Mods without "Noise"
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: GA
Mods without "Noise"
So I know the whole "what mods are best" and "what mods should I do" blah blah has been asked to death but I have another one for you.
So far I have basically done what I call "comfort mods" such as:
HomeLink Rearview Mirror
All Weather Floormats
Rexpeed Polarized Mirrors
Hardwired Radar Detector
RallyArmor Mudflaps
And I've also done the GST Baseflash w/ boost pill and swapped the stock Advans for Eagle GTs.
Now I want to continue doing some modifications and eventually go with a Sean Ivey tune once I figure out all I want to put in the car. My questions then is, what are the best mods I can have without adding too much excess noise? I want a car that has power, but doesn't sound like a fart cannon down the street and the family can actually talk to each other while driving it. I was thinking that if I go the route of an exhaust I would do the CP-E exhaust as it doesn't sound to "ricer"-ish but still gives some gains (even thought I have yet to see any official numbers on it). Also from what I've read that changing the intake really won't make that much more (if any) gains. I was thinking about doing the AMS intercooler and pipings, along with adding the transmission cooler (not that I track the car, but I figure if it helps give the expensive tranny a longer life than I am all for it). I know an upgraded BOV isn't needed unless I'm pushing some serious power. It also seems that upgraded brakes really aren't needed unless you are tracking the car, but I was looking at the upgraded stainless steal brake lines from AMS.
I was also thinking about adding the Robispec Sway Bars, but they have not come in stock yet and I would want to drive or atleast ride in a car with them first so I don't buy them and then hate the way the car handles afterword. My car before this was a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI (so you can obviously tell the difference between that car and my 09 Ralliart), but it seems like I always felt more comfortable taking corners in the Bonneville at faster speeds and I'm not sure if that is because of body roll (let me remind you I am still very new at learning about cars, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to get a Ralliart) or what. I know this car can handle turns, but it just feels like I am being "pulled" so much more when I do. (If anyone lives in the Northeast and has these or any other sway bars on their Ralliart there is a
in it for you if give me a ride 
)
I know I just spewed a whole bunch of stuff out, so if you need any more clarification on anything, ask. I've just been thinking about all of this stuff for my car for a while now and I don't want to be someone who has to post in the "Most Regretted Purchased Parts" thread in the Evo X section.
Thanks in advance everyone! All opinions welcome and appreciated!
So far I have basically done what I call "comfort mods" such as:
HomeLink Rearview Mirror
All Weather Floormats
Rexpeed Polarized Mirrors
Hardwired Radar Detector
RallyArmor Mudflaps
And I've also done the GST Baseflash w/ boost pill and swapped the stock Advans for Eagle GTs.
Now I want to continue doing some modifications and eventually go with a Sean Ivey tune once I figure out all I want to put in the car. My questions then is, what are the best mods I can have without adding too much excess noise? I want a car that has power, but doesn't sound like a fart cannon down the street and the family can actually talk to each other while driving it. I was thinking that if I go the route of an exhaust I would do the CP-E exhaust as it doesn't sound to "ricer"-ish but still gives some gains (even thought I have yet to see any official numbers on it). Also from what I've read that changing the intake really won't make that much more (if any) gains. I was thinking about doing the AMS intercooler and pipings, along with adding the transmission cooler (not that I track the car, but I figure if it helps give the expensive tranny a longer life than I am all for it). I know an upgraded BOV isn't needed unless I'm pushing some serious power. It also seems that upgraded brakes really aren't needed unless you are tracking the car, but I was looking at the upgraded stainless steal brake lines from AMS.
