Thanks for the tip! do you happen to have his contact info? glad it's on my side if the island, haha.

@java nice find on those lips! that's the lowest price I've seen for a replica v-limited... xD

EDIT: nvm I found their Business website,

 

I've had all sorts of stuff coated by him. Wheels, intake manifolds, intakes, charge piping, an airplane frame (yea, a real airplane that's sitting down on the runway at Honolulu). Guy is awesome, re-coated an entire set of wheels for me because "they chipped easier than they should have".

 

Intake and turboback exhaust upgrades are usually the first to upgrade because it easily increases the turbo's efficiency. And with that, a tune will have to follow subsequently.

Walter is kinda right about mods vs [daily] driving style. For example, if you work a 9-5 job in Hawaii and commute around that time on a daily basis, where traffic is that heavy, there's no sense in putting more than what is needed unless its a weekend warrior.

On the other hand, if you work on a swing shift like me, where traffic is non-existent and roads are more open, then its worth it. Just being sarcastic, lol.

 

I appreciate my Shifter/Bushings/**** every time I drive my car. I think it's a great little mod that is underrated.

 

so I called up mekala, and it'll cost $80 per rim...I think it sounds reasonable, unless someone knows a better deal. I'm gonna be spending more coz I need to recondition em first....

@Joe I'll try to get a turboback later(using a catback atm), and it'll be my daily driver when I commute to college/work so power isn't really my priority anytime soon.

How long does it usually take to install a short shifter and the front bushings? for two people with little garage mechanic know-how and tools?

 

Simple handtools and a flashlight. 45 mins tops with a food break.

 

First mod should be Mugen stickers!! lolll... just kidding~

 

I agree on the suspension mods. My car hardly has any engine mods, but I think I've replaced nearly every bushing and/or suspension related part I can.


I also have one other advice if you delve into the power arena. I'm not going to give you advice as far as what to buy, but I can give you advice of how to fight the modding bug. Once your car puts a grin on your face, stop reading forums and stop talking to other car enthusiasts. I think forums alone fuels the modding bug more than anything because what it's really doing is fueling the spending bug. It will focus your attention toward to this unending possibility that can be only cured with more money. You can't covet what you can't see.

If you continue to read car forums, you're more unlikely to be happy with what you have (the same goes for hanging around shops).