Sorry for being new to the party on the mods, i recently began thinking about a few simple ones for mine (have had K&N since I bought the car pretty much). Obviously, I searched some and read other threads. Most of the time I cruise in car not even getting above 2k RPM on acceleration. However, when I get on it the more power the merrier lol. Reliability is a major factor to me as If i feel like running it hard for 2 or 3 hours straight on the interstate I can do it.

This stuff will be done in addition to my planned 90k Mile service which I will do in another thread.

If I have missed anything please feel free to link me to other threads.

Pulley:
1)What are the differences in the 1.5 vs 3lb pulley besides more power obviously?
2)Any differences in gas mileage? yes, this actually does matter to me
3)Any danger on increased load damaging the motor or increasing wear?
4)A lot of people say a tune is necessary after, is this true?
5)Looks like its cheaper/easier to install a 3lb vs 1.5? why is this?
6)Can the other parts of the car handle the extra HP like tranny and differential?
7)any pros or cons to the different makers of them out there, i see some are steel and some are aluminum?whats the factory pulley made of?

Intake Tube:
1) Sure its not going to throw the damn CEL on?
2) Im thinking about the base model as it seems to be the most bang for the least buck?
3)whats this about removing part of the standard airbox for better flow?

Lower Temp Thermostat:
1)how does this work?
2)how much does the part cost and how much labor hours to install it?

Decatting:
1) I think my cats are starting to go from the slight rattle they are doing, in FL we dont need them so I was thinking about just cutting them off, what will i need to do to make sure everything works right still?
2)i dont want a full exhaust and dont necc want any extra noise but wouldnt mind it under high RPMs .i hate drone will i get any?
3)will tuning have to be done or will a CEL come on?
4)how much will this cost me?


I know I have asked a lot here and ive had several modded cars before but want some reassurance and answers before I go throwing parts at the car.

Thanks for your help I really look forward to everyone's thoughts!

 

bmw745..., My 03 STR had all of the above performed. First: take out the air filter and remove the one screw holding on the wide open throttle flap. Place in a K&N a/f. Go with the powdercoated "Premium" "Mafioso air intake elbow. Powdercoating helps with preventing heat soak of incoming air. Go with a Eurotoys low temp. thermo. This will lower engine block temps. Remove the plastic engine cover (on top of s/c) as a means to allow heat to escape from charge coolers. The aluminum Mina 1.5 pulley is much easier to install than the Eurotoys steel 3 lb. pulley (necessitates grinding down the blower snout). Don't want too much exhaust growl/groan? Then pop on a pair of Magnaflow hi-flow cats and x-pipe, leave the rest alone. Your throttle response will be greatly improved, a throatier note that is not overbearing. You'll also pick up 15 hp/trq with this mod alone. All mentioned should cause her to pound out an additional 35 hp.

 

i've got the 3lb pulley. i've put about 28k miles on the car since the pulley install/custom intake change/t-stat, the only issues i've had is the coolant expansion tank crack and ignition coil pack failures- which are unrelated. I just recently took about a 1200 mile road trip and the jag performed flawlessly.

pulley
1. the s/c internals will be spinning at a faster speed so one can only assume quicker degradation of s/c parts over time.
2.not sure what pre-pulley mpg's were, but now on the highway i get a little over 25- generally cruising around 80. Mixed driving i get around 18- with some floor smashing included. cruising around 100 I get around 21mpg
3. not sure, it does generate more heat, but many install a lower temp t-stat to try to counter this. I do plan on a meth/water injection kit to bring down the intake temps further
4. to my knowledge, there is no conclusive evidence about any tunes that are available-
5. it would be cheaper to install the 1.5lb over the 3lb. the 3lb requires grinding down the "snout" of the supercharger so the pulley will fit over it. Not for the faint of heart. I did this myself and it took quite a while to grind it down. I have the eurotoys pulley puller/installer so removal/installation was a breeze.
6. so far so good

intake tube
1. i did extensive testing of replacement of the tube and open air filers vs. filter box. sorry don't have a link but it should show up in a search- "intake experimenting" i think. It will trip the CEL if the breather hose is not connected between the intake tube and the drivers side valve (cam) cover. make sure all connections are sealed.
3. in the filter box, there is a little flap that is actuated when at full throttle to allow more airflow into the filter box. I as well as others have removed this flap so the extra opening is open all the time.

