What to do first?

[rdaex]

So on the MS6 forum, theres a great post about the first things to do to the car, with a 3 tier price point.. 500, 1000, 1500 or whatever.

I havent found anything similar on this forum, and I would assume the parts would be similar.. but maybe not.

So anyhow, Im hearing great things about the CP-E mount.. but Im just not sure if thats the front or rear mount, on their site, they list both..

Someone point me in the proper direction.. Im gonna do tint pretty quickly, and maybe powdercoat the stock rims.

 

[mortimersnerd]

Intake and rear motor mount. CP-E is a great option.

 

[bigdaddy]

cold air intake(CAI) or short ram intake(SRI). That is number one. Number two would probably be a rear mount. I have driven with the stock, a TRZ dog bone, and I currently have a CP-e 60 duro. Get the CP-e. Best mod I have done by far. Maybe as a third mod you could either do a catless midpipe, a turbo inlet tube, or a short shifter

 

[bradboyd80]

I would agree that an intake should be first. It will really all depend on what your goals are. But of all the mods in my sig, I think the most expensive is my CAI and dashhawk at $250 for each. I'm not going for massive power gains, or anything like that. I just want the car to be a little more fun. The intake, boost tubes, and turbo inlet combined for less than $500 and made a huge difference. Then I added the shifter bushings and shifter weight (moreso for necessity) and was thoroughly surprised at how much it just eases into gears (also combined for less than $100).

 

[pcpower]

I like reading these posts because there are always some new ideas,,, for example, while most people mention the CAI / rear mm / short shifter (which I agree with),, I hadn't heard people mention the boost tubes and turbo inlet as a good choice for the next set of mods.

trying to learn more... what do the boost tubes and turbo inlet actually do, in layman's terms?

thx

 

[bradboyd80]

what do the boost tubes and turbo inlet actually do, in layman's terms?

thx

The silicone boost tubes are more durable and can help reduce intake temps from the intercooler. If only you could see the difference between the stock and aftermarket turbo inlets...LOL. The stock design is ridiculously restrictive. The aftermarket inlet helps the turbo breath MUCH better. Not to mention you can hear the turbo a lot better too.

 

[pcpower]

The silicone boost tubes are more durable and can help reduce intake temps from the intercooler. If only you could see the difference between the stock and aftermarket turbo inlets...LOL. The stock design is ridiculously restrictive. The aftermarket inlet helps the turbo breath MUCH better. Not to mention you can hear the turbo a lot better too.

sweet

 

[mortimersnerd]

You're not going to see much difference with boost tubes. They're more durable and look pretty, but thats about it. I'd put the TIP on the list of good bang for the buck, however. Not much more power, but the turbo will spool faster.

 

[pcpower]

You're not going to see much difference with boost tubes. They're more durable and look pretty, but thats about it. I'd put the TIP on the list of good bang for the buck, however. Not much more power, but the turbo will spool faster.

sounds good....

any known problems with the TIP as far as running into technical issues, malfunctions, anything like that? I get concerned about modding anything having to do with the turbo engine, since the cars under warranty.

thx

 

[Khasmordan]

sounds good....

any known problems with the TIP as far as running into technical issues, malfunctions, anything like that? I get concerned about modding anything having to do with the turbo engine, since the cars under warranty.

thx

I have not seen any issues. If you do not have an intake yet, I highly recommend getting the Corksport SRI. The design includes a TIP with Air straightener manufactured into the housing were the MAF sensor goes. Go to their website and read the installation instructions, its very easy and does not require you to get under the car at all, unlike a CAI installation. It is also easy to take off as well.

I had the MS CAI installed on my MS3 but this past winter here in OH when it got in the teens, my car started to throw CEL's. I had the dealer return it to stock to keep the warranty and they had to replace the spark plugs as they crapped out since the engine was running lean.

I know some people say that you can add an intake and tip without using a Cobb Access Port but I think it will be dependant on how the car acts.

Another thing, recently Hypertech introduced the Max Power Sport Power Programmer and it does support the 07-09 MS3.

It has the following programming options:

• Cold Air Intake Tuning AEM Brute Force, CorkSport Short Ram, Custom Performance Engineering Xcel Nano Air, Custom Performance Engineering Xcel Cold Air, Injen Cold Air, K&N Typhoon, MAZDASPEED Cold Air, Takeda Attack
• Top Speed Limiter 25 - 75 MPH in 5 MPH increments, 81 to 255 MPH to match speed rated tires
• Rev Limit -500 to +500 RPM
• 0-60 MPH Restriction
• DTCs Read and Clear
• Return Back To Stock
• Internet Updateable

Not sure what the cost is yet but you can order it all over the place. Hopefully it is a cheaper option than the Cobb AP!

Update: Called a local dealer for Hypertech products and I can get it in for $449.99 new! This is a great deal over the Cobb AP (nana)

 

[bradboyd80]

I don't think any tuning software is really necessary until you're almost fully bolted up. I've been running the boost tubes, CAI, and TIP for several thousand miles now, and have yet to have any problems whatsoever. And dont let my location fool you.....I drove the car with this setup in VA and NC with temps in the teens and had no problems then either. I just think there are way many other options out there for under $400. You could put any tuning software off until you actually need it.

 

[Khasmordan]

I don't think any tuning software is really necessary until you're almost fully bolted up. I've been running the boost tubes, CAI, and TIP for several thousand miles now, and have yet to have any problems whatsoever. And dont let my location fool you.....I drove the car with this setup in VA and NC with temps in the teens and had no problems then either. I just think there are way many other options out there for under $400. You could put any tuning software off until you actually need it.

Thats what I thought as well, I want to try a Corksport SRI sometime this year and see how it works this winter compared to the MS CAI.

 

[coololddude]

Wheel and Tint. Look Cool First!

 

[pcpower]

yes I agree tint is important :]

I found the boost tubes on the SU site, http://www.***************/**********_Boost_Tube_Kit_p/sums3bt.htm.

where is the TIP at? maybe i'm just not looking in the correct area and their search button isn't pulling it.

thx

 

[Jon MS3]

protege garage makes a TIP. really great piece. and more affordable too
but i gotta warn you, they're a b1tch to install

 

[bradboyd80]

If you follow the stock intake toward the firewall you'll see the turbo inlet. It connects to the stock intake. And yes.....it is a serious b**** to install. Best bet is to remove the battery and battery tray (along with the intercooler obviously). That eases the install a little bit.