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Re: Exhaust Posted by sam96CS [Email]  (#852) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from sam96CS) on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:14:42
In Reply to: Re: Exhaust, RobertH, Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:41:35 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
You should spend time at both the Performance and 9000 boards before you make decisions. Unless you're in a hurry and have tons of money. :-)
Regarding the exhaust, you have an OBDII system with two oxygen sensors. Many 3" exhaust systems don't get along well with OBDII computers. So compatibility with OBDII needs to be at the top of your list of considerations. Trial and error are often needed to make the upgrade work, and that can be costly if you're paying someone else to do the work.
There's not much performance gained by upgrading the exhaust unless you're also upgrading the ECU to a Stage2 or higher level of performance. If you have an automatic, then you need either great self-control or a tuner who will limit the torque output in 1st and 2nd gears. If you have a manual, then you probably need a clutch upgrade to handle 300 hp or more.
While you're reading about exhaust and ECU upgrades and OBDII hassles, make note of the comments about the tuners who do the work. You want a tuner who is willing and able to adjust the tune to your needs and preferences.
Everybody is riding on different roads and has different preferences about ride and handling. Koni and Bilstein are both very good brands. Bilstein comes in two flavors, touring and HD, and are designed for stock springs and aftermarket springs that do not lower the car. More people are happy with Konis than with Bilsteins, but if you read carefully you'll see that many reports about harsh riding Bilstein HDs are on 9000s with lowered springs. Konis cost more, and the Koni struts are more laborious to install because they are strut inserts rather than complete struts. The front Konis are relatively easy to adjust, and the rear Konis are not easy to adjust. Bilstein Touring and HD do not adjust.
Aftermarket springs are a difficult decision. Many lowering springs are no firmer than your stock Aero springs, resulting in a car that looks fast but doesn't necessarily handle better. Lower the car and you could also have problems with dragging the exhaust and scraping your chin spoiler.
If you want better handling, consider replacing your stock 19 mm sway bars with 25 mm SAS bars that are about 3 times stiffer. I have yet to read a report by anybody who put SAS bars on a 9000 that didn't love them.
When you upgrade your handling, don't change everything at once. If for example you replace shocks and springs at the same time and don't like the result, then is the problem the shocks or the springs?
Also search the board for discussions about performance oriented tires. There's no point in massively improving your suspension if you intend to run all season tires.
This reply barely scratches the surface, and I haven't done the upgrades you're asking about. If you don't go with the SAS bars, then some or all of your rubber sway bar and drop link bushings should be replaced with poly bushings. The bushings at the rear of the front control arms should be changed from rubber to poly. Keep reading, and then you'll make good decisions about what to upgrade and in what order. When you post a question, try to limit the question to one topic and include what you're driving and what you want to accomplish. You'll get answers from people who know more than I'll ever know about the 9000. Enjoy your Aero!
, Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:17:42, Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:41:59, Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:14:42 <-- Viewing This Message, Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:42:28
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