Before anyone asks me.. No this is not a track car... although I do plan on taking it to the strip and a road course within the next year. I mainly drive the car 2-3 days out of the week (10 mins to and from work) and going out to dinner.

SO...

1 - Other than the fines from having no cat, I've read that a test pipe could bring heat back into your engine. Is this something thats a serious issue or should I not worry that much? I want to get the most out of minor mods to my car and now I'm hesitant on buying a hfc. But then again test pipes are excellent with a tune ( purchasing f pro in a couple weeks)

2 - Tomorrow I will buying a used Tracy Sports Header from a friend and would like a overall balanced exhaust in terms of less weight/performance. Would like a Single stainless steel exhaust that either weighs the same or less than stock.

3 - Intake... Leaning towards pwjdm. Are there any other intakes that have gains like this one? I was looking through the forums and seen a " Puffer something" intake but it used a metal case which I wasn't fond of .. if anyone has more information this please post it or pm me.

I'm not looking to build an all out race car, I just want that extra "oomph" . If you have suggestions please let me know! You guys seems to know your shit about these cars and would love to hear what ya have to say. Cheers!

-JC

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You're already on the right track by starting with a FlashPro. A tuning solution should be the first mod for anyone that wants to improve performance. Your plan to replace the OEM cat is also right on the money! A test pipe is by far the biggest bang for the buck mod available, and enables large gains from tuning. However, if your budget will support more than a test pipe, you can achieve even better gains with a new mid-pipe, which incorporates an HFC. You can read more about that by checking out the link in my signature.

If you go with a test pipe, then the PWJDM intake is a great choice. However, if you go with one of my mid-pipes, then the PWJDM probably isn't the right choice. I discuss why in my thread, but the short reason is that the large midrange gains from the PWJDM combined with the large mid-range gains from my mid-pipe makes the torque curve too "torque rich", which makes the top end feel weak. I have only tested the OEM, PWJDM, and FIPK with my mid-pipe, but I think I prefer the combined torque curve of the OEM with my mid-pipe best. For that reason, I syspect that the Mugen intake, which utilizes the OEM intake arm, could be the best choice to be combined with my mid-pipe.

I would keep the OEM header, since it's awesome.

 

Thanks for the reply. I was just looking at your dyno sheets and they seem very impressive. Also your mid pipes look beautiful.

I just want the best bang for the buck and now I'm debating on 2 different setups... both setups will also be tuned with FlashPro.

1- Tracy header + PWJDM + Berk 3" Test Pipe. $2,000+

2 - Stock Header + Mugen intake + Your Mid Pipe. Under $1,000.

Money is NOT an issue...

Which setup would have the best gains?

Still looking for some suggestions on exhausts... :\

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I'm not familiar with the Tracy sports header, so I don't know if it makes any gains. However, I've never seen any header that made more gains than my mid-pipe. Don't get a 3" test pipe unless you are getting a 3" exhuast. You never want to have a test pipe that is larger diameter than your exhaust...

 

Im totally aware of that ... im open for suggestions on exhausts tho... if you know of any off hand please inform me.. until then ill be doing some more research.

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I think we need more info on what you're looking for in an exhaust because there's so many choices out there.

If you're chasing oomph then you'll have to get 70+mm piping and dropping the stock cat for either a hfc, midpipe, or testpipe.

Do you want single or dual?

Are you willing to pay for titanium? Weight reduction.

How much noise are you willing to tolerate because most 70mm are going to be loud without the stock cat?

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1. I have never heard that issue with the test pipe. Also depending on what start you are in you probably don't need to worry about the test pipe and fines.

2. While the Password JDM intake is a very nice piece the cost kills it for me. The K&N and Comptech intakes are far cheaper and have been shown to make gains and with how much the PWJDM costs you may as well just save for a SOS supercharger kit way more power than an intake will ever give. Overall your biggest gain is going to be from flashpro.

3. The header will probably not give you any gains. I have heard that if you are supercharged this is different but the real benefit is the weight savings. Most aftermarket headers weigh alot less than stock.

4. As for your exhaust the singles show the biggest gains to my knowledge. Berk, HKS, and a few others all make good gains and are reasonably priced. The other benefit of the berk is it is a header back so you don't need a test pipe. Noise is another issue. If you don't want noise then you are screwed for power gains on an exhaust.

 

EDIT : Changed my mind... Single exhaust without a doubt. Titanium - All for it. Noise level - Don't want it to be ear piercing but I don't want a quiet exhaust.

And 70 mm is what I want with not cat.

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So yeah you are pretty much screwed. There is no exhaust that has no drone and makes power. I have a berk dual which is supposed to make power but it is loud and does have drone.

I strongly suggest you meet up with some members in your area and go for rides before buying anything.

 

No Cat + Any exhaust other than 100% Bone stock will be loud and have some drone on the highway, Even the OEM exhaust gets throaty with the Cat removed. Taking the Cat out adds LOTS of noise over 5,000rpm that is normally suppressed.