m looking for about 1.5” drop. Should I just get springs or go the whole way and get a complete suspension package. I was looking at the set Dezod has on their site for about $500. Have any of you used them and how much did they cost to install (or did you do it yourself)?
Dezod makes great stuff, but you'll be able to get away with a simple spring swap, perhaps some Tein S-Techs. Going to full coilovers will blow that stash you have in no time. You may want to invest in a camber kit
3. If I buy my wheels online as a complete set (tires and rims), will it be a simple matter of bolting them on. I’m assuming I will need an alignment, but is there anything else I would need to do?
Bolt them up and drive to the alingment shop
4. Do they make intakes for automatics? If so, could you point me to a couple respectable manufactures that do?
They sure do, everyone from AEM to Injen.
5. I’m looking to replace the front rotors and brake pads. I’ve seen some people using the AEM pads (?), but what about rotors? What would you recommend for low cost, decent quality rotors?
Brembo blanks are great, and so are Hawk pads. If your desperate though OEM replacements can be found easily, but the price is usually more.
6. Last one. Do any of you know a good mechanic in the Atlanta, Georgia area?
Can't help ya there

Well, that should get me started for now. Thanks for all your help and I apologize for asking such basic questions. Flame if you must.
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Originally Posted by bOoStEd042dr
there's plenty of good 16" wheels...i'm upgrading soon from gram light 57-c's in 17" to probably the same in 16"....17's and 18's are just more for looks imo...dezods progress spring setup there looks like a good one too....if you buy your wheel package it is as simple as bolting them on if they are already mounted and ballanced....check ebay or 7thgens classifieds section for an intake....try to stay away from the cold-air and get a short ram style intake, it'll save your motor and a headache down the road.....good luck and welcome to the site...it's the greatest resource i've found for our cars
The only thing i really disagree with is finding "good" rubber for 16's. Ive been threw about 4 or 5 different sets of tires looking for something that will grip and handle the road like i want them too. I managed to find a good set of BF Goodwrench 205/45 KDW's And thats about all i can find that i like on my 16's. I want to upgrade to a 17 not only so i can get better rubber, but because it will raise my car a little bit so i can put a bigger exshaust on it and it should help me with my tracktion issues. Right now i have my car pretty much dropped to minimum leagle requirements lol.
I would suggest just getting a short ram intake anyways just because on the D17a1 or a2 it really doesnt pick up any gains. If i were you i would just save my 100 bucks and put it towards something that will give you good performance gains.. ie a TURBO lol. but thats just my $.02.
Again, thanks.
I'm more concerned about the car's handling characteristics rather than its performance. I know the SRI won't help much (if at all), but I wouldn't mind having that "throaty" sound when I step on the gas.
I will do some research on springs and chamber kits.
I'm more concerned about the car's handling characteristics rather than its performance. I know the SRI won't help much (if at all), but I wouldn't mind having that "throaty" sound when I step on the gas.
I will do some research on springs and chamber kits.
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good luck man and for the short ram i just went to ebay since its all the same stuff. welcome to the site and happy modding! looks like uve made it past the haters so far lol
You need to be careful with the stuff you get on ebay, like intakes. A lot of the intakes sold on ebay are made of crappy materials, the materical can be thin metal which absorbs a lot of heat. The more expensive intakes tend to be made of better material which is much more resistant to absorbing heat. Not to mention the fit of ebay intakes tends to be crappy, versus brand name intakes which usually fit better. I'm a firm believer in the old saying, you get what you pay for.
Any of you guys have anything to say about Enkei wheels? I was looking at the J10s in 16" (black or silver?) paired with BF Goodrench G-Force tires. Will cost about $950.
Regarding the springs - S Techs or Pro Sport? Does it matter much?
I hear ya. I always check online stores, such as our sponsors, before I check EBAY. Quality is #1 for me, even if I have a small budget.
Regarding the springs - S Techs or Pro Sport? Does it matter much?
Originally Posted by ctx66
You need to be careful with the stuff you get on ebay, like intakes. A lot of the intakes sold on ebay are made of crappy materials, the materical can be thin metal which absorbs a lot of heat. The more expensive intakes tend to be made of better material which is much more resistant to absorbing heat. Not to mention the fit of ebay intakes tends to be crappy, versus brand name intakes which usually fit better. I'm a firm believer in the old saying, you get what you pay for.
Last edited by Erighan; Jul 26, 2006 at 01:55 PM.
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i personally think it is a waste to spend the $300 on an intake like AEM or injen for only like 2hp. I got my cold air intake from ebay on my auto for around $100 but they seem to have lost quality since than.
If you do suspension i would say get the whole kit, springs shocks and camber kit. I have neuspeed sport springs which are are 1.5-1.75" drop and the tokico blues wont blow over time since they are made to handle that drop, the stock ones will eventually blow over time. The camber wont be too bad with a 1.5" drop but i suggest getting it anyway since you are gonna need an aligment and they dont align badly cambered cars.
your alignment will get worst when you put the wheels on so i suggest you do all the suspension and wheels before you get an alignment, most wheel shops will install the camber kit and align it all at once for you.
Now brakes are kind of a waste except for looks. You have to replace more than the pads calipers and rotors to feel a difference in braking. There is the master cyclinder and steel braided lines to replace also. If you get 17 or 18" wheels you wont need upgraded brakes, i have 18s and it takes the same amount of time to stop when i had the stocks on.
When people say sri is better than cai because of hydrolocking it doesnt really matter, i have had a cai on my car for over 2 years and i havent had one problem, i have driven through every kind of weather, from hurricanes to blizzards and not one problem. Now you can get a bypass valve which is supposed to help with the hydrolocking problem. I say if you are stupid enough to drive through a big enough enough puddle you deserve to get hydrolocked
i have enkei CDR9's and they are great, enkei is a good brand of wheels
If you do suspension i would say get the whole kit, springs shocks and camber kit. I have neuspeed sport springs which are are 1.5-1.75" drop and the tokico blues wont blow over time since they are made to handle that drop, the stock ones will eventually blow over time. The camber wont be too bad with a 1.5" drop but i suggest getting it anyway since you are gonna need an aligment and they dont align badly cambered cars.
your alignment will get worst when you put the wheels on so i suggest you do all the suspension and wheels before you get an alignment, most wheel shops will install the camber kit and align it all at once for you.
Now brakes are kind of a waste except for looks. You have to replace more than the pads calipers and rotors to feel a difference in braking. There is the master cyclinder and steel braided lines to replace also. If you get 17 or 18" wheels you wont need upgraded brakes, i have 18s and it takes the same amount of time to stop when i had the stocks on.
When people say sri is better than cai because of hydrolocking it doesnt really matter, i have had a cai on my car for over 2 years and i havent had one problem, i have driven through every kind of weather, from hurricanes to blizzards and not one problem. Now you can get a bypass valve which is supposed to help with the hydrolocking problem. I say if you are stupid enough to drive through a big enough enough puddle you deserve to get hydrolocked
i have enkei CDR9's and they are great, enkei is a good brand of wheels
Last edited by RHCP0801; Jul 26, 2006 at 01:57 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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You have hurricanes in New York?
I'll tell you right now, down here, we get some serious water weather. My neighborhood was flooded to about 3 feet high of water last Summer. I couldent even go out of my driveway without turning into a boat :-/
Originally Posted by TheSmuggler
You have hurricanes in New York?
I'll tell you right now, down here, we get some serious water weather. My neighborhood was flooded to about 3 feet high of water last Summer. I couldent even go out of my driveway without turning into a boat :-/



