My mod plans, questions, and concerns.

[blacknred01]

This winter I am looking to pick up a dsm, 6 bolt preferably i have been doing a lot of research about mods and reliability i have a bunch of questions about what im going to do. First heres my plan for mods.

Tune up, eliminate emissions equipment, check for boost leaks etc. Replace suspension kyb struts, springs, swaybars, bushings and anything else that is worn. inspect brakes & replace if needed. After these mods i plan on doing all the free mods explained on this site then taking the car to the track and learning it's ins and outs. Then it comes time for the power mods, basically this will be done in two stages first intake, manual boost controller, boost gauge, downpipe, 3" exhaust, fuelpimp re wire with 190 pump, 550's, ported o2 housing, fmic kit, safc. with these mods in place i want to max out the stock turbo, theres a reputable dsm shop close to me so i plan on letting them tune. After its all tuned i plan to again take it to the track and do the best i can with it. Then comes stage 2 evo iii big 16g, ported 2g manifold, clutch, flywheel etc.

Now with the questions will i need a different o2 housing & downpipe with the 16g? Do the axels & driveshafts ware out on these cars (the car i buy will be higher mileage)? Are there any mods that i should do that were left out? What are good springs for handling (stiffer the better this isn't a daily driver)? What tires would you guye reccomend?

I think that covers it, if i think of more stuff ill add it & i really appreciate the help.

 

[TSG59_Steve]

1st question: No.
2nd Question: Axles on any car can wear out, but I've heard our OEM ones are pretty good. Just take it somewhere and have it inspected. If you have any doubts then replace them.
From what I've read cams will help you immensely with the EVO, so you might want to look into that. Also is it AWD? If not, you could look into things to help out with traction such as prothane motor mounts, etc. What king of KYB's are you getting?

Edit: The MOST important thing before modding would be Maintenance, anyone on this site will tell you that. When you do pick up the car, check the turbo for shaft play and find out when the timing belt has been replaced. If they aren't sure, then now would be a good time to replace it.

 

[blacknred01]

1st question: No.
2nd Question: Axles on any car can wear out, but I've heard our OEM ones are pretty good. Just take it somewhere and have it inspected. If you have any doubts then replace them.
From what I've read cams will help you immensely with the EVO, so you might want to look into that. Also is it AWD? If not, you could look into things to help out with traction such as prothane motor mounts, etc. What king of KYB's are you getting?

Edit: The MOST important thing before modding would be Maintenance, anyone on this site will tell you that. When you do pick up the car, check the turbo for shaft play and find out when the timing belt has been replaced. If they aren't sure, then now would be a good time to replace it.

Dont worry i will take care of all maint. issues before moding, i do all my car stuff with my 2 buddies who are ase tech's ones a master and the other isnt so when we go to buy the car we will comp test it, leak down etc, and if anythings wrong we will take care of it, thanks for the help.

Btw i will be buying an awd car.

 

[Dorifto]

You're definitely doing right with maintenance first, mods second. My car's a perfect example of what happens when it's done in reverse order - the addition of a small-16g turbo on my stock '92 GSX A/T [so originally a 13g and 390cc injectors, not a 14b and 450ccs' with M/T models] was enough to kill the engine, which had been very well maintained, aside from small periodical replacement items, such as vacuum lines.

Seems you've got a nice plan laid out for your car, that's definitely a good way to do things - ALWAYS have a plan, and a couple backups, just in case.

As for your drivetrain mods [which I don't see listed], you'll definitely want to invest in at least a clutch, at those power levels the stock clutch will give up the ghost very quickly. Stock driveline components such as axles, differentials, etc, will usually last through some impressive power levels, but as with anything stock and aged, things break, and it's best to be a step ahead of the game and do some preventative maintenance. New [possibly upgraded] axles and CV joints will be good measure against anything going Kaputz.

From what I've researched, Megan Racing springs [can be found on eBay often for a decent price, usually sub-$120 range] are actually quite stiff, but may be too much for KYB struts [I'm assuming GR-2s, not sure of any other KYB for our applications].

Tires are personal preference, and will differ between every person you talk to. Many will agree Falken Azenis RT-615s, Kumho Ecsta V700s, or Nitto NT-01s are going to be top performers, but if you're on a budget, Federal 595s are a great tire. I've driven a well-prepped Nissan S13 chassis on these tires, and they're very grippy in both a straight line and in the twisties. I love my Hankook Ventus HR-IIs, but keep in mind I do a lot of rain and snow driving, not to mention the occasional unpaved venture.

As for tuning, definitely get to a dyno with a wideband O2 sensor or invest in one yourself. DSMs can be beasts even tuned with SAFCs, so long as the tuning is top-notch. Definitely spend some time on the rollers getting your setup dialed in, then get loads of seat time - this is the ONLY way to get your car and yourself tuned best to performance driving. I've learned so many things just getting out there and driving, trying new things, and enjoying the time spent having fun with my car. It could perhaps be said that seat-time is the best modification to yourself and your car you could make.

 

[calico]

I have similar goals to yours except i have an automatic. I would add cams (i am looking at either hks or dks 264/272) and some sort of datalogger to your list.......It all depends on your goals though.....

 

[blacknred01]

Im definately planning on upgrading the clutch probably an act 2600 % maybe the act flywheel, probably replae the shifter bushings too but ill keep the stocker till it dies, this will be a second vehicle for me so downtime isnt an issue, as for tires i think ill try the g-force kdw2's again i have them on my daily driver supercharged focus right now and the treadware is insane but on a non daily driven car theyll probably be alright.

 

[TSG59_Steve]

From what I've researched, Megan Racing springs [can be found on eBay often for a decent price, usually sub-$120 range] are actually quite stiff, but may be too much for KYB struts [I'm assuming GR-2s, not sure of any other KYB for our applications].

Don't we have the AGX's, which are adjustable?

 

[blacknred01]

Yes agx's are what i want, i have them on my focus & theyre great.

 

[Dorifto]

Don't we have the AGX's, which are adjustable?

Touche, I've overlooked these. Thanks for adding that.

I'd say your plan is set to go, now just make it happen! I'm looking forward to your project updates.

 

[gsx4g64]

I like your mod list. It isn't bad at all. I would suggest going with larger injectors. Something like 650's. You will max those 550's out quickly. I think that you will also need a fuel pressure regulator. It will help you with your later mods, also it will really help with controling fuel.

By the way. The stock Axles are good. Top-street is using them and he has gotten into the gangst horsepower numbers.