hyabusa

 

^ This. ^

Seriously, though, something Japanese. Cheap and German don't really go together.

 

Can't argue with a Subaru, and I'm not just saying it as a fanboy. The EJ22 in a lot of the older ones are invincible, and if you can find an EJ22T, you will never have problems as long as you maintain it somewhat decently.

 

Doesn't the 22t only come in legacys? You might go a little faster but your gonna be ugly doing it. The newer ej205 is reasonable priced in an 04-05 wrx. But then your in s4 money range.
Ej33 ftw

 

Yep, leggy's only. To each his own, but I kind of like them. The closed deck makes it invincible, and it's a total sleeper.

 

Total sleeper for sure. The ej series alone are all good engines never really head of a problem with them if it is maintained.

 

Neither have I. Oh, and throw non-interference in there for the win

 

Back to the OP's question, even though the 12v auto isn't exactly a giant-killer in speed, the other mods available to all B5 chassis cars apply. First thing is to get all your maintenance and repairs taken care of, upgrading parts in the process as you can. A few real bang for the buck ideas include an upgrade to A8 front brakes and ceramic pads (it's a very noticeable change and is all the braking you'll need), S4 suspension (any or all of the parts - struts, springs, front and rear swaybars - see my post down below called "the 411 on S4 suspension on an A4" for my breakdown based on experience with my car), a K&N style air filter/intake (no power gain but a nice sound in the midrange and you'll never buy another air filter again), HID and LED lighting upgrades (talk to Emil at Krauto Parts - he's on this forum as "emilgevor" and is very well-known for quality and customer service - my car is a rolling catalog of his stuff and many others have it too), and a swap to newer-style red/clear taillights andclear sidemarker lights.

None of this is hard to install or expensive but all will make noticeable changes to your car that'll enhance its appeal. You can go nuts on a 12v in every area but horsepower, but it doesn't mean the car is any less fun.

And yes, we are a bunch of ballbusters, kind of like a big classroom full of retards, but we have a lot of fun here, we welcome new guys, and we'll be happy to help you along the way. Glad you decided to stick around

 

Oh and take a look at ObnoxiousDrunk's and NickBroderick's cars to see a couple very nice examples of 12v cars.

 

What he said about maintenance, that **** is serious. Don't think he just means oil change/tire rotations either. Look into your timing system, not one to F with. Just a friendly warning . Welcome and good luck with your ride brother!