I was also thinking about adding the Robispec Sway Bars, but they have not come in stock yet and I would want to drive or atleast ride in a car with them first so I don't buy them and then hate the way the car handles afterword. My car before this was a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI (so you can obviously tell the difference between that car and my 09 Ralliart), but it seems like I always felt more comfortable taking corners in the Bonneville at faster speeds and I'm not sure if that is because of body roll (let me remind you I am still very new at learning about cars, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to get a Ralliart) or what. I know this car can handle turns, but it just feels like I am being "pulled" so much more when I do. (If anyone lives in the Northeast and has these or any other sway bars on their Ralliart there is a
in it for you if give me a ride )I know I just spewed a whole bunch of stuff out, so if you need any more clarification on anything, ask. I've just been thinking about all of this stuff for my car for a while now and I don't want to be someone who has to post in the "Most Regretted Purchased Parts" thread in the Evo X section.
Thanks in advance everyone! All opinions welcome and appreciated!
From what I have heard, the CP-E exhaust is VERY loud. If you're looking for raw power, there is more to be had... all the way up to an EVO setup (turbo, IC, ect.). With the right exhaust, it won't be too much louder than it is now, but should have ~300 whp/wtq without much difficulty.
If you are looking to improve power to weight ratio, you also have many options, and most of these types of mods won't increase noise. You can drop almost 40 pounds just by going to aftermarket rims. Light weight batteries can save 30+ pounds (depending on how much you want to spend, almost 40). Some of the brake kits offer a decent amount of weight loss. Also, some of the aftermarket exhausts will drop between 15-30 pounds, depending on the style and layout (obviously, single-tip will be lightest).
A number of other options will drop nominal amounts of weight (it could be argued either way weather each is worth doing). The top, and most worthy, on my list is pulling the fog lamps and ducting in front of the oil and tranny coolers (supposedly a couple of pounds can be lost there). Lightweight lugnuts will save you almost a pound of unsprung weight. The carbon fiber trunks and hoods for the EVO X will fit our cars and will save a few pounds (not a lot by any stretch of the imagination).
Finally, and I'm happy to hear you mention this, are the mods that will improve handling. If body roll is your main concern, two things will help alleviate that: springs/coilovers and swaybars. For the RA, I would leave the front swaybar alone, and go for a more robust rear swaybar. I would also go with either the Robispec or RRE lowering springs, as they are stiffer than stock and provide a decent drop. Of course, some manufacturers have released coilovers for the RA, and if you are THAT concerned with handling, those might be an option.
If you are looking to improve power to weight ratio, you also have many options, and most of these types of mods won't increase noise. You can drop almost 40 pounds just by going to aftermarket rims. Light weight batteries can save 30+ pounds (depending on how much you want to spend, almost 40). Some of the brake kits offer a decent amount of weight loss. Also, some of the aftermarket exhausts will drop between 15-30 pounds, depending on the style and layout (obviously, single-tip will be lightest).
A number of other options will drop nominal amounts of weight (it could be argued either way weather each is worth doing). The top, and most worthy, on my list is pulling the fog lamps and ducting in front of the oil and tranny coolers (supposedly a couple of pounds can be lost there). Lightweight lugnuts will save you almost a pound of unsprung weight. The carbon fiber trunks and hoods for the EVO X will fit our cars and will save a few pounds (not a lot by any stretch of the imagination).
Finally, and I'm happy to hear you mention this, are the mods that will improve handling. If body roll is your main concern, two things will help alleviate that: springs/coilovers and swaybars. For the RA, I would leave the front swaybar alone, and go for a more robust rear swaybar. I would also go with either the Robispec or RRE lowering springs, as they are stiffer than stock and provide a decent drop. Of course, some manufacturers have released coilovers for the RA, and if you are THAT concerned with handling, those might be an option.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Huntington
hahaha. Fart cannon. That's what I am trying to avoid too. Do you like the GST tune and boost pill? I am trying to figure out what I should do too, but feel like the tune should come last since you usually have to re-tune after mods are made. I'm not the kind of guy that can shell it 3k all at once so it's like one or two mods a year for me. I have also had handling issues. The stock tires are crap. Most mainstream car mags comparing the RA to the WRX gave the win to the WRX just because of tires alone. Lemme know how that tune is treatin you. Thanks!
