I have literally been on these forums for the past 4-5 hours researching 4.08 final drive ratios, LSD's, test pipes, ecu reflashes, everything!

So before anyone says to search more, I think I've done enough searching today.

I was wondering what the best order would be for these mods, or if the order even matters.

I have a base 08 Z and am planning on getting 4.08 gears, new clutch flywheel combo, exhaust, intake, test pipes, all that stuff within the next year or two, but staying away from FI.

So here come my questions:

Which order would be best for the mods in terms of performance gains? I was thinking that getting the 4.08 gears first would be best, my car has a little under 6000 miles so I feel like it's a little too early for changing the gears, but after hours of reading about the 4.08 it sounds like great bang for the buck. I probably won't be getting a new clutch or flywheel anytime soon since my car is brand new, I'll wait until I start wearing my clutch out more. I was thinking of waiting to change the exhaust and intake before I got an ECU upgrade since it seems like the ECU upgrades are a lot more useful when you have aftermarket parts. I was thinking of going with test pipes and a tanabe medallion touring exhaust.

Also, what's with the LSD? Is it really worth 1K if I'm not taking it to the track that often. I'll be doing everyday driving with the occasional take-off here and there. But I'm more considered about performance gains for the least amount of money so I'll purchase in the order of best gain/price ratio

so.... any opinions are appreciated!

THANKS!

 

clutch
lsd/gear
all other mods
END WITH ecu...

 

i would go with gears first clutch should still be brand new use it a little before you replace it thats my thought anyways.

 

Clutch
wheels and tires
exhaust
gears
everything else
I don't see what the point is to get a new clutch/flywheel and lsd when yours are brand new unless you sell them then go right ahead.. But you will be rolling with the clutch and flywheel.

 

Not sure if order is important for performance, but it is important for convenience. In other words if you are under the car may as well do test pipes and exhaust at the same time.

 

just make sure you do your ecu last.

 

Thanks guys for the info on the ECU

The reason I want to get them in the best order is because I don't have money to buy them all at the same time. I'll probably end up doing all of them within the next year or two.

Any more opinions are welcome

 

Yes. A complete kit should include:

Drive Ring and Pinion
Pinion seal
Ring gear bolts
Pinion nut and crush sleeve

 

Reflash ECU after all your mods are done so you can utilize them better!

Gears will make a big difference. Best mod if you're not going FI.