How do you guys go about deciding what you want to purchase first, and so on. Say for instance you plan to buy a turbo kit, wheels, aero pieces, and an exhaust for example. How do you guys choose which one to do first? It could be a number of things really such as price, availability, car down time, daily driver needs, etc.

Talk. Discuss.

 

That is a good question. When I usually purchase parts it is because something is damaged and I want to replace it, e.g., a wheel that is scuffed will get replaced with aftermarket upgraded wheels. However regarding to the modifications that you listed I would purchase all performance parts first. If that was not possible than I would purchase it in tiers, like the turbo kit, supporting modifications (I don't know what is included), and than the exhaust. After that would be wheels and aero pieces, as I feel that wheels and aero pieces are more for looks if the car is not used on the track. If I ever decide to mod my car I would purchase parts in this order:

Tires (if needed)
Intake
Shift Knob
J's exhaust for sound and little performance
Headers (maybe, will it be better for performance?)and TP + Tune (in one purchase)
Suspension
Alignment
Wheels
Upgraded calipers with brake pads and rotors (in one purchase)
Recaro Seats

I couldn't really base anything on price or availability. It just makes more sense to me to purchase an Intake, exhaust, tp, headers, tune, suspension than any sort of aero, exterior, or interior parts before. Excluding the shift knob because that still adds to the driving experience. Possibly seats as well, but I think stock seats do the job okay. I believe in function over form. A stock s2k vs a stock s2k with flashy wheels, and a full spoon kit will still perform like a stock s2000. The look of the car has the balance the performance of the car. We can't have the FRS syndrome.

 

I have very light mods on my S2000. Everything was pretty much done by my previous owner. The AP1 center console upgraded to AP2, AP2 rims, AP2 headlights (although I wanted the AP1 headlights lol), car is lowered an inch, thick fat tires in good condition...

When I got my car, I just knew I had to get an aftermarket exhaust...I got the Invidia Q300 dual with discount so I pulled the trigger. A while later I got myself an OEM replica spoiler. Only two mods in the first year.

I still haven't done much to the car to this day. Recently I installed a used K&N FIPK intake for $100 off Craigslist and a AUT Style cooling plate for $80. I have been snipping on the used market for parts that I like and are in good conditions. Oh and I added an EZ lip for more aggressive yet conservative appearance.

Next I plan on wrapping my side mirrors in gloss black, inspired by the new 2016 Miata...

Really, no specific order, just depends on my budget and what I want to do at the moment lol. I'd be interested to see how others go about it too.

 

Nice. Thanks guys. Thinking about it more, another factor that I forgot to add is the direction you are taking your car, eg. show, track, mild build. I think that plays a significant role as well, might be the most important aside from available funds. Since I am thinking about tracking mine, weight reduction is the current objective - it's rather expensive. But I don't want to make this tread about that.

 

I tracked my car bone stock. And it is still bone stock. Only upgrade now is an extra set of track tires.

Until I figure out which mod will help with my time, I'm not pulling the trigger.
IMHO s2k is already light, I would not go there for my first mod.

I'm trying to stay stock on the power side until I get better at driving.
So next on my list is suspension, sway bar... etc etc... then POWER!