After finally completing a full diagnostics test on my car by several mechanics I decided I could now proceed to add my performance upgrades. Unfortunately because my engine had been overheated previously I need to purchase a new one (leaks coolant, etc.).

At the moment I have about 5k to spend, however 3,200 of that is going to a rebuilt streetported engine (price includes labor).

Other than that, my FC runs fine except the suspension which is more or less gone. My mufflers are also orginal, and so have started to rust, which is why I have several holes in the muffler area.

The question is, since I have about 2k for further improvement, should I purchase a new suspension first? or get a new exhaust system (including headers/downpipe)? Or if there is anything else you guys think I should cover It would help greatly, since it will take me awhile to get more $$$.

 

Oh, forgot to mention the FC is NA, and the engine im swapping in is a streetported 13b.

 

Header back exhaust and a nice CAI will be your first task... After that, an S-AFC with some bigger injectors and a fuel pump (plus dyno tuning) should bring you into the 14's if you port your throttle body. Do all the free mods, and visit Ted's site (fc3spro.com) and you should be able to have a low 14-second NA. After that, you're treading on mazdaspeed7's turf :-D

 

Ummmmmm first... 3200 is a bit rich for a rebuild, especially if its an N/A..... But you do what you want....

Definately do suspension... motor work don't mean **** if you can't controll the car....
Eibachs are about 230 bucks, you can get a set of KYB AGX's for around 400, Racing Beat front and rear sway bars are around 100 each... theres about a grand for suspension...

Racing Beat has the nicest, best fitting exhaust stuff IMO.. i don't use anything else. you can get a complete exhaust system from them for less than a grand.. the cat-back is about 600 shipped if thats all you need (if you have to keep the cats.)

 

he said it's a NA... And good point, get some AGX's with Eibach coilovers and you should be good with suspension...
Actually, after that you might wanna look at some fatter rollers...