Hey guys,
I have no real intentions on racing or eventually going turbo, my car is just basically a daily driver. I was considering gettin a CAI (probably AEM) for a little extra hp, but I've read that it only kicks in at high rpm and can even hurt low end performance, so would I not notice the difference since my car is AT and the engine does not rev all that high unless I really get on it? Are there any other mods that would be more effective for some small performance gains that I'd notice while daily drivin? I'm definately thinkin about the final drive mod.
Thanks a lot in advance,
Mike

if you want low end torque, final drive is a good choice, you can also look into an underdrive pulley, or bored out throttlebody, any of those will help
later
chris

i didnt get a CAI, but i ported my factory intake (before the filter of course), and noticed a nice difference. it didnt take away any low end power IMO, and it really helped with throttle response and midrange more than anything. plus, i get a nice growl at around 3k RPM. ;) BTW..im auto as well. at he same time i did this, i also cleaned my TB and intake manifold, and im sure that helped as well. you might want to consider doing the same thing while your in there.

Get the CAI! It was my first 2GNT mod and I was very satisfied with it. Along with a 2.5" exhaust, I was very happy. I'm warning you, though... once you do your first mod, your life will change forever!!!

If you don't want to race it much don't get a CAI. Do things like the underdrive pulley and final drive mod. That CAI is gonna make your car extremely loud and every rice boy is gonna want to race you. Trust me.

I would reccomend going for it, but like they said... You will never stop.... EVER!

Nick
97RS
Custom IHI Stage2
Obx exhaust, Limo Tint,
Custom interior, Upper Strut Bar, Kenwood/pioneer stereo.

YES YES YES!!! I'm with Dougie.

Do yourself a favor and get an Iceman from ebay or Dsmtrader.com

UDP and Final drive are great mods, but they aren't exactly "bolt on". If you just want something simple, I'd go with an intake. You don't even have to get a Cold Air Intake, it doesn't hurt, but any intake is better then the stock airbox and plastic piping.

I'd recommend an intake over an exhaust. The intake provides a growling sound from your engine, while the exhaust can just be plain loud.

Yep, its not necessary to get a CAI....why not just get a cone filter and see how you like it? You can just easily put it onto your stock piping and you'll see a difference both in power and sound (not massive but still worthwhile)

I think it would be worth it for a daily driver. Just don't get a real expensive one. I'm sure you could get a cheap one for under $50 on ebay. They're easy to install and give a nice gain in power. I'm not sure what it sounds like w/o exhaust but it makes the underhood noise about 10x better than before. Very nice growl.



Black 97 Eclipse RS a/t
Mods:
Custom Cat-back Exhaust
Nakayama CAI
Final Gear Drive Mod
17'' hp typhoons wrapped in 215/45 kuhmo ecstas

I am AT. I love the aem cai. it helps quite a bit. Don't get the bypass tho unless you drive in ponds.

the bypass is debatable. i hydrolocked, didnt see the fucking puddle while i was flying down the road.

your choice though, the bypass is worth more than a new engine thats for sure. your choice, i dont know why there is so much bitching about the bypass though hehe. mine hasnt disintigrated... maybe that problem has been solved, i picked mine up about 16 months ago.

just get the CAI, and do the final drive. that should make you happy. until you want more mwahahaha.

mine is a daily driver too.
but i put in a little bit of mods... it makes driving enjoyable.
check it out.

'98 GS AT.Magenta Gray Pearl.Accel Spark Plug Wires.NGK Plugs.AEM Short Stack.GS-T Exhaust.AFX Underdrive pulley.RRE Front Lower Bar.Tenzo Rear Upper Bar.Tenzo Rear Lower Bar.Tenzo Front Upper Bar.Energy Suspension Bushings.Energy Suspension Motor Mounts.Radius Rims.Pirelli P7000 Supersports.Eibach Pro kit Springs.KYB GR2.$15 camber mod.Grillcraft Center grill. Howell Bored Throttle Body. Listen to Filipino music FREE 24/7! Go to http://www.eBalita.net

well, my bypass held up to my eyes. But the foam shit discolored and was looking bad. Decided to get coupling and get rid of it. I pulled it off, and it had a crack all around. It came off in like 3 pieces. The hose clamps were holding it in place was all. Without it, The throttle is more responsive, engine note is deeper, and the car runs better. I took it off and b4 I could finish, rain started pouring. I drove it in the rain for a test. I hit a huge puddle and nothing happened. I was on it too. And I have driven behind trucks on hwy and everything. no hydrolock. I dunno. I guess it depends on the depth of water or something. I also keep my filter cleaned and oiled. Maybe the oil helps prevent it from soaking water? Maybe I'm just lucky. It just feels and sounds a lot better. And throttle response is critical for an auto. But, I'd rather have my engine safe. It's all preference. It's a paper or plastic type of thing.