I'm getting some money next week and its time to no longer be stock. The plan was to get a CAI but I'm wondering if the RRM piggy back would be more effective even though I have a restrictive air box.

 

well i dont have the ecu but i seem to remember hearing that it works best with the RRM CAI and their exhaust

 

Does anyone have an opinion on running with the ecu before I do my intake?

 

It should still help a little. Seems to me that it advances the timing (thus the need for 91+ octane fuel), so even with the stock airbox, it should give some HP gain.

Then, later, you can get the CAI, and realize a larger gain.

 

it will help regardless... then, as you add more mods to the engine, you will get more power from each mod... though I do remember RRM saying something like it is probably best to have an intake/exhaust first... probably so you dont feel as if you are wasting money on the PB cause you won't feel the actual gains? dunno....

 

Yep...it advances the timing, and optimizes the MIVEC curve so you get the most out of it when you reach 3500 RPM's. The ECU will enhance even a stock RA. And, like these guys said, more mods can only increase your hp gains and make the ECU more effective.

Unless you decide to go turbo. THen you'd need a whole new ECU.

 

so should I get the ECU, or get the Intake, lower tie bar and still have little left over to go out to dinner?

 

IMO, intake and lower tie bar. Improving handling is always great. Once you've done the intake/exhaust (and downpipe?) then you'd *really* feel the change that the piggy would make.

 

i agree /w otter. if i dropped 450 on an ECU and couldnt even tell it was working, i would be a bit disapointed. Then I may think the intake and exhaust were much better, but it doesnt add up to me. Get a CAI and work on the suspension. Maybe even think of the crossdrilled roters. they are pretty cheap. exhaust next, then ECU. the ecu will make a big diff after all that.

 

I think this is what I'll do. I probably won't do a down pipe and wait to do the Exhaust untill there is a header out. Then do the ECU.

 

I would do the CAI absoloutelty first...and then maybe the ECU...

 

Intake, Exhaust, Sway Bar +Perches, tie bar, short shifter, downpipe, springs, brakes

 

what do you think of the tie bar? $89 for the RRM or go make one for dirt cheep?

 

ask engnrboy. i got one of his for $35. Not a pertty, but should do the job. Going to install tonight if I get time.

 

I don't care about what it looks like. I just care that it does the job. But post some picks and let me know how well it works. Thanks