HELP, I don't know where to start!

[Funky Mo Fo]

This is a great forum! Very informative, but I'm having trouble figuring out my plan of action and after much toil I thought I'd just come out with it and ask...

I have a 2006 MS6 and I'd like to start upgrading. Let's say for now that my ceiling is $4,000. I was thinking of CAI, ATP Turbo upgrade (3071), and Cp-e Dual exhaust. My concern is that doesn't allow for any tuning package (not sure where to start there either) or an upgraded fuel pump, and detonation is a VERY scary thing. Are my concerns unfounded? Is there a better combo for the money that will net better gains without the danger of the complimentary stock bits failing in a catastrophic fashion? I realize that the best answer is probably to wait until I can double the size of my mod allowance, but I'm sure you all understand the need to scratch the itch ASAP. I am extremely thankful for any advice/expertise you guys could pass my way.

Thanks in advance,
Currently Modless in PA

 

[coyfish]

If you wan't to be safe than stay away from an upgraded turbo until you learn more. You don't really need a fuel pump until you get some power under your belt. 4000 bucks is a lot. You can really do a lot. Check out this thread for starters:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123733209

GL and have fun

 

[amilliems6]

yea man.. stay with the stock turbo.. Just get a FMIC, SRI, Exhaust, TP, DP, Cobb AP and some more mounts with a BOV and you should be fine

 

[Funky Mo Fo]

If you wan't to be safe than stay away from an upgraded turbo until you learn more. You don't really need a fuel pump until you get some power under your belt. 4000 bucks is a lot. You can really do a lot. Check out this thread for starters:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123733209

GL and have fun

Huh... Guess I didn't look at enough threadz first. I iz officially teh noob (hand)

 

[zinger002]

Huh... Guess I didn't look at enough threadz first. I iz officially teh noob (hand)

ROFL. dont worry, we were all teh n00bz at one point.

 

[Mistersix]

i'd like to point out other areas of this platform that benefit greatly aside from increasing power.

for instance, motor mounts. make all the world of a difference. start with a dog bone, then search around the forums and decide which other mounts after that. it will really clean up the slop in the drivetrain and help shift feel immensely.
a weighted shift knob is also excellent addition, especially when paired with a stg 1 short shift. look to TWM performance.

redline goods make beautiful leather shift boots that replace the awful looking factory boot.

a boost gauge is a nice addition. i'd suggest that be the first thing. its cheap and gives you a lil peak into what goes on after you make changes.

there seems to only be 2 popular choices for EMS. CP-E and Cobb Tuning.

if your lookin to make more power, rear diff mount upgrades should also be considered. the stock pieces are not designed for sport, or performance. and are known to break under hard launching.

i'm particularly excited about doing suspension mods, along with some lightweight wheels, and brake upgrades. i mention this cuz 4 grand could go along way. keep your eyes on the marketplace for used stuff. i got everything in my sig, and havent even broke a grand yet. just be patient and shop around.

and dont be shy about newb questions. someone else might just be wondering the same thing you are. but please search first. the basics seem to have been thoroughly covered on this forum.

 

[Funky Mo Fo]

i'd like to point out other areas of this platform that benefit greatly aside from increasing power.

for instance, motor mounts. make all the world of a difference. start with a dog bone, then search around the forums and decide which other mounts after that. it will really clean up the slop in the drivetrain and help shift feel immensely.
a weighted shift knob is also excellent addition, especially when paired with a stg 1 short shift. look to TWM performance.

redline goods make beautiful leather shift boots that replace the awful looking factory boot.

a boost gauge is a nice addition. i'd suggest that be the first thing. its cheap and gives you a lil peak into what goes on after you make changes.

there seems to only be 2 popular choices for EMS. CP-E and Cobb Tuning.

if your lookin to make more power, rear diff mount upgrades should also be considered. the stock pieces are not designed for sport, or performance. and are known to break under hard launching.

Fantastic advice!(hear ya) I've been doing a lot of research since starting this thread and I think I've got a good mod list. It's about 1/3 suspension, 1/3 performance bolt-ons, and 1/3 frame and driveline stabilization. I'm still a bit concerned about leaning out from stock fuel pump ineffectiveness, but I'm searching into that now.

 

[tunersteve]

Welcome to the forums, hopefully you'll get most of the answers you need here.

As for the stock fuel pump, I truly don't think you'll need to worry about that in the near future, unless you dump some serious money into the engine quickly. It's definitely worth logging your fuel pressures as you drive with a DH or AP, and seeing if the pump is a necessary evil right now. Not saying it won't make a difference, but you shouldn't need it at this stage of the game.

With all that said, it sounds like you've got a good idea where to start. The great thing about the MS6 is that it really is mod friendly and easy to work on for the most part. Don't be afraid to ask questions, there are a lot of knowledgeable members in here, especially lately, so you should get the answers you need.

Good luck and happy modding!

 

[USAFVMI08]

I will +1 what both of these guys have said. Mistersix's point about the motor mount is spot on. I installed this myself and it has made this thing SO much more fun to drive. Installation has been very easy for all my parts. They're also relatively inexpensive as well, compared to other vehicles. My sig has what I've got installed on my car. If you need any more info on the products that I have, let me know and I'd be happy to help.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Mistersix]

same here, feel free to ask for impressions. especially before you buy. you might get some valuable info. such as tuner steve said about the hpfp. you may not need it right away.