Next upgrade(s) for my 99 w/ FMII?
 

I am still planning on visiting a tuner after the first of the year to get the full horsepower I paid for with this kit, but I always like to have an upgrade path in mind. Here is what I have so far:

drivetrain:
Stock 99 engine
FM II kit
Stock 5 speed transmission
ACT HD kit
4.3 Torsen

suspension:
KYB AGX 4 ways with FM springs
stock sways :( but have RB end links in the rear

Exterior:
Moss rear wing
Factory front spoiler
Custom air splitter (not shown in below picture)
mud flaps
16" 2001LS rims (not shown in below picture)

Interior:
stock interior
Upgraded head unit
Custom installation of rear component speakers

So, what should I plan on next? I am already planning on painting the intake manifold and valve cover over the holidays. If I can get around to prepping it, I also want to paint the exhaust manifold and the downpipe. I don't think I am ready to take the engine apart just quite yet but I might be up for some engine related projects (COPs anyone?).


http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9709/006wh5.th.jpg

What do you plan to paint your manifold and downpipe with? The only paint i have ever heard of working for any period of time has been BBQ paint. If you want a real good quality high temp coating, stick to a ceramic coating that will last and provide a thermal barrier.
COPs would be a good affordable upgrade with your current mods.
What engine management are you running though? If you're running a voodoo box your first and foremost priority should be an upgraded engine management. Something that offers full control of fuel and timing. If you went with something like megasquirt you would also gain electronic boost control, launch, knock sensing. All kinds of good stuff.

I have the Hydra with the FMII. As for the paint, I was planning on using some of the duplicolor 1200 degree paint as they don't carry the 2000 degree stuff here.

Oops. Guess i should pay attention to usernames. Recognize it all now *DOH*
Take some pictures of the duplicolor paint. I don't forsee it lasting long but maybe you'll get lucky.

sigh... I had hoped for a more promising response than that. But since I wanted something low key, maybe some BBQ grill paint should be next.

3.636 rear end comes to mind to make 1st gear more useful.

yeah, that is on my list, but will probably have to wait for a) $500 to spring from my checkbook and b) gathering enough knowledge and guts to tear apart a perfectly fine rear end.

I'm gonna help Mike do his for the first time come January and I'll let you know how that goes.

Well judging by what you were saying about having problems with the hydra I would say some time with a tuner and a dyno would be money well spent. You talked about it earlier, do you have any plans for tuning now?

It's really pretty easy, and the 3.636 is definitely the way to go with a 6 speed.

Mark

You could also buy one from Mazmart (they had a thread in vendor announcements at M.net) with a 3.63 already in and turn around and sell yours.

Swapping the pumpkins should be a less than 2 hour job.

Frank

According to the M.net site, they are charging $1050 just for the Torsen and carrier for a 3.636. I am REALLY considering this, but I am not sure what my 4.3 would be worth and how much of a net loss I would take on the upgrade. Car has only been turboed for maybe two months...

i know where to get the 3.63 for under $400...new , from Mazmart. IDK if they will put it together for you there or if you'd buy the gear and take it to a local shop/have a buddy help pull your rear apart and install the gears.

Yeah but there's no market for 4.3 gears. By the time you fork the $400, pay for labor to swap the gears, you might has well have bought the 3.6 pumpkin at $1050, swapped it out, and sold the 4.3 pumpkin for $900.

Frank

Yeah, that's kind of what I am thinking too. However, we just lucked into a great deal on a new bigscreen so large upgrades are going to have to wait a little while. Anyone have any wood shop projects they want so I can add to my parts fund? I make all kinds of great stuff. :)