Getting ready to buy an 08 MS3, what are the first and cheapest mods to do

[kimura]

I'm also a noob... but I think an upgraded rear motor mount is almost an essential mod for this car. not only does it dramatically enhance the driving experience, it eliminates wheel hop which can cause things to break. not to mention the fact that people have broken the factory mount itself.

If I were to pick one mod that would be it. I've been modding several cars for several years and from a bang-for-yer-buck standpoint this is the most satisfying mod I have ever done. even if you have no further mods planned, I would still replace the rear mount.

 

[matsuda]

How do these things pull up top say compared to mustangs and some of the V8 monsters?

Apples and oranges.

Most drivers of "V8 monsters" only know how to drive in a straight line (i.e. they don't really know how to drive).

The MS3 is not about straight line speed but rather it is a balanced road car that is much more at home on a twisty road.

 

[CHICO2003]

Historically, that's always seemed to be the case. Seems like things may be changing though. I read the new Mustang GT has a skidpad rating of .95 (the MS3 is .88) Obviously there's more to how well a car handles but based on the reviews, Ford has finally combined straight-line speed with great handling. As much as I love my MS3 (it's easily the best overall car I've ever had) I will say it's not the handler my MSP was. I'm hoping some upgraded swaybars (and eventually better tires once the stockers STB) will help improve things.

 

[HOBDisease]

its all good, what does HOB stand for?

Hooked On Boost

 

[RC08MS3]

Hooked On Boost

wow y didnt i pick up on that?(smash)

 

[HOBDisease]

wow y didnt i pick up on that?(smash)

Haha I have no clue...

 

[Darth Vader]

I can tell you this: The MS3 is a great car as is. It hasn't a chance in hell at the dragstrip against my stock engine + 5 pound blower '88 5.0 but, hell, they're different mission cars. My 5.0 can bang out 12s all day long, the MS3, stock? Low 14 sec car at near 100 mph, for the most part. Damn good for a stock 4 banger grocery car. The car will cream a stock 5.0 at the strip, that's for damn sure, if that's what you want.

Go for whatever makes you happy. I've modified tons of cars in my time and the MS3 is good to stay as it is, to meet the goals I have for it: Get me around, give me good mileage and driveability, live long with only regular maintenance.

 

[8.5MS3]

Get a tune

If you really want to take it up a notch, get a tune. Yea its expensive but well worth it. Before a tune, with all the mods in my sig i was putting down 228hp/262tq. After being on the fence for a while i took the plunge and bought an AP. A buddy of mine has an 07 ms3 with every part cobb makes, and his car hated the OTS maps, it seems some cars love them others dont. So i spent some extra cash and got a protune to be safe. Now im putting down 265hp/315tq. more importantly is that i dont fall flat on my face at 5.5k (although i still short shift) at redline its 100hp/tq increase. A tune is definetly worth every penny, especially since these motors seem to be fragile when it comes to modding.

Also, with the ap you can always flash the car back to stock for dealer visits if anything goes wrong

 

[///M Compact]

If I change my mind and decide to keep my MS3 all I'm going to do is fit a CAI and possibly an AP. Past that level you get into considerably more money.