Budget parts... good idea or no?

[Fayt]

Alright. I don't have much money because I am still paying off my car, but I was looking in the tech guide and noticed on the side, the column has budget parts. Incase you don't know, it has these steps listed.
1. Free Mods - listed in Stage 1.
2. K&N Filter ($40).
3. Intake Pipe ($29 - Phantom Roadworks).
4. Boost Gauge (VDO, SPI, or Autometer - $45-$60).
5. Manual Boost Controller ($60 - Joe P style).
6. Aluminized Cat-back Exhaust ($240-$350 - Turbotrix, Phantom Roadworks, AHP)
7. Straight Pipe (replaces cat converter - $35 - AHP, Phantom Roadworks)
8. Aluminized Downpipe ($130 - Phantom Roadworks)

What I was wondering, is if those are good parts that will add power and be reliable. I know usually, the more the part is, the better quality (apexi/greddy exhausts are $600+ while this one is only $250). Will it only be a 2-3hp difference between an aluminized cat-back system and the apexi or is it a HUGE difference? Opinions please!

 

[SinEclipse]

well, i always say do things right the first time. bascially start off small and work your way up. start off with a an intake from extremepsi its 130 for hard pipe and filter (not sure on it tho). then save up some more and get the exhaust you really want. since you will end up paying more, when you want to go better.

 

[zachakagoat]

there is NO need for a hard intake pipe that cost 130$. the hard pipes are EXTREMELY overrated, all you need is a K&N type filter and the stock pipe because if you upgrade your turbo you will have to change that pipe out anyway. You can get a Joe P. MBC off of ebay for 15$ and it is one of the most reliable MBC out there. The boost guages are something you might wanna get a namebrand on to make yourself feel better but you don't have to. You can get a 3" downpipe cat eliminator and a Tsudo catback off of ebay, I got mine for 420$ shipped and it is one of the BEST products I have bought the welds are PERFECT and fitment was a breeze. Many people on here think that having all the most popular name brand stuff will make you car better but it wont, A pipe is a FREAKING PIPE just because it says HKS or some bullsh*t on it doesn't mean it is any better. Make the smart choices and spend the rest of your money you save on other mods like a turbo upgrade.

 

[CyberEye]

please link me to a Joe-P on ebay for 15 bucks.

 

[oldman]

please link me to a Joe-P on ebay for 15 bucks.

The cheapest JoeP I ever saw on eBay was $35.

 

[zachakagoat]

here are a few none of exactly a Joe P. I the old version of the Joe P. MBC before they became the XZ stuff and got it for 15$ shipped. All of these boost controllers are the same and do the same thing no need to purchase one of the extremely overrated ones unless you want it just for looks.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33742&item=7979085554&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33742&item=7979361333&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33742&item=7979489887&rd=1

there is also a tech article on how to BUILD a MBC. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=184990

 

[CyberEye]

here are a few none of exactly a Joe P. I the old version of the Joe P. MBC before they became the XZ stuff and got it for 15$ shipped. All of these boost controllers are the same and do the same thing no need to purchase one of the extremely overrated ones unless you want it just for looks.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33742&item=7979085554&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33742&item=7979361333&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33742&item=7979489887&rd=1

there is also a tech article on how to BUILD a MBC. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=184990

And I can probably guarantee that one from a reputable company that has some R&D into their product will hold boost alot stronger and more consistent then a home made one.

 

[1993eclipseGS]

Most of the mods you will be getting for your car, You are only paying for the name. I don't care what anyone on here even says honestly.. A 3" mandrel bent straight through exhaust is a 3" straight through exhaust. You are paying for the name, And the muffler. An intake pipe for 130$, Wow. I'd rather buy a fuel pump and boost controller for $130. I had a joe-p mbc, And I just bought another mbc for $15.00, I'm not sure if it is homemade, But it works the same way my joe-p did, Except the knob is different. It's your money, Spend it how you want I guess. I just woulden't waste it on things you don't really need, Or just because the name of a part sounds cooler then another.

 

[Fayt]

So basically, the parts are all made to about the same quality nowadays that the non-name brand stuff works fine (I'm staying away from ssautochrome though... already read that thread)? That helps me out alot.

 

[Defiant]

And I can probably guarantee that one from a reputable company that has some R&D into their product will hold boost alot stronger and more consistent then a home made one.

Oh, please. There's nothing to an MBC. It's a damned spring and a screw. R&D? Which parts fit is about the extent of that.

I know usually, the more the part is, the better quality

Not always. The eBay short shifters were the match for the B&M. Pipes is pipes- a piece tossed-in to substitute for a cat is just as well made up at a muffler shop. The Injen intake pipe is prettier than the eBay fake, but not by much and not any more functional.
Just check into things. It's always possible to save some money.

 

[Fayt]

Would this be a good boost guage? Only $30 shipped!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38660&item=7979808183&rd=1

Reads from 30vac to 30psi... just wondering if anyone has experience with this company and/or suggests buying it.

Or this guage
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46100&item=7980426388&rd=1

Any opinions on them please!

 

[zachakagoat]

Out of those two I would probably go with the first one because the size of it will make it easy to fit into most pods out there. The second one seems to be 55mm and you would have to trim the pod alittle bit but that isnt a problem. Not really feelin the overhang on the bezel either but they should all work. You should also look into the sets that come with a 3 pod pillar and 3 guages boost oil pressure and water temp. people have had good luck with them.

 

[Fayt]

So, look into a 3-guage a-pillar 52mm probably? Is it ok to use universal guages, because they offer universal boost, oil pressure, and water temp and since I ordered the boost one, would the other two be fine to get as well?

Sorry about the questions... this is the first car I've actually been able to add performance parts to and everything!

 

[zachakagoat]

here ya go this is what I was talking about on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43952&item=7979401051&rd=1 there are a few people on this board that have bought them and they seem to work great. I love the look of the tinted guages to, I believe that the lights comeon all the time but I'm not positive it would be something you would want to ask the seller. There are a few of these packages for a sale on ebay so its not something you have to buy immediately ask some questions first.

 

[RamenPride]

Would this be a good boost guage? Only $30 shipped!

If you want a cheap boost gauge, get a VDO. It'll probably come out to a little more than $30 when you add handling from Summit Racing.

Phantom Roadworks and AHP are no longer in business.

 

[Tsi_User]

Also, a good option for an exhaust if you're on a budget is get a cat and muffler off of ebay (make sure it isn't one of the weed whacker mufflers ) and have a shop fab up 2.5 or 3 inch mandrel bent piping for the DP and catback. Also, you can port your exhaust manifold and o2 housing with a die grinder for fairly cheap. If someone you know has one and you can use it, it should only take a couple hours each