I have been looking for a long time in upgrade my car with:
> engine chip
> bigger wheels
> better exhaust
> sport filter
> etc.

Aside from the fact that I'm not sure how much I want to get into this while the car is still under warranty I haven't found much information on how valuable these upgrades are.

I understand that a lot of wheel based upgrades (tires, brakes, suspensions, etc...) will help car sporting stability I still don't understand as much engine based upgrades.

For example does anyone know how engine tuning improves 0to60 timing performance?
My engine can deliver 218HP but what do you gain if you add 10hp (intake or exhaust upgrade)? What do you gain if you add 30HP (chip)? What do you gain if you upgrade all?

I suspect my car to do 0 to 60 in 7.1 sec if I push it hard. I don't think I've ever push it that hard. For that reason the benefit of upgrading will feel lesser on a daily basis.
So if after $2000 to $4000 of upgrade I gain let say 3/10 of a second (7.1 to 6.8sec) on 0to60 miles/hr time some how it doesn't quite feel worth it. I might as well wait for my next car purchase. At home we own two cars so I'm planning on buying a new car every 5years (10 years ownership on each car).

Doesn't anyone can bring light to my questions?
As anyone done some of these upgrades and felt a significant difference?
Thanks

Greg :57:

I think it really comes down to if its worth it to you. I don't relly have any numbers for you though. I have a downpipe/exhaust/home made CAI and feel it was quite worth it. Most reputable companies will tell you the hp gain you will get with their products.

For the most bang for the buck on our turbo cars, the ECU is prob the best thing to do. If you want a little more power with better sound, go for the exhaust. But to really get a turbo breathing better, get the douwnpipe with the exhaust. The dp and exhaust will likely be more then the ECU upgrade depending what company you use.

Keep in mind, that ECU upgrades are dependant on intake and exhaust work though. So its usually suggested to get the dp and exhaust first, so the ECU wont have to be reprogrammed a second time (hope I'm making sense!)