Buying a DSM this weekend

[Bentcrank]

Ok Im no newbie to modding cars. Ive owned everything from Stangs to 3000GTs so its nothing new so no need to dumb it down . Im purchaseing a 90 TSI FWD this weekend and I have a few questions for guys who have been tuning DSMs for a while.
My issue is I have 2500-3000 dollers for mods. I want to run in the 12s reliably with out excessive damage to the car. No Nitrous or radical race gas combos. I would prefer to leave the engine along with the exception of maybe cams.

1: do I need a turbo upgrade to say a Big 16G or is the stock unit good for 12s
2: If upgrading the turb is a FMIC a strong suggestion. Ive sen many without one with aftermarket turbos.
3:does anyone has full performance packages for these cars for given levels of performance?
4:What is a good turbo injector combo?
5: when should I change the MAF and is the computer capable of handling around 400HP or should it be a stand alone unit or piggyback?
6:FWD sucks? But it is stronger isnt it?

I would like to have this be streetable and reliable but in the high 12 sec range. Also if you have used parts let me know I have cash

 

[fostytou]

1: do I need a turbo upgrade to say a Big 16G or is the stock unit good for 12s
2: If upgrading the turb is a FMIC a strong suggestion. Ive sen many without one with aftermarket turbos.
3:does anyone has full performance packages for these cars for given levels of performance?
4:What is a good turbo injector combo?
5: when should I change the MAF and is the computer capable of handling around 400HP or should it be a stand alone unit or piggyback?
6:FWD sucks? But it is stronger isnt it?

You are going to have a hard time getting decent 12s on FWD. Check out my mods (i get the car back in a week with them done).... without slicks I'm expecting to be high in the 12s still, simply because of traction issues. Alot of people with AWD hit the 12s with injectors, fuel pump, evoIII 16g, and a clutch.... but its alot tougher with us one wheel wonders.

If you are just looking for track times I recommend slicks, non-insert LSD, prothane motor mounts, struts+springs, feramic clutch, 50trim, 700cc injectors and a good amount of other stuff, the traction being most important

People run sidemounts up to 400+hp but I love my front mount with short route piping

As far as the computer goes I'm getting DSMLink. Much easier than a standalone and its full of nice features, but you might be able to get away with a SAFC (though I don't like the idea of piggybacking, however cost effective it may be)

FWD is GREAT for spinning tires all over the place... but moreso for going from a roll (though I hear I'll be able to break loose in 4th) because there is less drivetrain loss. The other real benefit for me was that many things that break on FWD that cost $20 cost $300 for the AWD... but if you are planning on doing alot of stopped launches there is no doubt that AWD would have been a better choice.... I might even buy one for a winter beater next year.

 

[Slow99x]

No offence to the FWD guys but spend some of that extra cash and buy an AWD. It takes less to get them into the 12s due to the biggest advantage, TRACTION. The setup you described is good for low 12s on an AWD with a good driver and a hard launch.