I looked around the threads but didn't find any specific answers. I'm looking at an xA, and I'm wondering about the factory performance options versus aftermarket goodies:

- How good are the factory options? I was planning to get everything offered (CAI, strut bar, shocks, springs, and muffler), since that's about everything I would do to it save wheels and tires.

- Could I do the same modifications as above for the same price or less using aftermarket parts?

- What does the TRD muffler sound like? Is there a muffler out there that doesn't sound like a gas R/C car? I know it won't sound like a V8 or anything, but the high buzz I hear from a lot of 4 cylinders drives me nuts.

I'm not a newb to cars in general, I just don't know the specifics and a lot of junk seems to pop up when searching for aftermarket parts online. Thanks for any input.

 

A's for Q's:

Factory offered parts are okay. The only ones offered IMO that are worth it would be the hotchkis strut and AEM CAI. Other than that, i would recommend going aftermarket. You can get better quality parts going that route, with more hp gains, better performance springs and coilovers, and so on.

The price depends on what company and how well the quality part is. For instance, headers your looking around $160-$200, a well designed spring will run around $200-$240, but well designed coilovers will run $1,300+. Then you have the perrin light weight crank for $130 shipped. Another factor is where you buy your parts, theres so many Xs to this. (but i think you get what im saying)

TRD muffler is a POS design in my opinion. I don't like it, however thats just me. If you wan't a little more power gains, (even with another axle back) spend your money else where. If you go to the review part of scionlife, and go to parts a lot of whats out there you can review. Or going to "forums" then xa/xb, then power hungery/what have you. Or, you can just go to the search option and type in what you want to search.

Welcome and good luck. Cya

 

Thanks for the info. I didn't see that engine forum at first.

As for the option parts, I'd be willing to spend as much on aftermarket as the factory parts cost, maybe a little more if you get something significantly better, but I don't want to spend too much more overall. That the TRD parts would be part of the financing is a consideration, since it's an extra $20 or so a month versus coming up with $200-400 at a time down the road.

I wouldn't get too crazy with this car: Just a little lower, a little firmer, slightly larger wheels (Nothing too extreme given the amount of snow we get, and the horrible condition of the roads around here), and a little more pep without hurting fuel economy.

 

dont even waste you money at the dealership
the AEM intake is junk the intake is designed to still be restrictive just a tiny bit better than the stock AEM sells an aftermarket one that is even better BUT there are others that are even better than that....the hotchkis strut bar....HAHA dude for the price it should be solid titanium go with the DC Sport CS bar VASTLEY superior and much cheaper hotchkis does have a sweet swaybar set nut not offered at the dealership.....you have to remember they wanna offer you the IMPRESSION of buying REAL performance parts but they still are not the hardcore aftermarket parts most want....i mean look at the rim options 18 in rims damn near 3k cmon most say they do it so it can get financed thats just a waste of money. go on ebay find rims find tires and get 19's for lless than 1k...sorry just a little comparision

 

Here are a list of parts that I would get.

1. EL Prototypes CAI. http://www.elprototypes.com/Scion.htm
2. EL Prototypes Header. http://www.elprototypes.com/Scion.htm
3. Light Weight Crank Pulley. http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/i..._1844_675_2037
4. An STS.
5. A Light Weight Flywheel.
6. Springs.
7. Sway Bars.
8. Light Weight Wheels.
9. Tires.
10. & more. There is a good deal you could do to your xA. It just depends on your taste over all.

And maybe one of these when the kit comes out

 

^^^^^
I so plan on getting one of those when the kit comes out.