improving performance-where do i start?

[VTRaarKath]

Hi all,
I've had my vtr for just over a year and I've done a few mods, but mostly asthetics, I really want to start working on improving its performance but I really don't know where to start! It seems like every mod requires several other mods either before or after it for it to work at all! (like chipping needs cam shaft, but u can't just upgrade that 1st, as u need to change the induction or something?? aaagghh!!)
The only things I've done so far are fitting an air filter, and got a sports back box, but I know i'm not going to get major/if any power increases from that.
I know its going to cost me quite a bit, but i'm in no rush, i can save up, i just need a plan to work towards. Any help would be much appreciated thank you :)

[JamesR]

good induction kit catback exhaust system, manifold decat all good starts mate :y: and dont require any other things for them to work.

[VTRaarKath]

cheers mate, how much more bhp would u expect from doin that? what's the next step?!

[JamesR]

no more than 7-8bhp mate, and just what i wrote may cost up to £500, the thing is performance costs mate, the next step would be cams and a remap.

[VTRaarKath]

ah ok cool, i was just jumping ahead of myself then! lol is the air filter good enough to get cams? is just a wolfrace one nothin special...

best get saving then!

[djrem]

Breathing mods are the first step.
The next steps start getting expensive.

[VTRaarKath]

what would be a "good" induction kit? u think? sorry i missed that bit when i read it b4...

[VTRaarKath]

is it illegal to de-cat??

[djrem]

Breathing Mods:
http://www.saxperience.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87301

Big FAQ on it all:
http://www.saxperience.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58507

[VTRaarKath]

nice one mate thanks :)

[djrem]

is it illegal to de-cat??

You won't pass an MOT with a decat pipe beacuse of emissions.

[danvtslondon]

you will fail mot with a decat but its worth doing and putting the cat on for ten miniuts to pass mot

[VTRaarKath]

is it that easy to swap around?

[JamesR]

never done it, but it wont be that hard to put it back on, if you havnt changed exhausts before then i suggest you either dont do it or you go to a garage or get a friend who knows how to.

[VTRaarKath]

how much better is it with a de-cat pipe?

[JamesR]

the biggest gains exhaust wise are made from removing the cat, or manifodls will offer about the same.

[The_Dark_Knight]

good place to start as well is upgrading your chassis first, suspension, poly bushes, brakes, strut braces, wheels. all very important in my opinion before engine upgrades

[VTRaarKath]

ah, well I have some decent wheels, and got some springs ready to adjust suspension (once i get my insurance sorted) on that note, i only have the springs, r the stock dampers ok with upgraded springs or should i really sort the whole lot at once? (i kno it will cost a bomb)
What r the best brake upgrades in yr opinion? And I am going to show myself up as a woman and as a blonde, but poly bushes? what?

[JamesR]

springs will be good, but dampers and a whole aftermarket setup will be better than just springs.

[djrem]

Check each section for the "Sticky" topics at the top.
They have many questions already answered :y:

[nassso]

Start with turbo kit or 16v swap. Don't waste money on stupid induction kits or breathing mods at all. You will never feel your car faster with this mods.

[VTRaarKath]

but don't u need to mod the intake etc b4 u can do stuff like that? I really want a turbo, but that was like, long term plan...i mean can u just go get a turbo an fit it to an almost standard vtr?