What are the best bang for the buck starter mods?

[RacerinLSL]

It looks like I may have my WRX next week, and I'm wondering where I'm gonna start on mods. I won't have a lot of money to start, but am wondering where it is best spent. I was thinking about starting w/ an intake, then going to an ebc or something else to get me peak boost throughout the range. Then tires to replace RE92's.
What were your mod routes for you existing owners? What are your suggestions?

Chad

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[I am b]

I would say no to the intake and just remove the silencer (do a look up to find out how that is done). Go with the EBC, MBC, unichip.....whatever your choice is and DO replace the RE92's. I would save the money from the intake and save a little more to buy a cat back.

[Jung918]

THe proper way to build your car up would be to do the brakes, suspension, and then go for power. But i don't know of anyone that does that. I go for power and suspension and then brakes. The first mod i got was a Turbo Timer. Then a Aem intake. GFB pulley. Turboxs mbc. Now im deciding on a down-pipe and a up-pipe.

[chuglobal]

I say do the things that a free first ... silencer, etc? Then if you want more power go w/ a MBC & boost + EGT gauges. You don't have to get the gauges but just to be on the safe side. MBC is like $50 and the gauges go for $240 w/ mount ... so either $50 or $300. Then go w/ the Up-Pipe ( $300 ) for faster spooling. Then go turbo back exhaust ( $1000 ). You can add new tires ( $500+ ) somewhere inbetween. The CAI has been in debate for a while so I'd hold off. You can go w/ a CHIP but that's like $700-2500 which cost the most. Then you can go brake ( Lines ( $120 ) or suspension ( DMS40 w/ strut tops @ $2K ).

[RichinAZ]

Hands down - rims and tires. I've done the Cobb 280kit, P1s and Falken tires. The handling difference with the 17" rims and sport tires is phenominal. Remember, no matter what you do to the engine or suspension it all still has to connect to the road by 4 patches of rubber about the sise of your hand.

[RacerinLSL]

Rich i argee. I will probably do a Suz-Zero/Azenis package soon, hopefully before I go to the Dragon in May. So skip the intake seems to be common. I'll perform a snokusectomy. I was thinking about doing the TurboXS stage 1 w/ unichip. It's about $1k. I'm just not sure. There are too many routes to go. WHen I did all this with my 96 DSM GSX, there weren't too many different routes at the time. Decisions decisions!

Chad

[nhluhr]

hi chad -

i've done numerous mods to my car and can now tell you several of the best "bang for the buck" mods and also some ones to stay away from. (+ for good, - for bad)

--Cold Air Intake - not worth the money. It yields power gains at the expense of a miscalibrated MAF sensor and results in the car often running poorly or causing future mods to be dangerous to the engine's well-being.

+/-EBC/MBC - an EBC is very expensive but apparently very nice. I've been happy with a simple MBC and they are extremely cheap. Anytime you mess with the boost control though you MUST have a boost gauge beforehand in order to check its operation before running it for any amount of time.

++uppipe - a good one will cost a fair amount (say, $250-300) and the install is a complete pain in the butt if you've never done one, but it has got to be one of the best mods you can do both for engine longevity AND for a little extra performance in terms of earlier spooling and a little more hp.

+++downpipe - an inexpensive one like the Stromung (199) is easy to put on, fits perfectly with the stock parts, and yields a VERY noticeable increase in performance over stock. It basically has nearly all the same benefits of the uppipe while being cheaper and MUCH easier to install.

+more exhaust parts - get expensive but also worthwhile. They will make the car louder. Oh and stay away from 3" exhaust. It's overkill and it will hinder the car by killing exhaust gas velocity more than helping it by letting the turbo spool a tad earlier. 2.5" is perfect for even 350hp.

+++lightweight underdrive pulley - pretty darn easy to put on, reasonably cheap to purchase, and very noticeable in terms of tractability and a slight boost in acceleration (my lights dim a tiny bit at idle with several accessories running, but not much and never at anything above idle).

++tires - putting a 225-50R16 on the stock rim or just a higher quality 205-55R16 on the stock rim will give you a nice increase in handling. Get the right tire for your local conditions. Just about most places south of michigan you can get away with a summer tire like the Kumho 712 (z-rated version) for about $80 each.

++ swaybars - front and rear upgraded swaybars will run you about $250 total and make the car much more pleasurable in the corners. A front swaybar is an IMPORTANT part of the this equation and to be honest i would rather have the front than the back. If you have a little more money, go with Koni strut inserts instead (yes they WILL fit the WRX, but you have to customize it a little bit). They are adjustable and make the car handle awesome even without upgraded swaybars.

There are others but these are the highlights.

If you have a little bigger budget, then consider a Vishnu Stage 0 which includes some of the above as well as a Unichip, among other things. It's $995 i think.

Hope this was helpful!

[SuperRuWRX]

Tires first sorry I shouldn't shout. You didn't mention if it is a sedan or wagon, the wagon should have had the 20mm rear bar from the factory.

[MANELIS]

1. The tires are useless, if your budget is tight go to a tire shop and trade them in for Falken Azenis, make sure you get the right one though.They should give you $100 for your tires.
$106 each for Falkens ------$318 tires.

2.Vishnu stage zero $995 That will be the best money you ever spend, you have no idea.

3.Sway bars are nice but not imperative for the moment.

4.If looks are important get an Eibach or H&R lowering kit,
Shop around you can find a great deal if you look.
The stock setup handles VERY well.

5.Exhaust- If you replace just the rear section (muffler) you will get the biggest bang for your buck.

If you want help e-mail me, you can call me too if you like.
Dino
[email protected]

[RacerinLSL]

I do plan on the Vishnu stage 0 or TurboXS stage 1 minus the pulleys b/c I refuse to do those when I'll be upgrading the stereo quite alot.
Also, who is more likely to be someone to buy back tires? I don't know of any place around here that does. Should I try the mom and pop shops? I might just buck up the grand and ger sub-zeros and tires at the same time anyway.

Chad

[MANELIS]

What city/state are you in?

[RacerinLSL]

st louis MO

[wRx14pSi]

i would get a STI 22B motor.. best mod...

but in reality get a short shifter.. since u have to break in ur car..

oh remove that silencer