Hi guys,
I just got a crystal white 2003 GS300, and I love it. I'm a complete noob when it comes to cars though. I don't really know anything, really.
I was wondering if you guys can help me out. I want to increase the performance on my car. Something DIY, and something easy. I honestly do not know much about the mechanics of the car, but I want to do something (preferably less than $1000) to start off. It's completely stock.

I was thinking of doing the SRT intake that I see people talking about here quite a bit, esp. since its within my budget.

Well, what's the absolute minimum I can do to my car that'll make it better than stock (maybe +hp, i dunno)? intake, suspension (I don't know what that is), exhaust, any parts to the engine... etc. etc.

I would improve the appearance by getting spoilers and stuff. But I don't like the idea of having a pretty car when everything is just stock.. haha

Thanks again. I really appreciate it.

 

I would start with suspension before I do performance bolt ons. Start with some coilovers, to lower and stiffen the suspension and that will cure the super soft stock shocks and springs. After coilovers, I would do sway bars to further improve handling. Do a search, as you will find more than enough info on what mods to do. Good luck!

 

Specifically addressing your question, the SRT intake is a great start. The 2JZ-GE won't yet significant power increases unless you bolt on a turbo charger or supercharger so an intake, then exhaust is probably the way to go.

From what I understand, SRT makes the only intake out there that will actually show significant gains.

Good luck and welcome to CL.

 

Hey ZIPPY, I am in the Greater Los Angeles area and wanted to know where can I get an SRT intake for my 98GS4?; I have headers and cat-back exhaust being installed. Also, where can I get it installed and tuned?

 

But do take note of Mex Lex's comments, he makes a good point. Suspension bolt ons "feel" better than your intake and muffler mods, IMHO.

 

YOu could always start with exhaust. Than a Spring/strut combo or coilovers. But like many of us we are on a budget especially these days. YOu can acheive and acquire the same look without spending tons of money.

For example there are coilovers for sale in the classifieds and many other quality mods..

It all boils down to what you want to do to your GS.. GL and keep us posted..

 

Will changing the coilovers affect the comfort of the ride?

 

Depending on what type you get. Some have dampening settings to make the car ride stiff or soft. No doubt just about any coil or S/S combo will be better than stock. Especially if the stock suspension has some miles on them.. GL

 

I say you take that money and do some regular maintence first. Like getting all your fluid flush out for new one. Antifreez, transmision, break fluid, power stering. Throw in some new sparkplugs and a K&N drop in air filter. Have your breaks and tires look at as well because those can get pricey if not look at. You probily get more lost HP back than gain. GL

Edit: I would get a full exhaust system first. And I think SRT intake system is not carb approved in CA.

 

I would say get an intake and exhaust (delete the resonators).

 

1st upgrade?

hmmm sell it and get a gs430 heheheheheh

 

minii, i was in tight budget as well. i had SRT intake for a while then sold it + some cash = get HKS Coilover. You will enjoy SRT intake for few months, but Coilover will last forever...lol. Save your money in SRT intake + installation, get coilover first.

As mex lex suggested, then get sway bar. I'm looking for sway bar as well actually.

welcome to CL, be careful w/ the mod bugs, it will crawling under your skin....and it won't stop until ur wallet is empty...lol.

Good luck!

 

I know I'm biased too, but how true is this ^ But if you're stuck in a 300... You'll still get alot of bang for you buck in suspension mods. I'd start with new wheels and tires, then drop it (coilovers or springs), then sway bars! Once you get the suspension right on, it'll be so much more fun to drive you'll be inspired to keep it forever and keep dumping money into other mods

 

Doing suspension mods is not cheap. A good set of suspension would coast $1,000 or more. On top of that you would need some RCA due to cambers issue. That runs about $400 if your lucky for a set front and rear. Than you would'nt be sastisfied and gonna want sway bars after that. That is around $400-$500. Easyily $1,900 gone and dont forget about coast of install unless you doing it yourself and aligment in between!

If your gonna do it right do it right the first time.