PLEASE HELP ME DECIDE - 2.8 Pulley, Predator, and which CAI???

[00whiteGTvert]

I am having a major problem deciding on which mods for my new 03 Cobra.

I know I want a 2.8 Pulley, I have seen threads where people have ran 11s with just a 2.8 pulley and nothing else.

I am leaning towards a SFPHQ Ultragrip pulley with a 73.5 inch gatorback belt.

If you have any other suggestions please chime in.

I also know I want a Predator tuner.

My tough decision is do I go with a

Amazon Racing CAI type filter (Apten CAI, Steeda, etc) or do I go with an open element Powerstack filter like the one offered by SFPHQ or JDM???:shrug:

I have surfed the boards for endless hours and I really could use some input.:??:

My final decision is the exhaust,

I will either stay stock for now, weld straightpipes in to the stock catback, or go with a Magnaflow catback.

If you guys know of any ONE place that I could order all my parts through please let me know:

2.8 pulley, belt, Predator, and CAI or Filter.

Thanks,
Howard

*** I GOTTA MOD SOON, GETTING WEAK:uh oh:

 

[xVENOMx]

amazon racing cai is really nice

may i suggest a rr 2.80 with a gates belt

 

[SolidSnake]

Howard,

Take it from someone who KNOWS.

Take your car to JD's Performance in Huntington Valley, PA for a DYNO TUNE. Forget the predator man. JD's can re-flash your computer and save the stock file for you, just like the Predator. You will get a better tune, make more horsepower and not have to worry about those weird rich drops off the charts i see when using Predators.

As for a CAI, look into the JDM CAI, he sells a 10 inch and 12 inch filter. he uses and recommends the 12 inch, but it's a bit hard to wedge in there. Also, make sure your filter is open-ended so you can yank your headlight at the track for that true "Ram Air" effect.

I have tried many tuners and CAI's. I like the "keep it simple stupid" approach. Look at all the BIG BOYS in the '03 scene. What kind of heatshield do they have? NONE. What kind of filter do they use? 10-12" OPEN ENDED. They have done the work for ya.

Take my advice man, you will thank me later. not trying to be "holier than thou" just saying.......

 

[00whiteGTvert]

Thanks for the quick responses.

JDs is literally 5 minutes from my house, that might be a smart move.

I know other guys with Cobras who use him and have great results.

I would love to do the simple FILTER approach.

Do you still think this will produce the same power as a CAI type if I don't pull the headlight.:??:

I believe in running it at the track like I do on the street.:burnout:

Thanks,
Howard

 

[04-MystiChrome]

When I had my Viper everyone was switching out of the interior
cone type CAI and paying extra to get cold air from the outside.
For the CAI I opted for the Apten with K&N which is free flow plus
uses outside colder air. Same thing with my Old Vette.

Brian at Apten also has his new handheld programer that just became available today. He will set up your tune inside the
programer based on your mods and can tweak it after your
dyno pull if available. His tunes have all the bells & whistles.
See his new thread posted today.

IMO the Borla Stinger has the best look and sound but many
will dispute that as it's an individual thing. Most of the systems
you here of on the board are all good & perform well. Borla's
been around the block when it comes to performance and
quality.

On the pulley front I selected the SFPHQ new ultra grip non
slip press on 2.93 with a Gator. This new pulley is light weight
steel which I prefer over alum or billet due to its hardness.
It may not have the bling bling look but it performs its function.
I have yet to hear of Terry's pulleys having any major slip so
I did not have the need for an idler. As I will not be changing pulleys I did not get the DUB. I also feel the 2.93 got it right the first time. Also his pulleys are designed to work with the Gator
to prevent shred.

I don't think one place carries all the "perfect choices" so you'll
need to go to multiple vendors to get it right.

 

[SolidSnake]

Howard,

here is what ya do. Call JDM, ask for Anthony or JimIII, tell em SolidSnake aka Don sent ya.

Get the pully ya want, the CAI and whatever else ya need from them.

Call JD's and get him to tune your car. Put down your 460rwhp, run a 12.2@119 like I did and be done man!!!!

I wish I would take my own advice...

Good luck,
Don

 

[00whiteGTvert]

04MystiChrome -

I saw the post on the new Apten SCT Flash tuner.

Needless to say that now I have to consider that as an option.

Also, their CAI looks to be a well designed piece.

I did notice they carry pulleys also.

I actually would be able to order everything from them in one order, except exhaust, but I too feel the SFPHQ Ultragrip pulley is the way to go. He also said a package deal was workable if I contact him which I will do.

Apten seems to recommend the 2.93 pulley, but I will speak with Brian about the 2.8 as others on this board are having great success with it.

Solidsnake -

The nice thing about JDM and JDs is they are both local.

It would be nice to know that if I ever needed work on a hands on problem there is someone right around the corner from me.

The only thing I don't like is that if I ever need to flash back to stock, I have to go over and have JDs do it, whereas with a Handheld Flash tuner, I could do it in minutes from home.

But, I am sure there is no substitute for a custom dyno-tune.

***I still have the major decision to make on which CAI.***

Being as how I will NEVER pull my headlight on the STREET, I will never pull it out at the TRACK either.

