Best order of modifications 2011 vRS

[rakehell]

I was wondering if there was a (semi) consensus on the best or most bang-for-buck performance upgrades for the MkII. Tune, brakes, DSG tune, anti-away bars, etc.

Cosmetic stuff I'm ok with, but wouldn't mind hearing what people feel made the most difference to their car. Happy for all opinions, if you think your tires are it and a bit, let me know!

[Dzl_Dubba]

Tune and dp for max gains. Intercooler too, not so much for gains but much needed for our climate

[dArK5HaD0w]

Must do....
1. Ecu tune
2. Downpipe exhaust
3. Lowered suspension
4. Rear Swaybar

Nice to do..
5. Intercooler
6. Cold air intake
7. Dsg tune
8. Lighter wheels
9. Lighter brake setup
10. Catback exhaust

[Antiplastix]

Leave it standard and save the money towards a Mk.3 RS 'performance package' when they re released.

[brad]

Must have:
1. ECU remap & always 98ron
2. sticky, good quality tyres
3. really light wheels (aim for wheel + tyre combo of <18kg). You might even consider going back to 17" with 235/45r17 - you can easily achieve <16kg with that.
4. Either a 3" DP or remove the stage1 catcon

Nice to have:
5. GoFastBits DV+ diverter valve upgrade
6. Decent dampers - Koni Sports Adjustable or similar
7. Upgraded brake pads & rotors - eg: DBA plain face T3 with QFM A1RM pads and the proper VW spec low viscosity brake fluid.
8. Water (meth optional) injection (rather than an upgraded IC). It will keep your inlet clean as well as stopping the timing pull in hot weather.
9. SuperPro Supaloy lower control arms
10. 60 or 70 duro Dogbone insert or a new mount
11. Catch can (not performance as such but it will keep your inlet cleaner)
12. Intercooler charge/discharge pipes (the jury is out on this one)
13. Lightweight brake calipers or BBK
14. DIY redrill of the rear sway bar (shortens the moment arm 30mm)
15. decent spark plugs (NGK / Denso) and coil packs

[Tuan]

Leave it standard and save the money towards a Mk.3 RS 'performance package' when they re released.

This is too sensible

ECU tune and downpipe ... hmm maybe I can put these on my own list ........

[brad]

This is too sensible ........

cost of 2011 vRS = $16k-$25k (carsales right now)
ECU tune (Custom Code or similar) $1k
DP (SPM) $800
light weight wheels (18" Enkei RPF1) $1.6k
tyres $1.2k

Call it $5k with some minor bits & bobs. So $21k-$30k for a fairly decent car that you can have now and have fun with for a few years.

Current bare bones vRS price - $40k plus Performance Pack = $6.5k. Current wait on vRS? 6-9 months. PP wait after release = how long is a piece of string.

I think I'd rather enjoy a car now & do a few mods & pick up a used PP for $30k somewhere down the track.

[Tuan]

In fact ...... I think I may be better off modifying my OWN focus ST before I touch the missus' vRS

[kaanage]

Must have:
1. ECU remap & always 98ron
2. sticky, good quality tyres
3. really light wheels (aim for wheel + tyre combo of <18kg). You might even consider going back to 17" with 235/45r17 - you can easily achieve <16kg with that.
4. Either a 3" DP or remove the stage1 catcon

Nice to have:
5. GoFastBits DV+ diverter valve upgrade
6. Decent dampers - Koni Sports Adjustable or similar
7. Upgraded brake pads & rotors - eg: DBA plain face T3 with QFM A1RM pads and the proper VW spec low viscosity brake fluid.
8. Water (meth optional) injection (rather than an upgraded IC). It will keep your inlet clean as well as stopping the timing pull in hot weather.
9. SuperPro Supaloy lower control arms
10. 60 or 70 duro Dogbone insert or a new mount
11. Catch can (not performance as such but it will keep your inlet cleaner)
12. Intercooler charge/discharge pipes (the jury is out on this one)
13. Lightweight brake calipers or BBK
14. DIY redrill of the rear sway bar (shortens the moment arm 30mm)
15. decent spark plugs (NGK / Denso) and coil packs

^ This except I'd move the damper upgrade up to #3

[rakehell]

This is too sensible

I'm not sure buying a spanking new car is sensible either.

Then again, if I wanted to be sensible, I'd have bought a Camry.

@brad: Thanks. That's an excellent list to be getting on with. Never even heard of Enkei wheels, but they seem the business.