It's time for my annual service. Since the economy is having some rough times, I thought I'd put some $$ into the economy via my local indie. I'm planning on spending no more than $750 (beyond the oil change/service costs). I'd appreciate suggestions on what to have done. My 2009 is a base Carrera with a virtually useless Sport Chrono option (6MT w/o PASM) that just got new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S's.
Some initial thoughts:
• FIster exhaust
• clear front turn side markers

Please give my your suggestions (and if possible estimated costs).

 

I fully support your desire and willingness in these times. With all the closures, service industry people are going to suffer greatly. They’re facing months of no income. My recommendation is spend the money on food goods your local pantry will take. And diapers, broke people can’t afford them and babies shouldn’t suffer. Apologies for negative outlook, but we’re facing a time where people will suffer greatly. I realize you’re wanting to help the economy, just saying help the bottom of income people that take care of us. I am as much as possible.

Right now I feel fortunate, can pay bills, and am employed - so far. Still have about 6 boxes of Cuban cigars, full wine cooler, and several bottles of scotch. That’ll only last a few months, so before this is over I may need your donations! Not trying to appear a snob, just stating life been very good for us. But these are different times. To be open, my wife is a clinical nurse specialist so we our income may suffer but we should never be broke, we’re lucky. She takes care of children most at risk for Covid-19; asthma and Cystic Fibrosis. Even in normal times what she does brings tears to my eyes. Most of those children live on the edge, in these times they live in fear. Fear of getting Covid-19 which will be a death sentence. Many depend on food pantries to eat. Sorry for alternate view, double scotch reduces restraint when typing.

Anyone is free to to tell me I’m off base or an ***.

 

I say go with your feeling, fister and clear markers sound good.... Maybe wheels spacers... Which make a great difference in stance, rear diffuser ??? Exhaust tips ??? Eibach springs ???

I know the spacers made a great difference look wise but the pioneer system that catters to android auto/Apple Carplay brings the car to current infotainment standards.

Whatever fits your budget.

 

ManoTexas, I like your response.
We are already doing what you're suggested in the first paragraph and I encourage all Rennlisters to do the same. I'm in the fortunate position of be able to weather the current 'storm' for the next couple of months—some of which is ordering takeout from local mom&pop restaurants (and leaving a large tip designated for their laid-off employees). Other people are not so fortunate. I suspect our local Indies will be taking a hit. While I'm not a 0.1%er or even a 1%'er, I'd like to help out my indie, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

P.S., we're sheltering in place. Cancelled next week's family Caribbean cruise. Younger son and new daughter-in-law are both RN's and are starting to see Covid-19 patients (so far 60+ in San Diego County).

 

I'd say your thoughts on the exhaust and clear sides are spot-on.

Personally, I've got red seat belts on my short list of upcoming mods.
Springs might also are a good option, especially since you don't have PASM and it's slightly lowered ride height.

 

Superb!! Then clear side markers and wheel spacers should take 2/3 of it. Like the red sealt belt recommendation as well.

 

my car is a .1 but the first thing I did was fisters. You would go over budget but with sharkwers center, that would make your car sound super good.

Next, I lowered my car with Eibach Pro Kit Springs and added RSS 15mm spacers. With that, I think you'd be within budget, and it would add a strong visual impact. (H&R springs are lower).

Those were the first mods I did that really made a BIG impact IMO.

 

On a .2, you not only need to change the mufflers, but eliminate the center muffler with a bypass pipe. It's a different setup than a .1 and doing the mufflers alone I don't think will get you the result you want. In fact, eliminating the center muffler is more important than doing anything to the side mufflers. Clear side markers are always an improvement.

 

^^ Petza beat me to it. I just bought the Top Gear xpipe for $450 delivered to go with my DIY Gundo. IMHO the Gundo hack sounds off with the center muffler still in place.

 

Wow your wife must be understanding - Most people fit these to their car as opposed to displaying them in their homes. Not sure I could sell exhaust parts as home décor where I live!!
:-)

 

Have you installed this? I'd love to hear a before (Gundo only) and after (Gundo+Xpipe)

Matt

 

I have not yet. My car is at the shop getting a whole new audio system, and window tint. Should get it back next week.

 

Numeric shifter? That's a DIY for many and would come in just under the $750 limit...if you do cables too, then you're going over your budget and more involved to do...

 

I just did some semi-solid motor mounts (direct something or other is the company) and a Numeric short shifter, which is awesome. The numeric barely fits in the budget.
DSC was the best mod I have done on my C2S.1, but double your budget.
I already have the sports exhaust, otherwise the fister is a great idea. That engine noise is high rev is ambrosia for the ears.
Previous owned did wheel spacers and lots of people here like the idea. I would never notice the difference myself.
Definitely clear side markers for your car.
New head unit? It would be pushing your budget.
Radar detector is in your budget.

 

Pretty much everyone is affected, with limited exceptions. On my side, wife is in the travel industry and I fully expect her to be laid off in the next few days or weeks and/or her company to go under completely within a few months. My own position - I am working under pessimistic assumptions. Thankfully, we are financially in good shape and no major concerns. On a personal level, finances aside, lots of other stress issues relating to COVID so we are in the "highly impacted" category for sure.

Best contribution to society is not money related, it is health related. Stay home, stay away from people, period. Sick or not, old or young. More than anything that will help a speedy recovery. If the virus lingers then the market impact will be extended not months, but potentially years. The human tragedy is best mitigated this way as well - and really that is the real tragedy.

As for mods, so long as you are taking all the precautions (and the indy is too) sounds like a good idea. But again, best contribution to society is to just stay home.