Cheap horsepower...

Today it hit me, I've noticed that at best a $1k exhaust at best could give me max 10-15 horsepower. No what kind of mods could you to to a gsr swapped civic for 1k and get more horsepower? I'm only looking for what im supposed to do once I get an engine and good suspension. 1k for 10 horses doesnt sound very appealing.

What kind of exhaust is that? Is it the header and the exhaust all the way back? If it's just the exhaust (not including the header) then you're getting royaly screwed, even with the header it seems quite steep. And I doubt you'll see even 10hp out of just an exhaust and header. The best upgrade for under $1K would be upgraded fuel delivery and nitrous. But it depends on what kind of gains you're looking for. 15hp doesn't sound like it'd be enough for what you want so that's why I recommend nitrous. You could do a 55 or 75 shot and have way more hp gains than with simple bolt-ons. Personally I don't like the idea of nitrous, I just don't trust it. I'd rather save up $ and deal with basic bolt-ons, cams, and pistons; or save for a turbo kit.

Cheap and horsepower cannot co-exist. If you want to be fast you're going to have to pay for it. Save your dough and piece a turbo kit together.

Yeah, that's what I was figuring, but nos seems kinda babyish to me. I like the idea of a turbo and that's what I think I'll be going for once I get my gsr engine. Of course after I upgrade my valvetrain. But what am I to expect from a header and exhaust? And if exhaust is worth the money, what is the best deal? What I meant by cheap horsepower was in the 1k region, with a 1k exhaust maybe 15 horses right? well, with 1k I could get venom 400 and msd ignition, fuel injectors and cam gears, which would do well over 15 horsepower.

well said that cheap and horsepower don't mix,

you could start some pretty good engine work for a G.
Skunk 2 cams, or a new intake manifold, pulley kits and gears, ignition systems, valve controller, all kinds of motor goodies....the right mix of what you want for a grand is the tricky part, and typically, one without another isn't worth it and gets over a grand reaaalllll quick...

...course, you could spend it all on rims... :grinno:

Thanks, that was what I was figuring. Once I get my gsr motor and I upgrade my valvetrain I plan on getting a turbo and cams, ignition, ecu mods, the works.