Engine mods vs lightweight wheels

[Offboost]

Ok guys what do you think would gain the most bang for the buck headers and tune, or a set of lighter wheels and PS2 Cup tires and a rear seat delete.

The headers and tune will probably add a true 20 to 25HP.

The lighter wheels I would consider would probably come in at around 20 to 22lbs each, and probably allow for much more dynamic driving experience along with keeping the powertrain warranty intact.

I also know there would be a slight gearing advantage with the PS2 cups and much better hook up and the ability to shower my car with rock chips along with anyone unfortunate enough to get behind me.

I personally think the lighter wheels and tires will yield the most benefit and also if I ever sell the car I could probably recoup about 60 to 70% of my money. With the headers I would not ever go through the hassle of removing them to sell the car just to much work and I probably would not get anything for them on the sale.

Just curious for those of you who have changed wheels and tires noticed? vs those of you who have added headers and a tune.

Sponsored

 

[sublime1996525]

So I guess this depends on what you are looking for. From my experience, you will notice the headers and tune more with accelerating, mostly because it's louder, but like you said for driving experience and a better feeling on a track, not a drag strip, you will feel the wheels and tires more.

 

[nastang87xx]

Are you tracking, autocrossing, time trialing......?

 

[Offboost]

Are you tracking, autocrossing, time trialing......?

Track and spirited street driving.

 

[TheDeadCow]

I'd go with wheels and when the warranty is up go with a tune.

 

[Zombo]

Doesn't this car have enough power already? Could use to go on a diet though...Lighter wheels = faster acceleration, better braking, suspension response and handling.

 

[Bossing]

Track and spirited street driving.

Based on that mix (i.e. non-competitive HPDE and spirited driving) I'd vote for lighter wheels, stickier tires, and weight savings..... and you'd still keep your factory warranty intact. Focus on this combo and work on "driver mods" instead... the GT350 has great power in stock form for 99% of us track/street mortals out there.

 

[FlowForm_Wheels]

Doesn't this car have enough power already? Could use to go on a diet though...Lighter wheels = faster acceleration, better braking, suspension response and handling.

Never enough power but I know where you're coming from. The power this car has from factory is more than enough to get in trouble or have loads of fun, but making her lighter on her feet and shedding a few pounds is going to make her dance on the track a lot better.

 

[Seceda91]

Lighter wheels and sticky tires.. best mod to improve acceleration, handling, braking, fatter tires, etc.

 

[Zitrosounds]

"Hey, maybe you haven’t been keeping up with current events" Hudson, Aliens

I most definitely agree with the diet! The Voodoo has not really proven its reliability in stock form. What makes you think it will hold up with mods? I personally, from my experiences and with others in the many forums with engine failures, am stock and will also do the same with the R I will have soon enough : )

 

[Offboost]

"Hey, maybe you haven’t been keeping up with current events" Hudson, Aliens

I most definitely agree with the diet! The Voodoo has not really proven its reliability in stock form. What makes you think it will hold up with mods? I personally, from my experiences and with others in the many forums with engine failures, am stock and will also do the same with the R I will have soon enough : )

Yes I agree with you and others I just wanted confirm what I thought would be a better decision. Hope the R turns out much better for you and that you can actually enjoy the car! I know some here have had there share of issues I must be lucky as my car has been very solid (8500 miles on it) and I enjoy it every time I get in it and it is my DD.

I think I will just put it on the diet not much I can do with personal weight as I am on dialysis and only weigh 169lbs. I think the loss of unsprung weight and rotational weight will do wonders for the car and losing a few pounds with the rear seal delete will also help.

 

[Hack]

I probably would spend that money on more track time.

The thing with stickier tires is they will wear out quickly, so they are not the best investment. I think the SS tires are pretty good - good enough to enjoy quite a bit. Headers and a tune I'd probably wait until the warranty is up.

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

Like the above replies, alot depends on your actual goals with the vehicle.
If you never AutoX or roadcourse the vehicle, then tune and headers all the way.
Other wise wheels and tires would be to your benefit. Ideally a combo of both would help the greatest.

 

[FogcitySF]

In this order: 1) stickier tires; 2) unsprung weight reduction (tires and wheels); 3) overall weight reduction; 4) more power

Sponsored