Cheap upgrades?

Hey guys,

My 2-year anniversary with my girl is coming up, and she says she wants to get me something for my car... and seeing as how she knows next to nothing about cars, she wants me to pick it out :)

Origionally, I was looking into getting a new muffler put on.... but the muffler shops here (2 of them) have both kind of pissed me off...so....

I'm looking at minor upgrades--- anything that will help my car perform better, or improve my mileage (I'm getting about 24 mpg).

I'm driving a '99 firebird that is mostly stock... I've got performance spark plugs and wires, and some chrome wheels, but everything else is pretty much how it came from the factory. V6, 3.8L, yada yada.

It can be several small things, and I don't mind buying from ebay. Also, I'd like for it to be something I can put on myself. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Just figured I'd clarify that I don't quite know what all I'm looking at when I see some performance parts-- a lot, I can tell are just scams (especially on ebay.... some $4 resistor is not going to give me +20 mpg and +60 hp...that's just stupid). Found one chip that claimed it would fit a 1999-2006 Firebird.... I LoL'd

The cheapest things I can think of would be a cold air induction kit or a catback exhaust system. A cold air kit is probably around ~$200 or so and a decent catback around ~$400 or so. Both you could do yourself. Maybe a cooler thermostat to keep the engine cooler during those hot summer days.

If you want the car to feel better driving, a strut tower brace isn't a bad way to go. Makes the front end feel more stable. One can be had for under $100. But its a suspension mod, not an engine mod.

Actuclly you may want to go with a suspension mod, you'll feel it the most. Either a strut tower brace 9mentioned above) or subframe connectors. The SFC's will really make a difference in how your car feels and launches. They will reduce/eliminate unibody flex & twist and make the car feel more sure footed.

Thanks for your replies! I've been refreshing this forum about every hour or so to see what's been said!

Cold air kit is something I could do myself? Hm... any place in particular you would recommend I get them?

The strut tower brace is something I'll start looking for, too. Again, any recommendations on where to get them/what brand to get? Also, what is meant by that it'll "feel more surefooted"? I don't quite understand what that means.

He's basically saying that the car will feel more precise and stable under launches and driving.

Ah, well I've never had a problem with the car feeling stable. It's actually the most "solid"-feeling car I've driven (I guess that isn't saying much... I've driven my firebird, my sister's '03 mustang, and my mom's '00 Olds Cutlass).

God, that mustang has no power....

Anyways, I guess the cold air intake is my top choice right now-- only issue I have with that is that I think that means I'll have to stop using my current air filter, right? Bleh, I hate getting rid of my K&N.

I really wish the muffler guys around here didn't suck, right now.

I guess the only way you will understand what we are saying is if you get a suspension mod and feel the difference between stock and not stock. Hell, even my ex noticed a difference with a STB, and she doesn't know shit about cars. Its just something you will have to experience for yourself.

As long as your current suspension is tight if you were to add SFC's the car will handle like it is on rails. You'd have to drive a car with and without to know what the difference is...feeling is believing.

Cold air package http://marylandspeed.com/slp-coldair-induction-package-199802-v6v8-camarofirebird-slp21033-p-227.html

A cat back exhaust http://www.performancecenter.com/exhaust-systems/flowmaster-dual-rear-exit-exhaust-system

SFC's http://www.autoanything.com/suspension-systems/60A3300A0A0.aspx?kc=ffproduct&from_search=1

I'll take your word on it, then. And thanks for the links!!!!

The two big problems I see on the sfc, though, are the fact that I'd have to find someone to weld it on (which is what's keeping me from getting a new muffler, and I'd like to find one a little cheaper (I'll start looking, but if you know of any that are around $100, I'd appreciate a link).

And damn, I want that exhaust system...LoL.

Spohn makes very good parts for the F bodies and their SFC's are in your price range..almost http://www.spohn.net/?action=product&pid=1089

Their strut tower brace is $85 http://www.spohn.net/?action=product&pid=1087

lots of bolt on stuff on these links if welding is a problem.

Awesome :) Guess I'm going with that strut tower, then... I can find someone to weld it... I just don't like him.

EDIT: Damn, it won't work with the 3.8L :(

I wonder how it is V8-exclusive... oh well, I don't know much about suspension stuff.

Hmm, didn't see that it won't fit the V6, I guess the plenum sits too high on those. The cheapest V6 STB I found was $250. Maybe drop Spohn an E mail and ask if they have one that will fit your car.

Oh, and STB's aren't welded in, they bolt in.

even though they are bolt in, i would recommend welding them in afterwords.
the stresses put on the strut tower brace will eventually begin to wear out the bolt holes.
welding it in will fix this problem

Sent Spohn an email, so I'm waiting to see what they say.

Also, I take it that things like this are totally worthless?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pontiac-Supercharger-Turbo-Grand-Am-Grand-Prix-Firebird_W0QQitemZ280215915312QQcmdZViewItem

even though they are bolt in, i would recommend welding them in afterwords.
the stresses put on the strut tower brace will eventually begin to wear out the bolt holes.
welding it in will fix this problem

Welding in a STB is a TERRIBLE idea. Think about how much it will inhibit working in the engine bay. It blocks access angles on a lot of things. Headers, heads, intake manifold, plugs...etc. I wouldn't weld anything that isn't suppose to be welded, not even bolt-on exhaust systems.

Where did you get the idea that a muffler would be welded on? When I replaced my muffler, It was a direct bolt in, took 5 minutes. You just need a set of wrenches, and muffler clamps from the parts store if they aren't included.

sorry. i was thinking subframes.
lol.

yeah, i guess that would inhibit a few things