new to the performance scene, need the heads up.

[Tib2004]

Hey guys,
I'm relatively new to the scene and I'm trying to learn as much as I can. I recently bought my 04 Tib GT and I know pretty much what I want to do with it. I want to do some safe internal work to bring out as much of the stock potential as possible w/o hurting the engine or it's life expectancy.I'm not going to be going out there and racing but I do like having the power under the hood. I'm pretty set on staying away from superchargers, turbo's and NOS as this is also my everyday car. I'm sure to do the obvious to it which would include Cold air intake, headers, and exhaust. I have heard that these modifications will not hurt the car and increase performance. Is it true that because the engine or it's computer aren't set up to increase the horsepower that it could hurt the car? Where can I find good parts such as intake and exhaust for the best price? Should I stay away from ebay parts? So far all Ive really played with are the Octane boosters which seem to give the car a little bit of push and I was about to install some NGK iridium spark plugs, anyone have any feedback?I was told to put in a good racing synthetic and change out 1 qt. for Lucas Oil treatment, good or bad idea?Will putting in a chip hurt the car and if not where can I find them and can anyone tell me a little bit about them? Also hollowing out the cat converter was an option. I know it's alot of questions but I seem to get different opinions and I'm not sure what to listen to, i need the no nonsense, this is how it is advice. I would really appreciate any help given.

[free2roamaz]

Well welcome to the scene. I am fairly new myself. You should come check out some of the advice people have given me already.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=353550

As far as places to buy your mods, check out Niscos list of online suppliers, or just do what I did and find a reliable custom shop around you.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=271281

Good luck. Hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

[nisco]

Well if you want to stay all motor (which is what i got from your post) youre gonna be spending alot.. and onlt be gettin around 200whp.. n/a

its worthless in my opinion, but its your car.

if you want to do internal work (which isnt nessecary)
it can free up some hp, and help with its potential.

intakes/ exhausts/ headers will not hurt your engine at all, and yes it will increase your hp (a prettyt decent amount)

the only way an intake can cause a problem with your engie is if you hydroloc it, by sucking water into your engine/ intake manifold (that will cause problems.. but youll be ok as long as you dont go driving in 2 foot puddles.

also spark plugs, ground wires, and ignition wires are all good things to upgrade

a word of wisdom: do not buy any "chips" from ebay.. noone makes a chip for our car... only real-engineering.com makes reflashed/ new ecu's
cai's on ebay are "OK" but i suggest AEM, or INJEN...
STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING SSA.. SSA makes headers and exhausts.. and theyre crap...

[Rickna]

I don't see the point of changing internals if you're going to stay with N/A. Really a waste, IMO.

[nisco]

Originally Posted by Rickna

I don't see the point of changing internals if you're going to stay with N/A. Really a waste, IMO.

my thoughts exactly.... you wont make that much hp by stayin N/A...
if you want to go with a turbo set up, or a super charger, then thats another story

we have plenty of boosted tibs running around safely on stock internals, no built blocks

and soon we'll have a few with built internals and long blocks, so we'll see how those all perform

[Dr. Love]

This is possibly a dumb question but if aftermarket intake/headers/exhaust will improve the car's performance, why isn't the car designed with them like that from the start?

[Rickna]

Cost, market appeal & emissions.

[tibby01]

yup. costs more, makes the car a tiny bit more of a gas hog, and is louder.