Best Bang for the Buck

[Cornercarver82]

Ok I have added a K&N Drop in filter on my 2005 2.5 RS. What would be my next mod with the best bang for the buck in the power department. I know theres gonna be a few who will start flaming me about building power with an EJ253 but whatever I'm not trying to make it a drag racer or a super car. I just want a little more grunt for now until I turbo or sc the thing, and eventually that awsome boxer sound. So let me see your suggestions. And I'm NOT staying N/A.

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[08_WRX]

For the boxer sound youll need to get a set of unequal length headers. Your car has equal on it right now. Then grab a nice catback exhaust.

[ArkansasDave]

UEL headers will help you get that boxer rumble. Your not going to be able to make much more power with the N/A. Just stick with handling.

Wait for other people to come by and tell you to make it handle great. Im sure someone will tell you how to get a little more power.

[Cornercarver82]

I have secured a cat back I'm still doing research on different headers. Ok in the handling department what does the H brace do?

[Smoke]

UEL header with good catback will get the good sound (nowhere near close to a WRX though).

And don't buy any more K&N Filters; waste of money.

[Cornercarver82]

Not according to the ol butt dyno, and I cant find a CAI for my car which has the MAF sensor

[ArkansasDave]

I've got one in CT. Its an Injen that came off my old engine. As far as I understand it the H brace stiffens up the chassis. I think there is a FAQ that covers this, check the Newb Bible (Unabombers Manifesto).

[Cornercarver82]

If youd like to part with that Injen how much shipped to 13603

[Ryan25i]

I'm in the same boat as you are, trying to get more power out of my 2.5i. I recently dropped a K&N filter in to mine too and noticed a difference without dynoing it so good choice there.

If I were you I would invest in some beefier sway bars to help keep that power under control haha. But seriously, buy some suspension mods and you'll be happy you did.

[spinnaker226]

Suspension Suspension Suspension

[Cornercarver82]

Today I picked up a Tsudo Cat Back, Cusco Front and Rear Strut Braces, STi silicone hoses, STi sway bars, A 3 gauge pillar mount(A/F,Oil psi, and Volts) for 2 bills I'm happy with my choice

[viper74656]

Originally Posted by Cornercarver82

Today I picked up a Tsudo Cat Back, Cusco Front and Rear Strut Braces, STi silicone hoses, STi sway bars, A 3 gauge pillar mount(A/F,Oil psi, and Volts) for 2 bills I'm happy with my choice

I hope you got the "STI Pink" sway bars that are optional extras from the dealership and not OEM STI sway bars. The bars off a stock STI (or aftermarket bars designed for the STI) won't fit...
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...37&postcount=3

[quikcobra]

A good nitrous kit may be good for a N/A motor

[Cornercarver82]

Well they were pink I have painted them satin black, I'm kinda doin the whole sleeper thing. In the end I'm not sure if I'm going to grab a Raptor SC kit or build a nice turbo set up.

[Cornercarver82]

I should hopefully get the car back today I super stoked

[Byzantium]

Originally Posted by Ryan25i

I'm in the same boat as you are, trying to get more power out of my 2.5i. I recently dropped a K&N filter in to mine too and noticed a difference without dynoing it so good choice there.

If I were you I would invest in some beefier sway bars to help keep that power under control haha. But seriously, buy some suspension mods and you'll be happy you did.

Ya, you really noticed that 0-2 hp gain from replacing an air filter.

Originally Posted by Cornercarver82

Today I picked up a Tsudo Cat Back, Cusco Front and Rear Strut Braces, STi silicone hoses, STi sway bars, A 3 gauge pillar mount(A/F,Oil psi, and Volts) for 2 bills I'm happy with my choice

Next time, spend a few seconds researching before buying. STI sways are going to be inferior to aftermarket alternatives, those A/F and volt gauges are going to serve absolutely no purpose as their measurements are meaningless (esp that AF gauge), and the Tsudo catback is open to the possibility of rust considering where you live.

[brighton96]

Best bang for the buck, for me, has always been lighter wheels, and good tires.

[Cornercarver82]

Originally Posted by Byzantium

Ya, you really noticed that 0-2 hp gain from replacing an air filter.



Next time, spend a few seconds researching before buying. STI sways are going to be inferior to aftermarket alternatives, those A/F and volt gauges are going to serve absolutely no purpose as their measurements are meaningless (esp that AF gauge), and the Tsudo catback is open to the possibility of rust considering where you live.

Really the A/F will be useless? Hmmm EVERY automobile I've put forced induction to has REQUIRED a wideband O2 and a gauge to aid in tuning. Some people think they know everything without knowing anything lol

[Cornercarver82]

Originally Posted by brighton96

Best bang for the buck, for me, has always been lighter wheels, and good tires.

I totally agree I'm eyeballing a few different sets right now

[kevosnowsti]

Originally Posted by Cornercarver82

Really the A/F will be useless? Hmmm EVERY automobile I've put forced induction to has REQUIRED a wideband O2 and a gauge to aid in tuning. Some people think they know everything without knowing anything lol

404 forced induction not found.

[Cornercarver82]

I dont get it?????

[jmikolich]

Originally Posted by Cornercarver82

I dont get it?????

he's saying you're N/A

he must've missed the part about you planning to go F/I ... as did byzantium

also, helps to specify whether or not you are talking about Wideband or not.. byzantium assumed you meant narrowband.

[Cornercarver82]

Aaaah my bad then but he was still a bit abrasive about N/A tuning period though. Theres always a way when your N/A Lol

[Byzantium]

Originally Posted by Cornercarver82

Aaaah my bad then but he was still a bit abrasive about N/A tuning period though. Theres always a way when your N/A Lol

Yes, it's called spending an boatload of money for little or no return. As for your purchase, for spending a whole $200, the chance of you having gotten a good wideband is zero because even used you're looking at $150 for one. At the price you paid, that's even highly inexpensive for one that isn't a wideband. On top of that not all tuning solutions are compatible with all widebands. That goes back to the whole researching before you buy thing.

As for me knowing nothing, you're talking to someone who has multiple times the relevant knowledge that most of the people here have.

[Cornercarver82]

Originally Posted by Byzantium

Yes, it's called spending an boatload of money for little or no return. As for your purchase, for spending a whole $200, the chance of you having gotten a good wideband is zero because even used you're looking at $150 for one. At the price you paid, that's even highly inexpensive for one that isn't a wideband. On top of that not all tuning solutions are compatible with all widebands. That goes back to the whole researching before you buy thing.

As for me knowing nothing, you're talking to someone who has multiple times the relevant knowledge that most of the people here have.

And aparently no reading ability yet again where in my $200 parts list does it say I got a wideband O2? NOWHERE IT'S A FREAKIN PILLAR MOUNT. I hate to tell ya I've been building cars since you were in highschool son, granted I DONT KNOW EVERYTHING like you seem to THINK YOU DO. But I'm not stupid, now if your in the northern NY area sometime I'd gladly take you for a spin in some of my machines. I love how people can turn a simple discussion into a pissing match.