Where to start...

[Kimos]

hey guys, I've been kicking around the forums for a little while now (long enough to respect alot of the opinions here)
simple question really, where should I start??

What I'm really keen on is the idea of putting parts on that I'll be able able to transfer to a GT later on down the track. I've been doing some "spirited" hill runs with a few of the car clubs up in the gold coast ( usually the only LIberty lol, represent!)
what do I want out of my car? well it's a 2.5i NA so i'll never be a dyno pig without spending 3 times what I bought it for, so I realise performance is out of the question. I'm interested in making it look that little bit special, but also "improving" on the canvass I've been given to work with. so that leaves Suspension and cosmetic mods basically and brakes.

Mods to date: HKS Panel Filter, Subaru sports grill (i think I'm allergic to chrome ) installed JL audio splits in the front and 6" in the rear running off a JL g4500 amp, just need to get the fascia kit to install a double din alpine which I took out of the gen 3. currently running a line level converter (to anyone thinking of using the stock head unit into an aftermarket amp this way. DON'T) line level converters are noisy.

I love the look of the zero sports front lip but I'm not sure if I'll be getting a post face lift next so I'll stick with the ultrex lip.
I'll be ordering a set of HID's in the coming weeks from leo.
If Phat is willing to make another run of the Quads he was previously, on they go
Suspension Hmm now this is where I'll need help, call me a brand whore but I'm willing to shell out and stick with cusco as for as I can go, sways, coilovers, control arms.... the lot over time.
What do you guys think of Carbon on a black car? cool or just a tool. (considering I have an NA atm) was thinking eye lids and boot spoiler in carbon... might be a bit like putting a GT bonnet on an NA lol

Keen to hear your opinions, and thanks for you help in advance

Kimos

[teK--]

Welcome Kim.

Many parts are able to be carried over onto a GT once you are ready to upgrade.

Just ensure you keep the stock parts, or avoid hacking, sawing, cutting, sanding or painting any parts which will then render them impossible to restore to stock .

All suspension parts, struts, swaybars, braces, wheels/tyres are easily carried over (front swaybar excluded, they are GT specific). Most other bushes such as control arms, steering rack, diff etc, once they are fitted to the car are not cost effective to restore back to stock or move onto your GT.

Even stereo gear and most other cosmetics can easily be carried over. Just bear in mind some parts such as trims and grills etc are specific to pre or post facelift and also non spec B and spec B.

I'm allergic to chrome too

[Kimos]

Haha

thanks Jim, yeah I've kept the stock grill, (bought the sports grill off adher when he sold his to go to the darkside)
I've done a fair bit of research through this forum and the usdm GTlib forum.

bushes and such I'm happy to leave in the car when I sell but obviously the coilovers and stereo will come with.
This car will never make it to the track, just hill runs. do you think I should save the pennies and shell out for semi track spec suspension? or go for the affordable lower end market?
do you think I should start on cosmetics before "performance"?

[teK--]

If your intention is to carry parts onto next car then it sounds like you will keep them for a while, so spend more and get better bang for your buck.

Not sure what you mean by semi track spec but if you buy something decent which is not bone rattling for everyday driving it will be good for hill runs as well as your daily drive to work. Quality brands (tip: look at OEM and also JDM brands) will last a long time and give you better performance from day 1.

Personally I got all my performance gear sorted before I did minor cosmetic things here and there. YMMV do what will help you enjoy the car.

[Kimos]

Sound advice there

YMMV do what will help you enjoy the car

I've been looking at a set of cusco coilovers. haven't decided between the comp-s or the zero-1's. I know alot of guys here are running tein, or billies and s-techs. but I think I might get my 18" rims before I lower it on coilovers....try and do just one alignment for the set up.

[Kimos]

on a side note, the next time I'm in Sydney (down regularly for work) I'd love to meet some of the sydney crew. put faces to names and such. I'll keep everyone posted and maybe we can organize a meet

[Arith]

Are you after bling or zing, Kim? If you're wanting a more enjoyable drive during your spirited cruises, you should focus on the suspension, as you can't really do much in terms of performance without losing a lot of money once you upgrade cars.

Otherwise if you want to stand out visually, focus on getting wheels, perhaps eyelids, STi or Ultrex lip, and even an STi style boot lip if you don't have one already?

[Kimos]

Hey arith

Suspension is defiantly a priority, however I think I'll grab a cheapish set of 18's first. I was thinking a set of rotas tbh. Hat do you think of carbon parts on an NA?

[Arith]

I've never been a big fan of carbon parts on the outside of a car (except for the Subaru badge, I don't have a single external piece of CF). I prefer to stick to solid colour themes (ie- black on black, black on silver, black on gray, etc). I prefer the carbon be on the inside to break up the monotony.

[Kimos]

I'm not so much after "bling" but just wanted to do some tasteful and subtle mods. I'm yet to find a set of side splats that i like, any suggestions?

[Kimos]

Forum stickers are good for 30 kw yeah?