OK, I'm a newbie, obviously, and this is pure conjecture based on my findings here and IS.net, as well as some prior knowledge of basic bolt-on improvements to cars. I want to maintain the great qualities of my new daily driver (ie: QUIET) while improving performance and handling. Here goes:
1) SRT Intake/ECU
2) L-Tuned exhaust
3) Underdrive pulleys
4) PI or SRT torque converter
5) Hotchkis springs/sways
6) Chassis bracing front/rear
I am hoping this should provide a respecable increase in acceleration as well as handling sufficient to run SCCA events and have fun. I realize that true performance gains are made in different avenues (such as forced induction and/or internal engine modifications), but I am quite happy with one roadracing car in my garage. I will more than likely take the car to one or two open-track events, just for a comparo, because it's fun and easily accessible here in FL with Chin motorsports. Thanks in advance for any input, and for having a great, informative website for IS3's!
Ronnie

 

1) SRT Intake/ECU - good mod... quiet when just crusin.. sounds like a beast on WOT... worth the money

2) L-Tuned exhaust - real quiet, power gain is minimal. might be a good combo with xerd race pipe.

3) Underdrive pulleys - dont know anyone who has them on NA.. only those with FI.. (not really worth the $, unless u have FI).

4) PI or SRT torque converter - PI makes the SRT one... good for off the line acceleration. heard they make some noise tho... chattering...

5) Hotchkis springs/sways - dont know of hotchkis, but sways are a good idea as well as coilovers... i have hks sways...they are awesome but discontinued... tein makes great coilovers..

6) Chassis bracing front/rear - helps alot.. got the trd's.. worth the money.

 

you shouldn't use underdrive pulleys on a 2jz motor. The stock crank pulley has a harmonic balancer built into it and to remove it will introduce vibrations into the crank. This will in turn cause problems and lead to a shortened life span on your engine. Not advisable and not worth it.

All the other choices.

 

Exactly, i never understood the desire to install pullies. 5-10 hp? At what risk? Your 2-3-4-5K dollar motor?

 

OK, that's what I needed to hear. TicaLis, thanks for the help! ISdude and AustinS4, thanks for the enlightenment on the pullies. I've used underdrive pulleys on several domestic v8 cars and was a bit puzzled at the emphatic "no!" responses heard here. I had no idea Toyota used a pulley as a harmonic balancer. They work fantastic for the overhead cam and pushrod domestics. To be perfectly honest, I'm quite happy with the car's performance, but I feel an eternal urge to tinker with everything in my garage...just to give it an edge. The thought of a 3rd forced induction vehicle in my garage is awfully tempting, however.

 

...and AustinS4, while I understand and appreciate your rationale for the comment you posted, I'm sure you've fathomed modifications that could certainly lead to premature engine failure. Whether it's 5-10 horsepower or 150+, anything changed on a stock drivetrain increases the risk, but that is half the fun...pushing the envelope! (That being said, I feel the pain of what you say. My LS1 is apart right now from a missed shift at Sebring raceway...all the parts worked great until driver error occurred at 130mph going into a turn.)

 

Yes, definitely a big no no for ANY Toyota engine = underdrive pulleys.

 

btw...2jz + boost = LOTS OF FUN!!!!!