SO:

For a street driven car with the headlight in place -

Is the Closed box CAI type better (Amazon, Apten, Steeda) or is the open element in the engine bay better (Powerstack from SFPHQ, JDM, etc...). The next question on the open elements is
9", 10", or 12" (to bad my wife never had any of those options):-D

Any of you guys who remember me over at the Corral will remember how it takes me a while to Pull the Trigger on mods, but When I do, I use a BIG GUN.

From 10/02 to 12/03 I ended up taking a stock 2000 GT and adding a Novi 2000, intercooler, and totalled up $10,000 worth of mods - destroyed one tranny and one engine -

Needless to say I am serious.

Thanks,
Howard

 

[lethal]

See sig. If I had to do it all over again, I would do it the same.

John

 

[00whiteGTvert]

Lethal -

Nice #s and a nice combo.

The dyno you ran on runs low, so those #s are really awesome.

Where did you buy the pulley you are using and is it a non-slip.

Thanks,
Howard

 

[00whiteGTvert]

Check this out.

I was looking at RPM Outlet's website.

I can get everything I want from them.

What do you all think?:??:

Motoblue CAI - $98.95
Predator tuner - $399.00
Mac 3" catback - $349.95 (2&1/2" catback is 369.95)
2.8 pulley non-slip, gatorback belt, pulley puller - $198.95

Total = $1046.85 + shipping.

This would look to be a true 450rwhp set-up for under $1100.

Does anyone have any experience with Motoblue CAIs or pulleys?

Also, is a Mac 3" catback better than a 2&1/2" catback?

Thanks,
Howard

 

[ak_cobra]

i have the mac 3"and it is a great peice! love the sound and power

 

[xVENOMx]

i say for your cai email tucker, he made a custom 4" cai, its pretty sick, check out his thread. and as for rpm outlet, i'de say you would be better off giving amazon racing a call, i heard the 3" mac catback is sick though

 

[lethal]

Originally posted by 00whiteGTvert
Lethal -

Nice #s and a nice combo.

The dyno you ran on runs low, so those #s are really awesome.

Where did you buy the pulley you are using and is it a non-slip.

Thanks,
Howard

Yeah, the numbers look low, but the changes are no lie. At Steeda (dynoJet) I had a base run of 363 rwhp/360rwtq with only 1500 miles on the car.

With my mods, I should be over 450 easily on Steeda's dyno. I'll be headed back there after my ticking head is replaced and I add my idlers (to avoid slip).

It is not a non-slip pulley, but I would recommend one. I think if you can avoid doing idlers you'd be in great shape. I plan to make the two stock pullies a little larger (100mm billet vs 92mm stamped steel) and that should cure my slip.

Diablo did all the work for me, they had the pullies made. If it were up to me, I'd buy everything through James (www.runninwiththedevil.com) and let him know what you'd like.

I got one of the very first Predators (before they were shipped out, I was one of the test mules) and I can't tell you how happy I am with it. I can only personally vouch for what I own, not for what someone else owns or is planning on owning.

John

 

[00whiteGTvert]

ak_cobra -

Thanks for the input on the Mac, I had Flowpath weld-ins on my 2000 GT before I switched to Magnapacks and I loved them.

xVenomX -

Yes, that CAI Tucker made looks great, but I don't think he is anywhere near production yet.

For under $100 I can use the other piece for now.

lethal -

Thanks, I'll check his site out also.

Howard

 

[00whiteGTvert]

***UPDATE***

Just got response back from Brian at Apten (ON A SUNDAY).

Cool guy.

He offered me a nice package consisting of:

2.8 non-slip pulley
73.5" Gatorback belt
Apten CAI
Apten Flashtuner with a custom tune programmed for the above with a Catback.

Brian's price was comparable to the RPM Outlet price the only thing not included was a pulley puller, but I am sure my buddy RGrossman has one.

I have dealt with RPM Outlet before, great prices, but not all together run well & I don't think they are very knowledgeable.

Brian from Apten seems to be much more Knowlegeable and dedicated to customer service during and after the sale, a major plus.

Now, just to decide on stock exhaust, weld-in straightpipes to stock exhaust, Magnaflow catback, or a 3" Mac catback?:??:

SORRY GUYS,

as you get to know me you will realize I have major problems with research and making decisions.:read: :??: :bash:

Howard

 

[Wildcat]

Hi Howard,
I can tell you that my modifications have worked very well. One thing for sure do not stay with a stock exhaust setup. It is very restrictive. Open that puppy up!!!!! You may want to think about a throttle body to help your Cobra breathe.

 

[00whiteGTvert]

I checked out RGrossman's set-up today.

Nice -

2.8 Reichard pulley
73.5 gatorback
K&N aircharger (huge filter) - Nice piece
Predator tune
Mac 2&1/2 inch catback and a prochamber.

He is going with a 4" lower so he said I could have his 73.5" gatorback, unfortunately he doesn't have a pulley puller.
He did say the only one he would trust is the Amazon Racing puller, but he is going to hook me up with a guy in NJ (Tommy Lightning) who sells the Reichard pulleys and will do the install.

At least I know I want a

2.8 pulley & Gatorback belt
Some sort of tuner (Predator or Apten) or dyno-tune
Some sort of CAI with a heat shield (K&N, Amazon, Apten)
and a Magnaflow or Mac catback

I'm getting closer to a decision:bash:

Howard

***Has anyone dealt with Tommy Lightning and what are your experiences?***