Nat Aspirated Power Gains

[22Silver]

I'm just curious, as a P plater who got a pay rise..
What are the best mods for power in terms of a balance between the cost:power ratio and the cost:fun ratio without going to forced induction?

I was thinking ITB's for a good mix of power, sound and straight out 'coolness' but NitroDann mentioned that it might not be useful without an ECU and aftermarket cams

What kind of gains would an exhaust, camshaft, cam gear and ECU yield? Are these worthwhile on their own or are they simply a prerequisite for ITB's?
I'm trying to figure out what the best way to get a little more grunt is, and hopefully leave the door open for future mods.

End goal is ideally exhaust, camshaft, cam gear, timing (already done) and then possibly ITB's, and an ECU regardless of whether or not the ITB's happen

[NitroDann]

ITBs will not work without an ecu, its impossible. And with an ECU require a lot of tuning to get any driveability or economy at all.

And without cams are worth somewhere arounf 8hp.

Dann

[TTT]

Put money in term deposit.
repeat till P plates are gone.
Spend money on Turbo
Profit

[22Silver]

I have well over 2 years left of P plates in Australia.
When I'm off my P plates I'll either sell my car and buy an SE/SP if I'm not happy to stick with my current MX5 for another year or so, or wait it out and buy an Elise/Exige.

Please note I'll be doing as much of the work for any of these mods as is humanely possible.

[slug_dub]

Just don't fall into a trap of thinking staying N/A will be any kind of cheap.

Personally I think tyres and suspension are better things to concentrate on improving, and spend on first. And track days
How you drive is just as important, so do more of it with what you got, I'd say you are not within sight of the car's limits as it is.

[16bit]

if you can get an nb8b bottom end, shave the head and put a well designed intake and exhaust with an ecu you will probably see as much as 90rwkw maybe more.

but as TTT has said save your money, thats the best option of all.

or add lightness. you will have better everything then instead of just straight line performance. that way when you start to add a turbo your gains will be even better.

[NitroDann]

Why dont you work on the things you are allowed to have now and by the time you are off your P's you are ready to add another 200whp?

I bet if I took you for a ride in a mildly modified stock internals nat asp NA or NB you would sh*t your pants and reconsider whether you need power first

Dann

[22Silver]

Well, quite frankly because I can. No other reason. This car will never taste snail farts because in 2 years I'll probably end up donating it to my sister who will be on her P plates then.

My uncle has a massive mechanics garage I can play with on occasion, and he's more than happy to guide me through things.
I'm only part time, so I'm bored and have too much time on my hands.
I'm not paying rent, loans, credit cards or whatever.

I figure these are the last two years I can blow all my money on my car, alcohol, cigars and steak without causing myself financial problems, so...

Let me rephrase my question.
If someone gave you a $4000 gift card for auto parts and services, and a stock NB, what would you do?

[sailaholic]

As someone with itbs, be prepared to go hole hog. If you want cheap power stay away.

Don't waste your time if your just going to sell anyway.

Itbs would probably get you defected for a modified car anyway.

[NitroDann]

Let me rephrase my question.
If someone gave you a $4000 gift card for auto parts and services, and a stock NB, what would you do?

Id do 20 trackdays.

If it had to be parts, Id strip it right out, add swaybars and used coilovers, used bucket seat, weld the diff, remove the rear muffler and spend the rest on fuel and cheap motels near the mountains.

Dann

[22Silver]

Already done the bucket seats, already live in the Dandenong foothills.
Curious about welding the diff and removing the rear muffler though.

[MattR]

Already done the bucket seats, already live in the Dandenong foothills.
Curious about welding the diff and removing the rear muffler though.

If its a road car don't weld the diff, you will hate it, your tyres will hate it and if it's not done properly when it lets go, the car or shrubbery you spear into will hate it. If you reach the limit of the open diff, then get a LSD.

[CM sport]

Let me rephrase my question.
If someone gave you a $4000 gift card for auto parts and services, and a stock NB, what would you do?

Id do 20 trackdays.

If it had to be parts, Id strip it right out, add swaybars and used coilovers, used bucket seat, weld the diff, remove the rear muffler and spend the rest on fuel and cheap motels near the mountains.

Dann

Hahaha I was about I write something very similar to this but you beat me to it.

[mazmad]

Let me rephrase my question.
If someone gave you a $4000 gift card for auto parts and services, and a stock NB, what would you do?

Id do 20 trackdays.

If it had to be parts, Id strip it right out, add swaybars and used coilovers, used bucket seat, weld the diff, remove the rear muffler and spend the rest on fuel and cheap motels near the mountains.

Dann

^^^^^. This!! Although a welded diff would be a total pita as a daily driver. And add a harness (you can keep the seat belt for the street).

Save some $$ for the alcohol and cigars though.

[gslender]

If you have time and $900 buying an MS2 means you learn heaps about ecus and it is something you will need to unlock other mods and its fairly unnoticeable.

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