Next modification- having trouble deciding!

[Abuch91]

Hey everyone, new to these forums and this is my first post so I'll start off by saying hey!

I have a 2008.5 CWP MS3, I absolutely adore it! So far I have the Protege Garage Inlet/Intake installed, Forge BPV, TRZ RMM, Apexi Turbo Timer, Tint, and a Subwoofer. I have about 500-800 to spend on my next upgrade (or multiple for that matter) but I'm having a tough time trying to decide. I'm pretty pleased with the speed of this car, and am leaning more towards aesthetics, but I'm open to anything.

I've been looking at:
Cat Back Exhausts- this will drain my entire budget and I don't really have access to a lift
Short Shift Plate/Bushings
Cobb AccessPort
New Springs Maybe?

I'm really not sure, I was just curious as to what you all would be interested in doing next provided you had the same mods as I do, thanks alot!

 

[stageup]

for 800 i'd go koni yellows + eibach springs

 

[Doozy]

love my SSP. it's a cheap easy mod.

 

[SallySpeed3]

Not that this should be your next mod, but as far as cat-backs go, some can be had for under 500 and you don't really need a lift to do the job. I mean yeah it would be nice, but I'm sure there are plenty of people who have done it with just jackstands. It's only slightly more involved then a test-pipe install cause you have to sawzall the rear portion and it's bigger of course.

 

[Kindred]

for 800 i'd go koni yellows + eibach springs

Prus Juan.

 

[MSMS3]

Catback exhaust produces zero power gain at OP's mod level. The stock CBE outflows the max flow rate of the K04 turbo. That would be a very expensive way just to change the tone of the exhaust, IMHO.

OP's goals and objectives seem unclear other than "aesthetics" which is pretty broad and very subjective.

Ultimately it's OP's money to spend as he chooses. I'm into power mods which is a different direction, so I'm of little help beyond pointing out that the CBE will be expensive and will only change sound and perhaps the appearance of the exhaust tip, both of which can be changed in other ways for far less money than a complete CBE.

 

[hominemodi]

I agree with MSM3, a catback exhaust would be more less a waste of money. These ideas are a balanced approach to appearance, performance, and practicality. I think some monitoring device is quite useful, such as DashHawk or Aeroforce Interceptor (which i have and love) - ~$250 expense + plus pod. Mud flaps are also a practical and appealing modification ~$120 from RallyArmor. Some sort of short-shifting solution would definitely be worthwhile. A rear anti-sway bar, a cheap and easy mod to install at ~$150, helps tremendously with fast cornering. Adding springs alone is not recommended on this car; the suspension performance doesn't really improve, but the stock shocks (already weak) will wear out in no time, and the ride becomes much harsher. Other small stuff like a shifter weight, RedlineGoods real leather boots and armrest cover. Just my 2.

 

[Abuch91]

Ended up going with a progress rear sway bar, JBarone short shift plate+bushings, and some fog light overlays for now

 

[BillTheCat]

Thumbs up on the sway bar. The MS3 needs more help in handling than power, IMHO. YMMV, of course.

 

[Jon MS3]

nice! when you build back up the slush fund... go for Springs!

 

[Navith@VarrsToen.com]

I think you should change out the springs first. Will definantly change the look and handling!