My wife just picked up a 2007 TC and I want to pep it up a bit. I have done some research but Im still lost. I want to know the best upgrade(s) to get in the $1300 range that are do-it-yourself.

Im pretty sure either a Injen CAI or Weapon R Short Ram Intake should be on the list but not sure which one. Most reviews I have read say the Weapon R gives the best results throughout the entire range while the Injen CAI is mostly on the top end. Im not sure how true that is so any input there will help. So Im looking at about $250 here leaving me about $1050 to work with.

I know I want to put it all in power but also realize that with that amount I am probably limited to exhaust. If that is correct, which exhaust?

Im thinking after that I may have enough to lower it a bit perhaps?

 

Well first of all, I'd go suspension before I do anything...

Springs, Sway always a good idea...

As far as power, are you looking to go NA or go FI eventually!

Good to see another SoCal owner! welcome!

 

^ what he said suspension first, and i wound suggest swaybar where your would really feel the diffrence.. then springs/coilovers but you have to do a little search in choosing one for if you daily drive you dont wanna lose a lot of comfort. As for power upgrades, you prolly wont feel much power increase by staying NA(intake/header/exhaust etc), depending on how much power you want, you can save that money and go FI.

 

When it comes to suspension, id suggest TRD springs/shocks if its more of a daily driver as its the most subtle drop, costing a total of about $600, and hotchkis sways. As for power, yeah to get most overall power go FI but that is tons of money and lowers enigne life by a lot and it requires lots of maintenance. If u just want some power gains...I/E/H will give u about a total of 20-25whp, which is not nearly as harsh on the engine, and cost much less money as FI.

 

fart can and type r decals. and spinners.

 

It all depends on what you are wanting to do f/i or n/a? One thing that will make you acceleration really noticeable is a light weight flywheel. This is mod for those who know a good bit about mechanic work. If you do invest in a flywheel get a good clutch to go along with it.. If takes about 5-7 hours depending on if everything goes well.

 

^^ i dont think a lightweight flywheel is a DIY kind of thing for most of us.......and also they just picked up an 07 tc so they should at least put some mileage on that stock clutch and put the 1300 elsewhere.......BUT i do want a lightweight flywheel also later down the road

 

if you do suspension mods, just a sway and springs are needed unless you plan to drive on mountains, all the time, or autocross every weekend.....everyone says gets coilovers, etc, but you give up a lot of the smoothness of daily driving..... i think most people just get coilovers cause thats what they here, but rarely does anyone USE them for what they are meant for......for power, the i/h/e is pretty standard, not worth it imo unless you get rid of both cats, get a straight pipe cat back exhaust, etc which could free up about 20 whp overall with the i/h/e.....which then is 100% illegal, so you might a well go FI, haha, some things to look at would be an engine dampener to put more power to the ground....if you go NA, there is no "cheap" way to attain that significantly noticeable power....FI is another story you have to research

 

I know that is why I said you need to know a good bit about mechanic work. BTW the stock clutches suck.

 

^^ i know that also but for 1300 i think he should get other mods and at least use the stock clutch in the mean time. not like he's gonna go f/i anytime soon, especially for 1300

 

I probably should have been a little more clear in my purpose. This will not be FI anytime soon and is a family car. Im not going to be doing any hard cornering or actual racing. Its really just me messing aound and having money burning a hole in my pocket.

I have already decided against headers because I don't want to mess with any of the emissions. I think Im going to change exhaust from the catalytic converter back. I would like a different sound and from all the replies I have gotten it should do that. Also going Injen or Secret Weapon intake after I figure out which one is the better.

Now several years down the road I might look into FI once the car is "mine" and not the family car

Since I will have money left over Im thinking fo getting the custom leather seat covers that were on display at Long Beach Toyota. The guy told me $500 will do both front and back but not sure about that. If anyone has any experience with these let me know.

Thanks for all the input.

 

Supercharger is right for you, with the price down and legal in all states plus warranty when installed by dealer

 

i have the new injen with MR intake i think its freakin awesome with the DR.I fender panel, trd rear sway, TRD exhaust, trd springs and struts (doing as much trd cuz i work for toyota) but in budget do just TRD springs untill a strut goes if it does i mean that may be alil more of a difficult DIY but you can.. but the injen is where its at.if your lookin to pep it up then dont waste money on suspension id recommend it cuz with pep comes lead foot...i ordered a megan mid...1300 could get you the injen and pretty much a full header back..ull have a CEL with the header unless you do the antifouler mod and 50% chance the intake will throw it ive been lucky but its bound to happen just clean the MAF and throw it back in...thats my 2 cents..oh and if you have extra cash get the stiffy motor mount..

as far as the supercharger dont boost unless you wanna spend money....it gives you an itch and you always want more...im thinkin about the ZPI stage 0 but i know with my past in turbo cars ill be doing a full build with 14psi and i dont want that i bought my car for alil power but to last...lol so dont boost good luck have fun