Mods that don't suck?

[Micaspd6]

I'm pretty new here but have spent about a month reading everything I can about my new MS6. What I have come to believe is there is really NOTHING that can be done to enhance the performance of this car without some drawbacks. Would I be right in this assumption?

If you have something that is really seamless that gives good gains for the money spent then please share this with me. I am dying to spend some money on other things than suspension and wheels but even though I work at a huge dealership and warranty concerns aside I have a hard time believing there is anything that won't harm the engine in short order.

I have had a Subie STi before and the mods to it were pretty simple to come by so I guess I wonder why this car has to be so difficult. I love the car so far but it is new and I know as well as you guys that this will wear off and I will want MORE in time. Any help you can give would be appreciated!

 

[Igve2shtz]

Intake, Cat back exhaust, test/race/mid pipe (Depends what you call it), downpipe, you can try a new manifold, motor mount, fmic .. take your pick. Its the guys with the big turbos that are having issues tuning wise.

 

[Afroman]

I think he might be referring to the smoking problem when people install turbo back exhausts and down pipes.

 

[Micaspd6]

"Back to stock for the winter ... And it runs 500 times better. "

This is what I'm talking about. I know the smoke issues come from the open exhaust. I want a reliable DD that makes some worthwhile HP. I can throw parts at anything but if it is more hassle than gain then I would leave it stock.

 

[Igve2shtz]

Well, yes. Cold air intakes certainly dont help when it is 15 degrees outside. But they work when its 80 degrees outside. Swapping them out is easy.

I never had one problem with the test pipe. I put the catalytic converter back in for a dealer visit, and havent put it back in cause its cold.

There are some people running an ETS top mount intercooler with a MBC set to 17 that arent having any problems.

 

[Micaspd6]

Well, yes. Cold air intakes certainly dont help when it is 15 degrees outside. But they work when its 80 degrees outside. Swapping them out is easy.

I never had one problem with the test pipe. I put the catalytic converter back in for a dealer visit, and havent put it back in cause its cold.

There are some people running an ETS top mount intercooler with a MBC set to 17 that arent having any problems.

Thanks for this feed back, good to here and makes perfect sense!

 

[03MSP]

This car was made for 2 years in limited amounts, it's not going to be as easy to find parts for as your old STi. The engine is also brand new which adds to the complications/rareness of mods.

 

[Powerslave]

i have had no drawback from deleting my mufllers/resinators

 

[Killer]

what is "drawcack"?

 

[Powerslave]

lol drawback.. whoops

 

[Shagate]

I bolted on a MazdaSpeed CAI and the ETS TMIC. The car defintely responds well to the mods, and my Mazda reps don't really seem to notice/care. I've specifically avoided any exhaust/downpipe/cat changes due to the smoking issue others are having. I can't say if it's related, but I lean towards the cautious side. Besides, I'd prefer to wait until the warranty is up before moving away from the "easy" mods.

To me, the CIA provided gains at the low RPM range, while the TMIC upgrade helped out the high end. I immediately noticed a difference on the highway with the TMIC, and the car pulled harder in town when I had first installed the CIA.

Good luck!...

 

[CX-7owner]

Forge BPV, you can't go wrong there.

 

[Micaspd6]

Thanks guys I am leaning towards the shortened CAI, dual CB exhaust, FMIC, ATP system upgrade, with fuel pump and possibly a custom AEM PCM if possible. I have a dyno shop that specializes in AEM and they think they may be able to work something out. I hate being a guinea pig but whatever!