Hi All,

I just picked up a NEW POLAR WHITE XB Manual and would like to know what everyone would suggest to do with a budget of $1000, NOT including tires/wheels which will be later...

What would be the biggest things to change ASAP..

Any thoughts would be fantastic... I look forward to finding some new clubs to join in Orange County, California...

Thanks in advance...

 

Stereo
exhaust
headers
CAI

 

Under dash lights? They are cheap, can be pick up from computer sites for under 10 dollars. Don't forget the wax and cleaning supplies. The box can never be too clean and shinny!

 

Exaust !And Drop IT

 

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to tell you to "drop it." I can't belive it took a whole 17 minutes. You guys are really slackin' tonight!

 

Is there a particular brand for the "Drop" that you guys like.. Also, what is CAI?

 

What about shocks/struts? I keep seeing posts to change them, is that something to do AFTER you drop, or before...

 

Cold Air Intake. (CAI) And for some springs, i heard tein is the way to go. But, it depends on peoples taste and preference. And, it also depends on if you wanna change the shocks and struts. Do some research, find the best prices, then go from there.

 

Deffinetly drop it, but if you plan on going with bigger wheels, go for a modest drop, especially if it's a daily driver.

Then upgrade the sounds, you can do engine mods and stuff, but is the xb meant to go fast?

 

Which CAI is the best one for the money and works well?

 

Since you live in Cali, you need to stay with CARB approved product. I am not sure there is a CARB approved CAI for the 06 models. I have the AEM on mine--it was approved for the 05 models. I have Tein S springs that drop about 1.5 inches--some people like Goldlines. I have a front strut brace that I really feel improves the feel of cornering. The only header that was CARB approved for the xB was a DC. Again, not sure if approved for the 06 model. I would think for a grand you could get dropped, a CAI, a front strut brace, an exhaust, and maybe a header. Good luck--and use the parts section of the site to see write ups on various parts.

 

imho.. cruise control is a good investment iff'n you expect to drive any long distances...

and btw... welcome to the group!

 

This isn't as fun as the other stuff but if you didn't get one when you bought the car, get an armrest. I drove to the other side of Cleveland last weekend and it was driving me crazy not having it. We're driving down to Gettysburg PA this weekend and I'm picking one up before the 7hr drive.

 

Even less fun, but you'll be glad you did it, is to get a filter installed where Scion forgot to put one in the cabin air filter box behind the glove box, If you're really CHEEP like me, make your own out of furnace filter stuff . . . .

 

IMO, dropping a car with still sittin on stock steelies looks fugly. Not only that, until you know exactly which wheel and tire combo you're gettin, you don't know exactly how low you can go. In addition you might end up having to re-do (i.e. pay more) some stuff to accomidate the new wheels. This is why the wheels and drop should be done at the same time. You will get the best possible stance with fewer rubbing issues this way, w/o having to redouble your efforts.

I can't believe nobody has mentioned this: Freakin window tint.

After that, I would look into a header to tip exhaust system.

What's more important, sound of your car (and a smidgen more hp/mpg?) or sound of your tunes? You may instead spend the money on door/dash speaker upgrades, an amp, and H/U.

 

i agree. this way you have some drop to match with your wheels.

 

did mine yesterday:
http://www.jmbat.com/pics/main.php?g2_itemId=921

 

I would have to say: a car puter for navigation. Or you can go the cheap-a$$ route, like I did and proud of it, and get a laptop with a usb gps puck.

that way, you can listen to music and you have navigation. on long trips, your passengers can watch movies.

The possibilities are endless. check out www.mp3car.com for starters.
- sh00k

 

You could toss the 1000 my way, and ill show you how to mod an xB.

 

If it were my $1000, it would be spent like this...

1. Tanabe DF210 Springs (2" drop, great ride.)
2. Fujita F5 Short Ram Intake

You can buy both of these at good prices from http://www.ptuning.com. I purchased my Fujita intake from them and my springs from C2 Auto. C2 is no longer having their $150 shipped sale though as far as I know.

The two products packaged together from PTuning comes to $299.15 using the "ptscionlife" discount code. That leaves you with $700 to spend on other mods.

3. Strup Axle-Back Exhaust
4. Strup Header

You can get a great package deal from Jeff at http://www.partshippers.com (Lip on this site) for a Strup Header and Axle-Back Exhaust. He is offering free shipping right now, and if you buy both parts together the price is only $475.95!

Now, I recommended Strup because of their great reputation and killer special going on right now. The Strup exhaust is fairly loud and has a great low tone. If you don't mind that, it is a great buy. If you want something quieter check out either Tanabe or the Greddy SP2. You'll probably end up spending about $100 more that way.

So assuming you went with all of my initial recommendations that would put you at $775.10 spent and $224.90 remaining.

There is a lot you can do to a car for $225. From there, I would leave it up to you. You can apply that toward your wheel and tire purchase. You can get a new head unit, or some new component speakers. You could put it toward additional performance parts or handling parts. Or you could put it toward something more practical. Then again, if you aren't mechanically inclined, you could use the money to have the parts installed.

If it were me, and I knew it would be a while until I got wheels, this is what I would do.

While I was ordering parts from Jeff at partshippers I would have him send me a Progress rear sway bar. Shipped to my zip in CA they will run $149.66, leaving you with $75.24. I would then put that money toward a set of chrome trim rings, chrome lug nuts and dust covers from Napa for the wheels.

You know, when you sit down and think about it, it really is crazy how much you can get done to an xB for only $1,000. You end up with a box that sits right, looks right, rides great, handles infinitely better than a toaster on wheels should, and has just enough additional power and sound to get you noticed.

Good luck, welcome to the family, and have fun with your build.