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: GA
From what I have heard, the CP-E exhaust is VERY loud. If you're looking for raw power, there is more to be had... all the way up to an EVO setup (turbo, IC, ect.). With the right exhaust, it won't be too much louder than it is now, but should have ~300 whp/wtq without much difficulty.
If you are looking to improve power to weight ratio, you also have many options, and most of these types of mods won't increase noise. You can drop almost 40 pounds just by going to aftermarket rims. Light weight batteries can save 30+ pounds (depending on how much you want to spend, almost 40). Some of the brake kits offer a decent amount of weight loss. Also, some of the aftermarket exhausts will drop between 15-30 pounds, depending on the style and layout (obviously, single-tip will be lightest).
A number of other options will drop nominal amounts of weight (it could be argued either way weather each is worth doing). The top, and most worthy, on my list is pulling the fog lamps and ducting in front of the oil and tranny coolers (supposedly a couple of pounds can be lost there). Lightweight lugnuts will save you almost a pound of unsprung weight. The carbon fiber trunks and hoods for the EVO X will fit our cars and will save a few pounds (not a lot by any stretch of the imagination).
Finally, and I'm happy to hear you mention this, are the mods that will improve handling. If body roll is your main concern, two things will help alleviate that: springs/coilovers and swaybars. For the RA, I would leave the front swaybar alone, and go for a more robust rear swaybar. I would also go with either the Robispec or RRE lowering springs, as they are stiffer than stock and provide a decent drop. Of course, some manufacturers have released coilovers for the RA, and if you are THAT concerned with handling, those might be an option.
If you are looking to improve power to weight ratio, you also have many options, and most of these types of mods won't increase noise. You can drop almost 40 pounds just by going to aftermarket rims. Light weight batteries can save 30+ pounds (depending on how much you want to spend, almost 40). Some of the brake kits offer a decent amount of weight loss. Also, some of the aftermarket exhausts will drop between 15-30 pounds, depending on the style and layout (obviously, single-tip will be lightest).
A number of other options will drop nominal amounts of weight (it could be argued either way weather each is worth doing). The top, and most worthy, on my list is pulling the fog lamps and ducting in front of the oil and tranny coolers (supposedly a couple of pounds can be lost there). Lightweight lugnuts will save you almost a pound of unsprung weight. The carbon fiber trunks and hoods for the EVO X will fit our cars and will save a few pounds (not a lot by any stretch of the imagination).
Finally, and I'm happy to hear you mention this, are the mods that will improve handling. If body roll is your main concern, two things will help alleviate that: springs/coilovers and swaybars. For the RA, I would leave the front swaybar alone, and go for a more robust rear swaybar. I would also go with either the Robispec or RRE lowering springs, as they are stiffer than stock and provide a decent drop. Of course, some manufacturers have released coilovers for the RA, and if you are THAT concerned with handling, those might be an option.
I was thinking about a small battery but I'm not 100% sure of the drawbacks of it (other than not being able to run a high power stereo). I have no plans to get an improved stereo over the "upgraded" Rockford Fosgate that came with the HIDs and Recaros package in the US so I assume this will be okay. Would a smaller battery have any kind of issues in cold weather? or longevity of the battery and have to buy a new one more frequently?
I will probably get different rims once I get new tires again, but hopefully that won't be for a little bit but that will definitely help shed some weight on the heavy RA.
Question about the lowering springs, does it really improve your handling that much to lower the car about an inch or so? I don't really car about the "look of the drop" just if it were to handle better. Coilovers look nice, but I think for what I would end up getting out of them for a good pair I don't think they are worth the money (but that is just for me as this is just mainly used as a DD).
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 23
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From: GA
hahaha. Fart cannon. That's what I am trying to avoid too. Do you like the GST tune and boost pill? I am trying to figure out what I should do too, but feel like the tune should come last since you usually have to re-tune after mods are made. I'm not the kind of guy that can shell it 3k all at once so it's like one or two mods a year for me. I have also had handling issues. The stock tires are crap. Most mainstream car mags comparing the RA to the WRX gave the win to the WRX just because of tires alone. Lemme know how that tune is treatin you. Thanks!
