RacingTiger03

iTrader: (3)

For the first time in a LONG time (3+yrs) I've got the extra to do some much needed updating on my formula. Going to do some maintenance items and upgrade... ~1200 budget. I've got 2 ideas in mind but trying to decide is killing me... seeing as I've currently got drag radials on the car I'm leaning towards one vs the other, but want some more opinions and my wife is staying out of it (for once, I got a green light for anything I want within the above limit!) LOL.

Option 1: Mild cam, Patriot springs, Bilstein SLP shocks all around.

Option 2: Koni 4/4 and Strano springs.

Option 3: ????


Also, I think it's worth mentioning, at this time I'm not interested in doing headers or nitrous. Planning a 427 NA further down the road (MUCH further) This is probably gonna be my last mod again for a few years.

Thirdly.. any option 3 must include a shock option.. 106K on the stock DeCarbons.. EEK!

wav3form

iTrader: (1)

I say new shocks and rear control arms plus a panhard bar. Nothing too expensive but really beneficial.

versz

Most people will do mods in this order:

Lid
TB
Headers/Exhaust.

Your car has 106k on it and im assuming it has factory suspension. That's probably worn out. My car has 53k miles on it and im already considering a suspension build for it first before I take out the motor to do H/C/I/E.

I don't know what exactly would be a good combination but ever since I seen the video on youtube of the guy racing through a canyon for 10 minutes straight in a m6 SS. I can't wait to do my mods.

RacerXLs1

iTrader: (14)

I would say buy some kooks or a good header. Cuz ur goin to be able to use it on ur new motor down the road.

RacingTiger03

iTrader: (3)

control arms.. maybe. Panhard... probably not, after the 427 watts link and 12 bolt will be the next big mod lol. (dreaming here no doubt.. but that's the long term plan for this car )

versz, you're correct 100% stock suspension, a new bushing kit for all suspension components is part of that general maintenance I mentioned
I'm leaning towards the first option honestly. I would LOVE to get the car on koni's so I can set it up separately for track days and the street, but I also want a touch more power out of the car and of course the sound of the cam... since the valve springs need to be replaced that's another reason I'm feeling a cam.. otherwise it will be stock valve springs and another item ticked under general maintenance lol.

Good intentions here I know.. but a good header takes up the entire 1200 budget (kooks SS 1 7/8). Shocks are absolutely a must in the equation =/


edit: they aren't as expensive as I remembered ~ 900 now, still doesn't leave room for even the bilsteins.

zracer323

iTrader: (12)

The TSP 1-7/8 header might be a good option. Those with a y-pipe should leave you enough budget left to do the bilsteins. If you decide to do a cam with headers, I would recommend getting a custom one designed to work with stock manifolds.

RacerXLs1

iTrader: (14)

Yea go with the Texas speed headers and you,should still have enough cash to get your other stuff shocks etc....

-=Modified=-

iTrader: (3)

Option one w/ some springs if you can swing it.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

youre going to need money for tuning and imo its not worth going with a mild cam.


konis are very nice. id look into getting some.

RacingTiger03

iTrader: (3)

Forgot about tuning... Good call. A mail order tune will get it pretty good but won't max out the. Am. Of course neither will stock manifolds. Are the tsps stainless? Not waiting money on a coated header. What I consider a mild cam others may not lol looking at something 224 112lsa and about 600 lift. Or so. Something that if plans change and it gets another set of heads will work well. As it stands you all have brought some good points that have me leaning towards the shocks.

As for springs... The ones with the konis won't even be going on just yet. Hose mod in rear lower perch stock springs up front. Until I change my exhaust that's all I can do. For the money its worth ordering all at once from Sam .

I was leaning towards the cam. You all have almost talked me out of it haha. The car already has td exhaust. I don't like dealing with bolts always coming loose and blowing gaskets either.... Been there done that with my 94.... Even with arps...

CamaroSS27

iTrader: (6)

I would recommend suspension build first

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

Tsp 1 7/8 are stainless and very nice.

I have never had an exhaust leak or loose header bolt even using stock mls gaskets and stock manifold bolts.

A cam without the headers is almost a waste of money IMO. And don't forget the gaskets, fluids, and other stuff that goes with a cam swap or it will nickel and dime you to death.

beyonddisturbed

iTrader: (5)

i vote konis. they rock

RacingTiger03

iTrader: (3)

Alright everyone... Looks like for now, and my current direction with the car (thanks to some much needed re-assurement about not having to worry about header gaskets from a few different people across the board) I'm going with bilsteins and TSP headers. Things that will support my build later.

2 reasons I decided against koni's.. 1 I keep reading harsh ride from several. I know it can be setup to be FIRM and not HARSH. Firm is how I would describe my stock CX7 and I LOVE the feel of it. but right now the car alternates between DD princess and garage queen, VERY rarely do I go to the drag strip, and never have I made it out to an auto-x. For my budget/needs I think the koni's are a bit much, and this way I can get a touch more power also.. which c'mon.. we all like right? LOL

JD_AMG

No a bad choice either way, but I would never call konis harsh on stock springs, they are anything but. The ride is firm and taut, but very smooth and BMW-like. On lowering springs on the absolute worst of roads it can be a little harsh, this is worst case scenario though, and with lowering springs which will naturally ride more harsh than stock springs. Everywhere else is the ride is great, very firm, glued to the road, and very DD-able.

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

I have Koni 4/4 with Strano springs & bars with panhard and I love it.. BUT..it is not for everybody...Handles like a go-kart but tall speedbumps/steep driveways can be an issue and yes the ride is stiffer. I have learned to negate/deal with negatives buy changing driving style to make the upside worthwhile but it is not for everyone so know the pros/cons before you make the decision and hopefully drive one in all conditions first...

RacingTiger03

iTrader: (3)

Thanks guys, glad to see some people out there get the koni's aren't for everyone. There are some pretty heavy bumps on my route to work, my car rubs there a little at stock height, I can get around but it adds 10 minute to the route that's already over an hour . I was NOT looking forward to that. Ordered my bilsteins yesterday (which was my oringinal intention anyways) and am waiting on a call from TSP saying their headers are in stock, last I heard that should be friday or next week. Been a long time since I heard open headers.. kinda looking forward to it LOL.

RacingTiger03

iTrader: (3)

first drive with the bilsteins on yesterday. Unless I was dead set on lowering or needed adjustability I don't know that I would spend the extra for koni shocks. There is no way that can ride THAT much better than the bilstein. Maybe they handle better, possibly launch better... but the bilstein was a very nice all-arounder for me, and now my car rides better and HANDLES better than my wife's 09 CX7 *shrug*. No more wheel hop at a 2500RPM launch either.. and my rear end survived it LOL. Just waiting on a call from TSP to get my headers on the way ... and so far the budget is looking like I might be able to get that cam also! We'll see about that after my wife goes back to work after our daughter is born next month though


I have to say new shocks were by far the best mod I've ever done to a car though! From now on it will be my first replacement for any used car I get with any kind of mileage on it.

Bsaint

iTrader: (3)

Good work man,

glad you chose suspension mods. It will really become a whole new car and you will enjoy driving it so much more.