I have $500... what would you recommend?

[TYM2SPD420]

I have a 95 ATX w/ 82,000 on it and $500 to spend on pretty much whatever. I would really like to do some great, effective upgrades. I need to rebuild the transmission in the not to distant future because it is starting to slip a little and shift hard when it gets hot. (Took the car in to a shop and said the internal clutches are going out. $2,000 was the quote to R&R the tranny and rebuild it)

So I have thought about doing the 96' brake upgrade since mine is a 95' and I won't need as many parts as an older car. I heard cams from a 3.0 is a good, cheap upgrade. I would like to put an exhaust system on the car but I have heard from others on the forum that it would be a waste of money. I personally love the sound of some bad ass exhaust on these cars.

If it was your car, and you had some extra cash to blow and the car was in good running shape, what would you do to put and keep a smile on your face?

 

[kikkinasphalt]

you could buy a gen 3 subframe for about that.

or invest it in your transmission. i know of a >10k miles trans for sale in the not to distant future in missouri

 

[Eric VerValin]

I know of one with around 100 miles for sale in Indiana.. lol I'll even install it for half that quote... lol


If not... I'd say take a look at your belts.... might be a good time to replace your water pump / timing belt just for good preventative measure.. get some plugs.. maybe wires depending on how they look, and a "upper gasket" set... (valve cover, spark plug wells most important) Then run your codes and see if everything else is good.. go from there..

 

[stangeater]

Put it twards the tranny...........

 

[93rev2sev]

Transmission.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

I would say tranny as well.

If you want exhaust you can try this full stainless setup: SHO Source

96 Brakes are good as well and well worth it.

 

[mrstwistedmunky]

if the tranny is starting to have issues i would fix it now then see what you can do with whatever is left...

 

[Devin]

Tranny (if it is breaking), suspension, brakes, exhaust, engine in that order. Engine is always last on my list. If your tranny is broke you aren't going anywhere, if your suspension is shot you'll waste money on tires, gas and you can't put all the power down, and brakes because if you track it you won't be able to stop effectively at high speeds and you'll have to slow down.

 

[TYM2SPD420]

I know of one with around 100 miles for sale in Indiana.. lol I'll even install it for half that quote... lol


If not... I'd say take a look at your belts.... might be a good time to replace your water pump / timing belt just for good preventative measure.. get some plugs.. maybe wires depending on how they look, and a "upper gasket" set... (valve cover, spark plug wells most important) Then run your codes and see if everything else is good.. go from there..

I would like to get the tranny rebuilt but don't have all the cash I need. I have replaced many of the items listed above and then some...

New water pump, belts, plugs/wires, valve cover gaskets inc. plug wells, alternator, starter, and battery.

I pulled the codes last week and I need to replace my O2 sensors. My MAF and IAT sensors were bad (which caused my car to run like ****) so I got both of those from my parts car. Runs great now. I should pull the codes one more time for ***** and giggles just to make sure I didn't miss anything.


If anyone does have a good ATX tranny they would sell and/or install I would be interested in doing business.

 

[bubba]

I would get the trans fixed stat..... Other than that 60k would be nice with a 96+ brakes. Eric has a low miles atx, I sure if you P.M'ed him he would talk to you about it. I would just fix everything I have above and other people have said!

 

[Racer X]

Tranny and maintenance.

 

[firebat45]

Juice it!

OR be responsible and do the tranny...

 

[GeneSHO]

1)Maintenance + Transmission
2)Brakes
3)Tires
4)Suspension
5)Exhaust

So much for the $500 budget

 

[SHO GoDz 89]

You won't be able to use any upgrades if your Transmission takes crap. Invest in the trans. Probably cheaper to get a lower mileage one and do a swap with a buddy.

 

[SuperHO]

okay...i agree with what someone else said...if your trans is shot, mods won't do a damn thing. however, if you've got that figured out, spray that biznitch!

 

[nothingtoseehere]

+1 for tranny

 

[luigisho]

If the tranny is going, adding modifications at this point is silly.

 

[Huntervf]

Save it for your trans.

Bigger brakes and tighter suspension (IMO $500 in engine mods is waste... either go big or go home because you won't notice a difference otherwise) will be a waste if the car won't move.

 

[92MTX]

When I bought my ATX, it shifted like chunky ****...
Bought a Ted B. LPM, shifted great, ran great.
Best $150 you will ever spend on your ATX..
Ask that Honda S2000... hehehe

 

[-DVP-]

Save a little more.

MTX swap.....