Hmmmm... 300-500 per month? I would simply save for 5 months, then drop a new motor and trans in.

If you can't wait (like me), I would suggest getting a CAI (shouldn't be more than $50 shipped). Then, maybe save for a nice suspension since that would not change if the motor/trans is changed. I have a set of C8 20-way adjustable coilovers, bought them brand new for $550 shipped.

You can also grab a decent exhaust kit (cat-back) for about $350. This will also not change if you eventually swap out the motor and trans as the exhaust piping is chassis specific.

 

HAHA Yep, i can't wait to do something! SO CAI, with a paint job.. My neighbor is a mechanic and offered to "side job" of paint for about 150! so that puts 200 dollars this month down.. that sounds like a good start i think?

 

What state do you live in? I think California has very strict laws about anything done under the hood (C.A.R.B. legal etc etc). I really wouldn't know, as I live on the opposite side of the US!

What color is the car now? If your getting the whole car painted for $150, that's a good deal. However, what about your engine bay (you can paint it when doing your swap), what about your door jams, and trunk lid? Will they get painted, too? Also, for $150, I would assume that your friend will simply be just spraying paint on top of the current color, without sanding, priming etc etc. I could be wrong, I guess it all depends on how great of a friend you have.

 

he is an amazing friend!! Detail paint all around.. truck lids, door jams.. Only thing not getting pained is the engine bay.. which like you said i will do that at the swap. Ohh, i live in NJ it is Silver and going to a Deep black with a shinny/metallic finish (sanded, primied, the whole entire nine yards!!) .. To get how amazing he is, he is putting a suspension system that he got his hands on.. for 350 including his 45 dollars in labor.. So, i can only say I am LUCKY as hell lol.. One last note, my CAI is also getting for me for about 40 dollars! supposed to be a BEAST of a CAI!!

 

Check out summitracing.com for headers. I live really close to them, and exhaust is one thing they DO have for imports. Its mostly a store dedicated to 350s though. Shipping is really reasonable and their return policy rules.

 

When reading post #3, he wants to do a b18c swap, which will in turn require a different header.

However, summitracing.com is a good site, but I prefer eBay (as long as the seller is half competent, and if you know what your buying). I scored a 4-2-1 DC header (used) from Ebay for $80. Yea, it kinda looked like crap when I got it, but with an hour or two of sanding, and some semi-gloss high temp primer/paint, it looked brand new again.

 

Yeah i got those projector headlights off ebay! I like them a lot, especially the halos.....the only thing is you cant use projector head lights in them LOL. I got the cheapest ones, so watch out for that

 

He could grab headlights off ebay, just be wary of fitment issues (most likely will not be 100% perfect). Also, be sure to thoroughly seal them prior to installation using some kind of sealant. It'll keep the moisture out and keep the headlights looking condensation nice!