Performance Upgrades - Order of Importance

[lucy-furr]

Hey all, Im new here, and totally new to the whole car "mod" deal. I just purchased a 2005 Auto Special Edition tC (but Ive found out doesnt really mean much except some emblems and some cosmetic upgrages...anywho...)

My question is in regards to performance upgrades...Im still learning about all this stuff.....but Im curious what would be the first good choice for upgrades would be. Want to know what each of you upgraded first, or what you would suggest...i was thinking a CAI, then maybe a turbo kit....am I on the right track? Im still trying to sort through what the correct order is in terms of upgrades...I dont want to upgrade one component, only to find out it wont make a difference till I upgrade something else...Also, what smaller (less expensive) upgrades could I look into that would improve the performance?

Im really looking forward to learning as much as possible..and will be sure to keep you all posted...

Any and all pointers and information is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!

[07Azuresciontc]

i would start with small bolt on accesories, stay away from turbos for a while, because you would need to do some transmision mods if its an auto, CAI is a good start plus it makes the engine bay look nicer, an exhaust is good, search youtube to hear what they sound like, suspension upgrades are good, lowering springs, strut tower bars, wheels and tires, a good site to get some ideas is www.wesellcarparts.com they have a good selection of bolt on mods

[2dot4]

If a turbo is finacially possible in the near future, I'd just save for that. I don't think I'll ever stay N/A again lol...unless I run into a shit load of money and want to build the hell out of a motor for shock value.

If you're not really sure about the turbo, my personal order of importance for N/A mods would be...

First...suspension - sounds nuts, but it'll make even a stock car feel like a race car. great base for future mods...power doesn't mean anything without grip. I'd go with lowering springs (max potential is between 1.5" and 2" drop on the tC), then at least a rear sway bar (you don't need a front, but they help - they're a bitch to install though), then some strut braces - front definitely, rear eventually (not a huge help if you have a rear sway already.) All of that will stiffen the car up nice and give you a nice low center of gravity for quick turns.

then...CAI or short ram (I'm particular to the Weapon R short ram myself)

then...exhaust - cat back PLUS s-pipe...might as well - that s-pipe hurts.

then...crank pulley - Agency Power FTW.

then you can look into more in-depth upgrades like throttle bodies, and high compression pistons, staged heads, valvetrain upgrades, etc etc...but those are hot ticket items and come with a cost....not to mention the labor involved is well beyond CAI install lol.

I still say save for boost if it's possible...nothing like the sound of a Blow off valve to wake you up on the way into work lol

EDIT: Timothy has a good point - auto trannys don't fair too well with boost unless you get a tranny cooler and make frequent fluid changes...might not be something you want to mess with, but if it is then more power to you - I'm always a sucker for a girl with boost. lol

[07Azuresciontc]

too bad zpi is no more they made a kit for the auto tranny they replaced some solenoid or some thing and it made the tranny safe up to like 300hp

[mospeedtc]

A turbo isnt that bad. the tranny cooler is all you really need and change the tranny fluid like you normally would. I have a auto with a turbo and love it.Dezod and tnetics both make kit FOR the AUTO as far as I know. ZPI did make a tranny "upgrade" but never really heard anything that great about it. No point in a CAI if youre gonna go turbo cause then you have no use for the CAI and its wasted money.

[fightinsk8ers]

A turbo isnt that bad. the tranny cooler is all you really need and change the tranny fluid like you normally would. I have a auto with a turbo and love it.Dezod and tnetics both make kit FOR the AUTO as far as I know. ZPI did make a tranny "upgrade" but never really heard anything that great about it. No point in a CAI if youre gonna go turbo cause then you have no use for the CAI and its wasted money.


Exactly:up: you can turbo an auto easily that what i plan to do..just need the tranny cooler i think the stock tranny is good for about 300 hp then after that you will need some modification to it....im shooting for 250 + so well see how mine holds up but i wont be purchasing anything for year from now so Next spring i will be gettin boost...its pricey if you got the money save it and start wiht the suspension...


I started with an exhaust then moved to the Agency Power Pulley! Now i ju st put on my torque dampner and im saving the rest of my money for boost... hope this helps

[triniosito]

i would start with small bolt on accesories, stay away from turbos for a while, because you would need to do some transmision mods if its an auto, CAI is a good start plus it makes the engine bay look nicer, an exhaust is good, search youtube to hear what they sound like, suspension upgrades are good, lowering springs, strut tower bars, wheels and tires, a good site to get some ideas is www.wesellcarparts.com (http://www.wesellcarparts.com) they have a good selection of bolt on mods
+1

[fightinsk8ers]

also from wesellcarparts.com we get a discount becuase we belong to scikotics!

[lucy-furr]

Wow, that was all very helpful! Thank you for giving me all the information you did. I was a little concerned that I would get railed for not even really knowing about what Im asking....but you gotta start somewhere right?

Time to make a game plan and get started! Too excited...but might need a 2nd job if I want a turbo anytime soon! :) hehe

Ill keep you guys posted...

hey, so how do you offically "join" scikotics? Are there any requirements?

[THansenite]

Be sure to check into lightweight pulleys (crank, alternator, water pump). They free up horsepower and allow your engine to rev quicker. NST is a good place to buy these from (www.NonStopTuning.com (http://www.NonStopTuning.com)). They have great products.

Also, you may want to look into an engine torque dampener (I have an Ingall's). Even on a stock engine, they make a huge difference in eliminating wheel-hop and giving you more precise shifts.

[THansenite]

hey, so how do you offically "join" scikotics? Are there any requirements?

To join Scikotics, you must own a Scion. Other than that, just find a chapter close to where you live. Start chatting on the boards and go to a few meets and you are in. :up:

[Iateacricket]

Braking and handling are very important before you start adding power.

[lucy-furr]

Thanks guys!

[2dot4]

the stock auto will start to "Fatigue" around 230whp...meaning weak shiifts, torque loss, etc. Put a tranny cooler on it anyway. If you're auto and you go turbo, the tranny cooler is up there with the downpipe and manifold as far as importance. lol

braking is a good place to start too - just don't bother with big brake kits - waste of money on most cars.

[duckmonk]

I agree with everyone above. Work on the suspension first. I bought hotchkis springs and sways on trd struts. Only installed the back sway so far. I also have c pillar bar and a rear and front strut bar to stiffen it up its amazing the difference in the ride. With cai and and greddy rear exhaust its not to bad of an increase and sounds good (cant wait to get headers). I have an auto and was thinking of going for the whole turbo idea, but now I am thinking of just building up the performance on the motor. To each his own tho so if you have the funds to buy a good turbo and take care of it and you actually need that much POWER I say go for it.

[scionxb.org]

Wow, that was all very helpful! Thank you for giving me all the information you did. I was a little concerned that I would get railed for not even really knowing about what Im asking....but you gotta start somewhere right?

Time to make a game plan and get started! Too excited...but might need a 2nd job if I want a turbo anytime soon! :) hehe

Ill keep you guys posted...

hey, so how do you offically "join" scikotics? Are there any requirements?

Hi Stefanie,

Looks like you have an awesome tC and have many great ideas for her in the future. Please ask all the questions you want and never feel you will be railed for not knowing something. Scikotics is not that way and the only thing we care about is you having a Scion. Mods are not needed, experience is not needed, but wanting to mod is always encouraged!

I see you found the St Andrews Bay chapter and I am very pleased to have you with us.

:clap:

James