Need some advice for my summer plans!

[03SLVRMSP]

Ok guys i have had a little extra time on my hands these past few weeks and i have been trying to plan what is next for the MSP. So you guys know, i am pretty new to the MSP world (have had her now for about 6 months). I have done some digging around the site here and there but i am still a noob . so first i will give you guys a list of mods and work.

2003.5 MSP #1942
Motor, turbo, and clutch: replaced (under 30k on all of them)
Transmission: replaced (roughly 60k)
^^^^^ all done by Mazda and still under warranty till October this year
With that said here is the mod list.
MAM (mental addiction motorsports) Front mount intercooler
Exedy stage 1 clutch
AWR side motor mount inserts, AWR front motor mount, AWR shifter bushings, AWR rear swaybar bushings
Eibach lowering springs
AWR adjustable rear end links
AEM wide band
Corksport exhaust with Borla Muffler. ( STOCK downpipe)
Split Second AFC version 1
Forge boost controller (9 psi atm)
HKS blow off valve
Mazda 626 intake manifold

I should also mention that none of this was done by me. it was done by the previous owner who was quite active on here. So the advice i am looking for is what to do next. i would like to run more boost without completely jeopardizing the reliability of the new parts. i am hoping to run 11 psi, but more if i can.
Right now the car is running decently. it is tuned but as the weather got colder it started to act up. from what i have read it "hesitates" under power. it bucks real hard when you put the hammer down. i used to call it fuel cut. If this is that case then i no i need to get it retuned... so another piece of advice i am looking for is where/who is the best place to have this done? i have all of the software to do it myself but i dont want to f anything up and blow up my car. lol i no i probably forgotten to talk about something but let me know what you guys think.

Also gunna throw up a few picks from the past few weeks enjoy

These would have turned out sooooooooooo much better if i was not using my phone!

 

[VIPMSP]

get rid of that stock downpipe! + a FMIC! you will notice a significant difference... clean MSP!

 

[.mazda.speed.]

aftermarket manifold, gt28rs, 3 inch downpipe. retune to 9psi should be over 200whp

 

[yudkib]

better mani and downpipe are almost all thats left. rear motor mount, too.

above those mods, you need to seriously know what yorue doing or know youre risking your engine. things like upgraded turbos and knock lights become critical.

 

[03SLVRMSP]

thanks for some input guys. question... so i should replace the 626 manifold? could anyone give me a good alternative to that? im not looking to upgrade the turbo, 1 i dont have the cash and 2 it is pretty much brand new. so first on my list is a downpipe, but after that i think just getting a good tune and possibly 1-2 more psi and i will be where i want to, but will upping the boost 1-2 more psi with a good tune significantly reduce my reliability? i am very happy where the car is now but just a little more power without reliability issues would be PERFECT, after all i would like this car to last me through college. so far i have not lost any races, beaten a few wrx's (2 had intake, exhaust, and tune, buddies of mine), a 328i, acura tl (intake and exhaust, 6-speed, buddy also),2 S4's (both just exhaust, going stage 2 soon), obviously a few stangs, and a camaro z28. sry just bragging a little for the MSP so i dont look to do much but just a little more power is what i am looking for.

 

[yudkib]

no, you replace your stock exhaust manifold. if youre just looking to get the basic squeeze for power, exhaust mani and downpipe is all thats left, and might free up 10-15whp. if youre serious about not risking your engine and stuff, you should invest in a knock light if you want to run 11psi... thats pushing it without timing control, it really comes down to every little thing at that point.

and if you want more power, then youre looking at upgrading your turbo and getting a quality EMS setup like unichip, standalone, or megasquirt. the FIC or SSFTC might be okay but theyre pretty conservative.

 

[kamon8404]

I think that in order to run that psi you need all the supporting mods. No need to upgrade the turbo, just get a full exhaust, intake, fmic, colder plugs, and ems with proper tune. If your worried about tuning just make adjustments very slowly in the direction you need to. Since you have a SS afc just drive and have a datalogger with you (someone monitoring your wideband). And make note of what you want to change, pull over, make changes, and drive again to see where you are at.

 

[03SLVRMSP]

awesome. thanks again guys, this is really helping. i did a ton of reading and researching today and i think i am now on the right track. now that i no what i need to get, is it safe to purchase EMS used?

 

[yudkib]

yes, you just have to retune it