advise for a newbie

[SEPAPT]

I've recently purchased an '01 Touring ed. with 5-speed and I love it. Original owner kept it "as delivered" and put only 1200 miles on in two years. I like driving this car and have doubled the odometer in three weeks.
So here's where I'm looking for advise; I'm interested in a couple of modest bolt-on performance upgrades and from what I've read the most common are 1) less restrictive exhaust (hopefully just loud enough to cover the engine noise),
2) less restrictive air intake, 3) performance chip(ase?)
So what do you think I might expect from any or all of these modifications? I'm trying to keep it simple as I'm not a mechanic I just want to making driving my PT even more fun!

[FranksredPT]

Welcome to PTE. Both the exhaust and intake will give your PT a better sound. Just the intake itself sounds nice. I got the Scottsdale exhaust and it is not loud at all, looks nice and was fairly easy to install (although, I did have some help).

[TomCat]

Welcome SEPAPT! You will like it here.

As cruiserdad said, best bang for your buck is by modifying the intake and exhaust. There are lots of choices, so just read up and decide what's best for you. Personally, I went with the Injen intake and HeartThrob duals and am happy with both. But your opinion may vary.

2 other mods you should seriously consider are a strut bar and hood struts. The strut bar tightens up cornering sway, and the hood struts help avoid a nasty prop rod accident from happening. Again, there lots of choices out there for these items.

Happy cruising!

[PTGT Redman]

Intake is bang for the buck. Choice is based on preference, style and sound.
I have the Air Raid and like the set up.
Exhaust is mainly for looks, but ask any one around here and you'll get a list of diff pipe types and options as well as experiences with them.

[Erocku]

I've read that the performance chips available really only help you if you have an automatic. You only gain minimal HP from putting it on a manual. I have a K&N FIPK Air Intake and PT-Tuning dual exhaust and im as happy as can be.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Welcome to PTE Sepapt

Alot of people add Borlas to their Pt's they look and sound great
the only down side is the price

[Mark1]

The intake and exhaust are a go. but dont waste the money for the chip.

I have the axel back BTG muffler,and i love it. It is probably the loudest mufler you could get.

[QuicksilverDon]

Originally posted by PT Blueman
Intake is bang for the buck. Choice is based on preference, style and sound.
I have the Air Raid and like the set up.
Exhaust is mainly for looks, but ask any one around here and you'll get a list of diff pipe types and options as well as experiences with them.

Correct. Intake gives you a difference you can feel (as well as hear). Exhaust is (primarily)for sound and looks. The Kenne Bell (sp?) chip does have its fans who swear by (not at) it. I'd go in that order.

And Welcome to PTE!