3SGTE Swap upgrade question, What next? Options

[Soulend]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering what would be the suggest course on upgrades for a 3S-GTE swap? my search-fu failed me and I didn't find any threads about this.

my car is a 97 ST so its pretty much bare bones stock atm.

I plan on putting rear disks on soon, but after that I'm not sure what the next step should be?

should I look into getting better suspension? a new set of rims and tires?
what are general upgrades that should be considered when dealing with the 3S-GTE power upgrade?

Thanks for your time!

Kevin

[stephen_lee]

Is the swap done? i'd look into upgrading your brakes next, then maybe coilovers or a nice wide set of rims to compliment to power/brakes

[SupraKid]

Tires first(if you still have under 225 crappy ones), then brakes, then coils, then sway/strut bars. IMO

[nsxtypeR]

Read this:
http://www.mrcontrols.com/primers/power.htm

[stephen_lee]

i agree. tires first...

[Soulend]

rgr that! I'll order my wheels and tires... however... are 17's or 18's better? Im leaning towards 17's... 18's seem more for looks anyway.

Kevin

[stephen_lee]

i liked my 17s. noisier han stock but very responsive. 18s you get too small a side wall, more responsive, but way more easy to pop.

[jmeyer]

If you can find 16x8 that is your best bet. You want light and wide, the bigger you go the more weight. If you can't find 16x8 a forged 17x8 or spun cast (enkei rfp1, kosie k1) 17x8 are excellent options. You should be looking for a +35mm offset when running 8 inch wide wheels. Wheels and tires are huge players in a cars performance, aka don't cheap out.

[Smaay]

Read this:
http://www.mrcontrols.com/primers/power.htm

that information is so old and outdated.

[stephen_lee]

If you can find 16x8 that is your best bet. You want light and wide, the bigger you go the more weight. If you can't find 16x8 a forged 17x8 or spun cast (enkei rfp1, kosie k1) 17x8 are excellent options. You should be looking for a +35mm offset when running 8 inch wide wheels. Wheels and tires are huge players in a cars performance, aka don't cheap out.

this guy knows what he is talking about.

you want the lightest rim (and it also matters where that weight is.. the further out to worst) because rotating mass is a lot harder to accel than simple dead weight in the car.

[BonzaiCelica]

only affordable rims that you can get are Rota Slipstream 16x8 with +48 offset. They weigh in at 16.5 pounds. I'd suggest you get those and put some 10mm spacers on all four wheels

[jmeyer]

Im pretty sure the only way to run 10mm spacers is with extended studs which is alot of work to install. I personally hate rota and think anyone who runs them on a track is putting their life and anyone around lives at risk. They look cool, light, and cheap which means in order to provide all three of those the casting process and material is less than statisfactory. Look into rpf1's I heard they came out with some new sizes. Also ebay is your best friend I have seen a set of work meiser 16x8 +35 and a set of advan rc-II 17x8 +35 sell recently for under $1000. If your going to track/autox your car get a forged wheel, if you just cruise and do the car show circuit rota will probally serve you fine.

[boost2chang]

What gen 3sgte?

[Soulend]

3rd Gen,

and I now know the meaning of good tires! its been raining like crazy lately and with the older wheels and tires, I would spin the wheels trying to get off the line with some water on the ground. but now, I can put power in acceleration now and not have a problem. its awesome

Kevin