) besides a Tacrtix cable which I was going to buy anyways and the pill which is only $20.I'm in the same boat as you, I don't want to have to get parts here and there and then get tuned again after each one, so I'm trying to figure out what I should get now and be worth while so I can make a chart of how much I can put away each month, for what, and figure out what all I should do so I can I have all of the parts and then get a tune for everything I add.
I can't speak to the life for light-weight batteries, but I have heard of some people having issues in very cold climates.
Also, if this is a DD, then springs should be enough (no need to go to the more expensive coilover setups). I cannot personally vouch for the effectiveness of lowering springs on the RA performance wise, but almost everyone who has installed them has felt an improvement in handling.
Lowering the center of gravity and increasing spring rates almost universally equals better handling. The trick is really to find a balance between performance and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), especially with DD cars. That's why I'm trying to find information about the spring rates for various aftermarket springs. The numbers I've heard for stock spring rates on the RA are 180/150 F/R. For reference, some of the stiffer springs for the EVO X are high 500s/300s F/R (almost 600/400).
Also, if this is a DD, then springs should be enough (no need to go to the more expensive coilover setups). I cannot personally vouch for the effectiveness of lowering springs on the RA performance wise, but almost everyone who has installed them has felt an improvement in handling.
Lowering the center of gravity and increasing spring rates almost universally equals better handling. The trick is really to find a balance between performance and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), especially with DD cars. That's why I'm trying to find information about the spring rates for various aftermarket springs. The numbers I've heard for stock spring rates on the RA are 180/150 F/R. For reference, some of the stiffer springs for the EVO X are high 500s/300s F/R (almost 600/400).
if you want better handling you will see a huge difference if you lower the car on a good set of springs and struts or just coilovers. But, you dont care about the look of a lowered car so sway bars would be a good fix too, when you are looking at anything like these two items make sure to look up the rating they give on them in lbs the higher the lbs the stiffer the car will be which results in better handling
Last edited by BlueEvoG; Dec 30, 2009 at 07:07 PM.
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dyno results in the first post.
but word on the street is that its really loud when you give it a lot of throttle. if you went with just their downpipe and test pipe and left the factory rear section, you would still be opening up a major bottleneck in the exhaust but you would see much less increase in noise with only a slightly lower increase in power over the full setup
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: GA
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/09...st-w-dyno.html
dyno results in the first post.
but word on the street is that its really loud when you give it a lot of throttle. if you went with just their downpipe and test pipe and left the factory rear section, you would still be opening up a major bottleneck in the exhaust but you would see much less increase in noise with only a slightly lower increase in power over the full setup
dyno results in the first post.
but word on the street is that its really loud when you give it a lot of throttle. if you went with just their downpipe and test pipe and left the factory rear section, you would still be opening up a major bottleneck in the exhaust but you would see much less increase in noise with only a slightly lower increase in power over the full setup
The one thing I don't want to do it take off my cat, as I don't really mind if I void the warranty but I live in NJ and cops around here like to do spot checks on cars a lot more often then you would think.
Wow, not sure how I missed this one. My search-fu must have been off that day.
The one thing I don't want to do it take off my cat, as I don't really mind if I void the warranty but I live in NJ and cops around here like to do spot checks on cars a lot more often then you would think.
The one thing I don't want to do it take off my cat, as I don't really mind if I void the warranty but I live in NJ and cops around here like to do spot checks on cars a lot more often then you would think.
My radar detector has saved me from at least $1k worth of trouble in the past couple years....I'd say go for it. I don't live in a metropolitan area, though. They mostly use K-band radar here. If they hit you with laser, you're pretty much ****ed. In fact, the only time I've been pulled over in the past 6 years has been because of laser.
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 218
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From: Canada
So I know the whole "what mods are best" and "what mods should I do" blah blah has been asked to death but I have another one for you.