t-stat
1. for example a 10 degree lower temp t-stat will allow the coolant to flow through the engine when the coolant temperature is above 200 degrees rather than 210 degrees. This should keep the engine 10 degrees cooler as long as the radiator/fans can keep up with the engine heat generated. The eurotoys t-stat is marketed as a 13.2 degree lower t-stat. I tested mine and I did observe about that much of a drop in coolant temp. this test can also be found the intake experimenting thread as well.
2. t-stat is 38.95 from eurotoys. i installation is pretty easy- pop off the thick coolant hose to the t-stat housing, unscrew three torx bits from in t-stat housing. notice how the stock t-stat is oriented and install the lower temp t-stat the same way. an new seal is recommended. mine did leak a little so i added some rtv sealer and that took care of it. you will lose some coolant so a proper fill will be needed after it's replaced. i added water wetter as well to aid in cooling.

exhaust work is on my list as well
1. no cats = CEL unless u get some MIL eliminators. I made the ones for my XJR after decatting it. There are instructions out on the interwebs, or they can be purchased

hope this helps a little

 

I can't comment on the pulley (yet)

Intake tube
1.The most important thing is to get the rubber pvc elbow pointed in the correct direction. I had one of the first intake tubes made, and I got another one and I still don't have any issues. Make sure there isn't a kink in the pvc line at all!

 

Thanks guys, helping me a lot so far, everyone else feel free to answer too, the more info makes it easier for me

Also now for more questions!

1)I need to clean my K&N anyways so i might do that tonight and take out that flap, the car (computer) wont know its gone will it?

2)Who has the best prices for the high-flow cats and x-pipe, no drone with this only a little deeper? I dont mind deep, my viper had headers and straight pipes, my z06s all had cutouts but that was necessary, if left open on the highway they drone (AHH)

3)From the sound of it, once you do the 3lb pulley youre stuck with it because of the grinding?

 

Well, from what Ive read, you *should* be able to go back to another pulley, but you would have to cut the 3lb off.

 

Just took my airbox off to clean my K&N, its had a few extra miles then most of yours on it but didnt have a ton of build up debris on it like some other filters ive seen on here. Also, took the flap off.

I was a little hesitant at the Magnaflow cats at the $225 each price tag but now just found them on Amazon for $84 and I get free shipping.

Heres the link if anyone else wants them:
Amazon.com: Magnaflow 99204HM Universal Catalytic Converter (Non CARB compliant): Automotive

 

Awesome, you did very well. Don't forget the x-pipe. I bought the Magnaflow hi-flow cats for $85/each and x-pipe for $88. The 3 lb. pulley can be pulled off with a puller. The grinding doesn't affect the shaft.

 

You should know my stance...Ice cold nitrous > super heated pulley air....

 

LOL! I actually agree with your "Stance", I'm just wouldn't be diciplined enough to let go of that NOS button...BANG! Not kidding...I'd melt those pistons on the first bottle. So...I must stick with a pulley. Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Standard anti-freeze has all the magic ingredients found in water wetter, no need to double up.

 

But standard antifreeze is missing that one important ingredient, snake oil.

 

"Snake Oil" ? LOL!

 

it's all about that little extra edge

 

Snake oil has edges?

 

WaterWetter® Tech Info

i see at least 1/2 a degree difference between the 50/50 and 50/50 with water wetter

 

An entire half degree? Mafioso, looks like I won't be needing that chiller killer anymore...

 

yes!

 

LOL! You guys are too much.

 

Is that 1/2 a degree F or C?