what to get first?

[tips000]

should i do a hard intake pipe kit or some exhaust work first?

which will give better improvement in mpg and power?

i want to keep my exhaust stock after the cat so should i get a downpipe or since i am leaving everything else will a test pipe get the job done just as well?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Stai...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MITS...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[tips000]

You aren't going to see much if anything with a $15 test pipe alone, other than a slight volume increase that you may mistake for better performance. Just save $$$ until you can do it right.

Do it right, do it once.

well i really probably wouldnt be doing exhaust at all except for the fact that my cat is falling apart and is probably plugged. i probably should have mentioned that. i will probably still get the pipe and the intake. 15 bucks is 15 bucks, if i didnt get the pipe id end up spending it on arnold palmer or candy.

I mean its your dsm and we are all just trying to give you some insight and experience. What you wanna do is up to you. I personally think that the test pipe will be better for what your looking for but if you have the money order the pipe and the intake. you will see something for sure that way. My dsm came with a hacked air box and filter adapter so adding the intake pipe wasnt doing much other than adding some chrome under the hood for $15.

calan is absolutely right

i know and i appreciate it, its just a little frustrating when people are telling me to buy things i cant afford . i planned on getting the intake and exhaust. i already have a k&n filter though (not the one that goes in the stock box, the real open element one) hopefully i see something.

by the way i didnt see anyone say anything about gas consumption, any opinions?

 

[Calan]

well i really probably wouldnt be doing exhaust at all except for the fact that my cat is falling apart and is probably plugged. i probably should have mentioned that.

Yeah... that changes things. In that case the $15 test pipe would probably be a good investment.

 

[tips000]

what about gas mileage guys? will either of these things help or hurt?

 

[j_biggz]

I still get around 20-22. Oh and you and you may need to build an O2 simulator to run a test pipe to avoid a CEL light. heres the link
O2 sensor bypass

 

[tips000]

gah mines awd and i get like 16 mpg, but i think my compressor had something to do with it aond with some boost leaks, we will see, i cut the ac belt today

thanks for all the help

edit: is the sensor bypass necessary? or can i go with a cel on for now until i get another cat or something?

 

[j_biggz]

its to eliminate the rear O2 sensor when you put the test pipe in. No cat will usually cause a cel light. Im unsure if it has negative effects on the car but I hate having them on. You could also use a plug non fouler but the simulator is the only for sure fix

You can also build a boost leak tester for very cheap. I built mine for around $20. They are invaluable to our turbo cars. I would do that before I bought anything else.
http://www.vfaq.com/mods/ICtester.html

 

[2gGst98]

you can go with out a cat for now in the long run it might hurt, a buddy of mine has a mini ( i no its a mini) and he has a straight pipe with no cat and a cel all the time, but he wears a shirt that sais
CHECK ENGINE?
WAY OF LIFE!

 

[tips000]

its to eliminate the rear O2 sensor when you put the test pipe in. No cat will usually cause a cel light. Im unsure if it has negative effects on the car but I hate having them on. You could also use a plug non fouler but the simulator is the only for sure fix

You can also build a boost leak tester for very cheap. I built mine for around $20. They are invaluable to our turbo cars. I would do that before I bought anything else.
IC Pipe Tester

i have a blt but, i dont have a good compressor i plan on getting one soon though

what are the supplies needed for the simulator? i know it shows them in the faq thing but i need to make sure i get the exact correct parts. maybe some links?

 

[hypergenesis]

noise and looks, i want to stay quiet and not have a "fart can" i realize that the systems are proven but people will still say shit about it as i did when i had a camaro. trying to keep mom happy when i come home late and keep the sleeper look


ok well the ebay kit seems to adress this and i will be using my k&n filter instead of the cheapo one. maybe ill build a box and some ducting too.

boost creep? will that happen with my 16g? how do i avoid/ fix that?
thanks guys

i got a 3" Greddy turbo back with a apexi n1 downpipe...Its not a fart cannon if you can back up that sound with power thats the big difference between the two

 

[tips000]

i got a 3" Greddy turbo back with a apexi n1 downpipe...Its not a fart cannon if you can back up that sound with power thats the big difference between the two

i totally agree, i am not trying to insult anyone. its just not in my budget or style.

 

[j_biggz]

When I get back to my laptop I will post a link for the o2 simulator. If you search under that In An all forum search you can find it sooner.

 

[Sik95TSI]

i got a 3" Greddy turbo back with a apexi n1 downpipe...Its not a fart cannon if you can back up that sound with power thats the big difference between the two

Hey I'm getting ready to order that Apexi N1 DP for my system I have HKS Hi-Power. How do you like that DP good fitment??? feel more difference without the cat? Also did you throw a CEL Light?? Thanks! - Ryann

 

[Carlz0r]

Getting a bigger downpipe will probably hurt performance if you keep the stock exhaust. You want to go from a small pipe into a larger one...not the other way around. A 2-1/2" DP into a 3" exhaust system is ideal.

Calan, could I pick your brain on this one? From everything I've researched in the past, the general consensus was that the most optimal exhaust system would be one that gradually stepped down, that way as the exhaust cooled and became slower and denser the reduction in area would force the velocity to stay up.

Not that I'm saying you're wrong, as I'm fairly certain you know a lot more than I do. Just curious as to your reasoning on that. Thanks!

 

[hypergenesis]

Hey I'm getting ready to order that Apexi N1 DP for my system I have HKS Hi-Power. How do you like that DP good fitment??? feel more difference without the cat? Also did you throw a CEL Light?? Thanks! - Ryann

Nope it fit almost okay I think I need to redo it because of how its fitting through it just to make sure but its a decent fitment, and I switched it all to a turboback right away and I felt a difference. Also no CeL just hope you can get your o2 sensor out I couldn't on mine so I had to go and buy a new one. Also your going to love how your car sounds so don't get any speeding tickets haha

 

[j_biggz]

the link for the O2 simulator with the build list is here
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/art...ld-your-own-o2-sensor-simulator-new-post.html