Advice for the next stage

[chrishelliwell]

Hi Guys,
I'm after peoples opinions on performance upgrades as i've just upgraded my brakes and figure it must be time for some more hp. I'm currently running an APR flash and upgraded filter with everything else stock as well as a bunch of suspension gear. I'm tossing up between a seat sport intercooler or getting a custom downpipe fabricated - would love to do both but the wallet says no. Just after thoughts/experience from people who have done both of these mods so far

Cheers,
Chris

[h100vw]

Hi Guys,
I'm after peoples opinions on performance upgrades as i've just upgraded my brakes and figure it must be time for some more hp. I'm currently running an APR flash and upgraded filter with everything else stock as well as a bunch of suspension gear. I'm tossing up between a seat sport intercooler or getting a custom downpipe fabricated - would love to do both but the wallet says no. Just after thoughts/experience from people who have done both of these mods so far

Cheers,
Chris

Downpipe first Chris, stage 2 tune up from APR for cheap. Then do the FMIC later.

Gavin

[seangti]

I believe a downpipe necessitates a retune, which APR can do. I have no idea on price, wouldn't have thought much, if any. Gav alluded to that as stage 2, though just be aware that I believe it is essential.

If you're not tracking the car, than bang for buck the dump pipe is the best option. If you're driving hard for extended periods, than FMIC would be the wise choice. I've put a FMIC on mine, though haven't upped to "stage 2", so no boost increases over the usual base tune option. If I add a dump pipe, I'll need a retune, and fiddle with boost, etc, at that point.

[noone]

IMO, with summer coming, I'd go FMIC.
Id also consider CC phase 1 as for me it was a lot quicker than APR...

With just a dump, no tune required, I never had a different one done.

PD160 installed?

[seangti]

With just a dump, no tune required, I never had a different one done.

I thought i got that info from Gav, he can clarify or recall the context.

As for other supporting mods, as suggested, better air intake (PD160 or others), TIP, better diverter valve are all solid supporting mods to ensure the tune is maximised. Would certainly be doing air intake before trying to get more air out of the engine. It won't be a life changing mod, but is good for supporting further mods. I've followed the path the air follows, so get in the intake, IC, etc, sorted so you know that it's getting cool air in.

[chrishelliwell]

Cheers, for the input guys! I replaced the stock diverter valve with a turbosmart kompact unit when I got the original flash. I haven't got a PD160; I'm slightly skeptical as to their effectiveness as I was previously running a pod on the end of the stock TIP with a cold air duct straight into it, but went back to the stock airbox with an upgraded panel filter as I hated the sound - did not really notice any real performance differences though, maybe it's just me? I spoke to Guy @ APR and they do have the software I need. I think I'm going to go with the exhaust for now and then do the front mount around christmas. Gav, do you have any contacts that can get hold of a stainless 2.5" exhaust flange for the K03? Got a quote from a bloke that did a lot of work on my old silvia for $400 if i can source the flange.

[seangti]

I added the PD160 6 months after the other stuff as I was sceptical too. It made the mid range smoother and general acceleration smoother/stronger. It's not huge, but is an incremental improvement. Can't say I noticed any difference in the sound, though that's what I wanted.

For the FMIC, I noticed on the track that comparing top speed after a few hot laps I was consistently 2-3km/hr quicker with the FMIC as opposed to the SMIC. Incremental, but piece of mind for inlet temps. This is measured with a 10hz GPS lap timer, not reading off the dash.

[chrishelliwell]

hmm ok, might keep my eye out for one on ebay etc. I've got a TIP on the way (ebay cheapie as recommended by Gavin) so will be fitting that once semester ends too! Did you go with the Forge kit of the seatsport cooler and custom piping?

[VR6man]

Downpipe first Chris, stage 2 tune up from APR for cheap. Then do the FMIC later.

Gavin

As above, downpipe is a good investment

IMO, with summer coming, I'd go FMIC.
Id also consider CC phase 1 as for me it was a lot quicker than APR...

With just a dump, no tune required, I never had a different one done.

PD160 installed?

CC Phase 1 & 2 are miles apart , there's great benefit from a retune.
When I had my 9N GTI with APR, I found the boost came on too strong.
Some people like that, but as you said CC tune feel quicker because its much nicer on boost.

Also check with APR , if you get their downpipe you may not pay for a tune update( not 100% sure though )

[chrishelliwell]

As above, downpipe is a good investment


CC Phase 1 & 2 are miles apart , there's great benefit from a retune.
When I had my 9N GTI with APR, I found the boost came on too strong.
Some people like that, but as you said CC tune feel quicker because its much nicer on boost.

Also check with APR , if you get their downpipe you may not pay for a tune update( not 100% sure though )

I did ask Guy about the apr downpipe but unfortunately they dont stock them anymore. He did offer me a massive discount on the reflash which was nice