I recently purchased an '03 MCS, and I am anxious to begin modding. What is the best mod to do 1st? I am planning on either the 15% pulley, or an Alta CAI. I don't quite have the funds for an exhaust yet, but would I be better off, saving my nickels and doing that 1st?

 

In the end you'll prolly want to do all three, but pulley or intake seem perfectly acceptable for first mods. And ya could always considering one-balling the exhaust for <$100. The 15% will definitely make the biggest difference, while the intake will sound like the biggest dif.

edit: and do some searching :-P

 

CIA is inexpensive, easy to do and quick to install.

 

If I do the pulley, which is the best? (I know that these are noob questions, but frankly I'm too lazy to comb through 100s of posts for feedback so any help would be appreciated)

 

minimania self aligning 15%, because that's what i have. I think the alta is a lighter material though, and m7 works with cosworth, and then...

 

I would save your nickles and do the pulley and CAI together. Beyond that maybe header/exhaust or just header and then exhaust later.

 

THERE is no doubt that you will want to do a pulley REAGARDLESS of whatever else you choose to do. So the pulley is not "do I do it" but when so go do it and pulley up. The most significant punch you can get in the first tier of mods.

As to pulleys - any major vendor here has a quality pulley. The only difference is whether its a 4 bolt or 6 bolt design, BOTH seem to be equally trouble free. I am running the RDR 6-bolt sold by Helix which was professionally installed and it has been trouble free.

 

Blahh do the pulley reduction AND intake together...even just a panel filter replacement. i don't have it just now and my wee car feels like its choking

 

According to randy (from Webb motor sports) the band with 15% has less risk of a failure than 19% or others, click here...
my first mod was a CR/W owners club sticker and then the 15% pulley good results after that, next im planing an intake.

 

I did mine in the following order:
1. Alta CAI
2. Detroit Tuned BV, Miltek Exhaust & 15% Helix.
3. Alta CAI Cover
4. Alta Sway bar (Not installed yet)

I agree..

 

I went cheap with the pulley, bought a foam panel filter for 30 bucks and modfied the stock air box (basically took it out and opened up the small air hole in the back to about 5 x the size and matched the opening in the back platic piece). The car seemed to breath much better, Sounded much better (could hear more SC whine) and had a nice bump up in power

 

hmmm interesting, I'm always up for a little DIY! I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the DDM though

 

Pulley has aleays been the best bang for the buck no matter what company you use. After that is it more money less change but it's all good.

 

I think I'm going Alta 17% with the Alta CAI... and a Milltek header with Borla cat back race system when I can free up some Dinero... with the pulley and CAI, will I need colder plugs?

 

Ive been thinking on doing that but im affraid that i might not like it and since ill cut the stock box i wont be able to go back. i guess ill jus wait and save some money to get a new intake.