I'm looking to start upgrading my OZ but don't know where to start. The only previous owner was my sister and she just added a exhaust system and lowered it. Idk how she lowered it and i asked her but she doesn't remember. How can i determine how she lowered it? Also, i'm looking to do all upgrades such as engine interior and exterior but have never done it before and don't know where to begin. Also my trunk carpet is looking pretty raggedy and again looking to upgrade but don't know where to get it fixed at or what to do. Please help!

SN: The car is currently coming up on 117k miles

 

To figure out how she lowered it you will need to look at your shocks both up front and rear and even take a couple pictures of them and post here and we maybe able to tell you.

As for upgading it;
Use the search feature and you can read about all upgades you can do.

The main question to ask before you start is; Do you want to turbo or not?
This will change what you should do first.

To really see power out of this car you need to turbo.
If you just want it a little faster then you can stay N/A

As for carpeting; Why not remove it?
Reducing weight like this makes your car a little faster.

 

Yea a turbo what can i start doing to prepare for this? As for the carpet what can i do to make it still look nice? I am eventually going to put a sound system in the trunk but i still want it to look good.

 

post some pics of everything, go to the link in my comment, I did a bunch of cheap mods and a few expensive ones, but all in all I think it looks pretty good so far. just check out my pics and if you like how I did anything I'll make a how to if there isn't already one.

 

OK depending on how much boost you want to push, you may need to upgade the rod/pistons.
The Lancer has cast internals.
I wouldn't push anymore then 8-10 psi on the stock pistons.

A turbo setup will cost you around $3000 or so just in parts, unless you find used parts then you maybe able to save a bit.

Power mods;
For you I would say start with a RRM light weight crank pulley ( there are a couple being sold right now in the market place for good prices).
This will really pick up the speed a bit.

Then you could look at a cat-back (I'm a fan of MagnaFlow).
You could look at getting a RRM throttle body or another bigger one.

Fidanza light weight flywheel also helps alot in waking up our cars, but I would do this if/when you decide to put a performance clutch in.

Handling upgades;
For sure the Progress rear sway bar with autoX perches.
This really makes a big difference in your corning!

CoilOvers are nice as well.
Strut tower bars, RRM (roadracemotorsports.com) sells these as well.
Evo 8/9 steering rack makes our cars much more responsive, really cool drive after!

Misc;
Speed-Source.net sells clutch shifter cable bushings (under hood) that are great.
Look into replacing your front sway bar end links and bushings with Energy stiff ones.
Stiffer motor mounts help with traction.
Short shifter, tint.

Don't do header or intake as you'll have to change these anyways when you turbo.

 

im going to have to disagree on just the turbo part

Cheapest turbo upgrade I have done is $2500 MONEY WORTH SPENT!!! and I have pushed about 14 psi a couple of times would not reccomend it!!!! but I have pushed 8-10 easily it just depends on your tune bro. 12 psi = broken rods, 15 psi = melted pistons


and believe me dont upgrade anything else you will be wasting your money, I would prefer turbo first then small upgrades here or there if you start upgrading those small things before the big things you will be dissapointed and feel like your wasting money, trust me I thought the same thing!!!