[BMWasian]

I'm soon buying a muffler from spintech, specifically number 6441. This muffler comes "stock" in aluminized steel, but will come in stainless steel for an extra 80 bucks. Price for just aluminized steel is $90. I know to you adults it won't seem like much of a difference and you'll say "hell, go for the extra 80 bucks," but keep in mind I'm merely in highschool and I make $350 a month and 100 of it goes it monthly car payments. Also to keep in mind, I live in pennsylvania, so we get a decent amount of snowfall if that affects anything. So basically, my question is, would stainless steel be a must have?

[Volasko]

Yep

[stewey]

Psssh, sorry but that was a useless response ^

No. It's not necessary. It's mainly about longevity. If money is tight, get the cheaper one and save the $$ for something else.

[SDemetris]

Ehh it'll probably last like 2 or 3 years if it isn't stainless... You can do the math from there to see if the lower price is worth it for you

[Ruddigger]

If it's getting welded on it's pointless, it will rust anyway. If clamped on, then yes. For a kid in school who probably will be moving on to another car in a year or two, don't worry about it.

[BMWasian]

alright thanks guys, I guess I'll go with aluminized steel then

[jc5988]

Originally Posted by BMWasian

alright thanks guys, I guess I'll go with aluminized steel then

maybe spray high temp paint for some rustproof if you can, its only few bux a can.

[E91 M Sport]

And if it does rust there are so many coatings now that encapsulate the rust and prevent its spread. Por-15 is probably the most popular.

http://www.por15.com/POR-15-High-Temp_p_104.html

[BMWasian]

Thanks for helping me save money, all great advice

[rjahl]

Originally Posted by BMWasian

Thanks for helping me save money, all great advice

Why are you changing the muffler?

If money is that tight and you don't really need a new muffler you really should be saving for something else.

[BMWasian]

Originally Posted by rjahl

Why are you changing the muffler?

If money is that tight and you don't really need a new muffler you really should be saving for something else.

Is "I'm a highschool student" good enough for you?:

[BMWasian]

But no, I mean it's the first out of many mods. I might not make a lot of money but this is what I save and spend on. After this comes several cosmetic mods like red stained glass paint for "lci conversion" mod, maybe a high kick spoiler, I was planning on getting new bumpers and skirts but those are a little expensive and I feel like they're not worth it. After the cheaper cosmetic mods, some VMR v701 18" 9.5s riding with some BFG g force comp 2's, then the bilstein b12 kit. So on and so forth. It might take me a while but it's what I want to do with the little money I make. Long term goals man.

[Ali-E90]

A) keep a rainy day fund for repairs etc, at least a few hundo
B) definitely some of the things on your list are good and can be had for cheap.

For cosmetic lips and splitters, check eBay vendor emotors2000. My splitters and spoiler from them are still holding up well. Perfect paint and fitment too.

[rjahl]

Originally Posted by BMWasian

Is "I'm a highschool student" good enough for you?:

I was in High School once too, Wish I had more people telling me to spend less time and money on cars and more effort on my future. I survived, but the road was much harder then it needed to be.

My two cents and I'm off topic.

[BMWasian]

Originally Posted by rjahl

I was in High School once too, Wish I had more people telling me to spend less time and money on cars and more effort on my future. I survived, but the road was much harder then it needed to be.

My two cents and I'm off topic.

Oh don't get me wrong, I still spend a lot of time studying and doing HW. I mean my asian parents (true stereotype) don't allow me to have bad grades. I'm juggling AP classes, car, job, a girlfriend, and a social life all at once. It's not easy but man, it sure as hell is worth it.

[BMWasian]

Originally Posted by Ali-323i

A) keep a rainy day fund for repairs etc, at least a few hundo
B) definitely some of the things on your list are good and can be had for cheap.

For cosmetic lips and splitters, check eBay vendor emotors2000. My splitters and spoiler from them are still holding up well. Perfect paint and fitment too.

Thanks for everything man, you've helped me out a lot.

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by BMWasian

Thanks for everything man, you've helped me out a lot.

This community has done the same for me. Only fair for me to reciprocate.

Good luck! My Indian-Asian parents were the same, I feel the struggle!

[3002 tii]

Just hit it with a rattle can and you're fine. Else it'll rust over the next few years especially if you live in area that sees snow/salt.

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by BMWasian

Thanks for helping me save money, all great advice

Originally Posted by BMWasian

But no, I mean it's the first out of many mods. I might not make a lot of money but this is what I save and spend on. After this comes several cosmetic mods like red stained glass paint for "lci conversion" mod, maybe a high kick spoiler, I was planning on getting new bumpers and skirts but those are a little expensive and I feel like they're not worth it. After the cheaper cosmetic mods, some VMR v701 18" 9.5s riding with some BFG g force comp 2's, then the bilstein b12 kit. So on and so forth. It might take me a while but it's what I want to do with the little money I make. Long term goals man.

I'm not even sure what to say here. Having a poorly modified car with a shitty rusty muffler and tacky cosmetic mods is not a "long term goal".

If that high school retail money is burning a hole in your pocket, use it to learn to become a better driver, maybe check out some HPDE days.

[hassmaschine]

why don't you just leave it stock?

I doubt anyone is going to think any of these "mods" are an improvement except other high school boys. Save your money for important stuff. in a few years you'll probably want a different car anyway.

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

why don't you just leave it stock?

I doubt anyone is going to think any of these "mods" are an improvement except other high school boys. Save your money for important stuff. in a few years you'll probably want a different car anyway.

A majority of people on this forum mod their car in some fashion. Not just on this forum, but a significantly large portion of enthusiasts everywhere are looking to stand out, make it their own, etc.

If you have a classic, I'm all for leaving it in it's original glory, but when you're talking about one of the best selling cars of this day, that you see several of everyday (mostly driven by non-enthusiasts), I too would want to (and have) customize it a bit to make it my own and stand out from the "common folk".

[hassmaschine]

Sure, but I'm guessing you make considerably more than $350 a month right?

I've modded cars too. But be realistic - he's a relatively poor HS student with a base model 3 series. Why waste the money?