[FRS86edition#3]

I have done a decent amount of homework, and I have found some bits and pieces of information, but I wanted to see what the community had in shedding more light on this.

Here is what I have been brainstorming.

1) Modify stock header/manifold. I found little information specifics on this. I found only one small thread on this. My thoughts are for $500-$800 I can get a really nice header, but the stock header is a nice design. Most restriction seems to point towards the cat. I am thinking of cutting the cat out, not gutting it, literally cutting it off and then welding a straight pipe OR straight pipe with a braided flex pipe too. Thoughts on this? I was thinking about having it ceramic coated too and ditch the heat shields.

2) Front pipe modification. Straight pipes can be had relatively inexpensively, but what about taking the stock front pipe and cutting the muffler and cat out an then welding straight pipes in there place.

I like the thought and challenge of modding these parts for very minimal amounts of money, while netting similar results to aftermarket units.

All I am looking for is some torque increase and better driveability scooting around town. I want to feel pushed back in the seat more.

I realize a tune will be required, and I was leaning towards OpenFlash Tablet. I live in the middle of nowhere Indiana where a dyno is NOT located closely.

Do you guys think running a tune for aftermarket header and FP would work on the modified stock parts? E85 and 93 are readily available here too. I am thinking there could be some noticeable gains from doing these upgrades. Maybe 190whp (e85) and 160 ft lbs?

I think this could all be accomplished cheap. I am working with a few members to buy some stock parts to practice on.

Other than the OFT cost, really, there is not a whole lot of expense. $21 header gaskets, $34 for new exhaust gaskets, exhaust joint sealer $3. I have all the welding equipment already. Adding a K&N drop in, modding the stock air duct, and maybe an intake pipe could maybe get this car to decent numbers and all for hopefully under $500.

Any thoughts, insight, or opinions?