So far I have basically done what I call "comfort mods" such as:
HomeLink Rearview Mirror
All Weather Floormats
Rexpeed Polarized Mirrors
Hardwired Radar Detector
RallyArmor Mudflaps
And I've also done the GST Baseflash w/ boost pill and swapped the stock Advans for Eagle GTs.
Now I want to continue doing some modifications and eventually go with a Sean Ivey tune once I figure out all I want to put in the car. My questions then is, what are the best mods I can have without adding too much excess noise? I want a car that has power, but doesn't sound like a fart cannon down the street and the family can actually talk to each other while driving it. I was thinking that if I go the route of an exhaust I would do the CP-E exhaust as it doesn't sound to "ricer"-ish but still gives some gains (even thought I have yet to see any official numbers on it). Also from what I've read that changing the intake really won't make that much more (if any) gains. I was thinking about doing the AMS intercooler and pipings, along with adding the transmission cooler (not that I track the car, but I figure if it helps give the expensive tranny a longer life than I am all for it). I know an upgraded BOV isn't needed unless I'm pushing some serious power. It also seems that upgraded brakes really aren't needed unless you are tracking the car, but I was looking at the upgraded stainless steal brake lines from AMS.
I was also thinking about adding the Robispec Sway Bars, but they have not come in stock yet and I would want to drive or atleast ride in a car with them first so I don't buy them and then hate the way the car handles afterword. My car before this was a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI (so you can obviously tell the difference between that car and my 09 Ralliart), but it seems like I always felt more comfortable taking corners in the Bonneville at faster speeds and I'm not sure if that is because of body roll (let me remind you I am still very new at learning about cars, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to get a Ralliart) or what. I know this car can handle turns, but it just feels like I am being "pulled" so much more when I do. (If anyone lives in the Northeast and has these or any other sway bars on their Ralliart there is a in it for you if give me a ride )
I know I just spewed a whole bunch of stuff out, so if you need any more clarification on anything, ask. I've just been thinking about all of this stuff for my car for a while now and I don't want to be someone who has to post in the "Most Regretted Purchased Parts" thread in the Evo X section.
Thanks in advance everyone! All opinions welcome and appreciated!
So far I have basically done what I call "comfort mods" such as:
HomeLink Rearview Mirror
All Weather Floormats
Rexpeed Polarized Mirrors
Hardwired Radar Detector
RallyArmor Mudflaps
And I've also done the GST Baseflash w/ boost pill and swapped the stock Advans for Eagle GTs.
Now I want to continue doing some modifications and eventually go with a Sean Ivey tune once I figure out all I want to put in the car. My questions then is, what are the best mods I can have without adding too much excess noise? I want a car that has power, but doesn't sound like a fart cannon down the street and the family can actually talk to each other while driving it. I was thinking that if I go the route of an exhaust I would do the CP-E exhaust as it doesn't sound to "ricer"-ish but still gives some gains (even thought I have yet to see any official numbers on it). Also from what I've read that changing the intake really won't make that much more (if any) gains. I was thinking about doing the AMS intercooler and pipings, along with adding the transmission cooler (not that I track the car, but I figure if it helps give the expensive tranny a longer life than I am all for it). I know an upgraded BOV isn't needed unless I'm pushing some serious power. It also seems that upgraded brakes really aren't needed unless you are tracking the car, but I was looking at the upgraded stainless steal brake lines from AMS.
I was also thinking about adding the Robispec Sway Bars, but they have not come in stock yet and I would want to drive or atleast ride in a car with them first so I don't buy them and then hate the way the car handles afterword. My car before this was a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI (so you can obviously tell the difference between that car and my 09 Ralliart), but it seems like I always felt more comfortable taking corners in the Bonneville at faster speeds and I'm not sure if that is because of body roll (let me remind you I am still very new at learning about cars, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to get a Ralliart) or what. I know this car can handle turns, but it just feels like I am being "pulled" so much more when I do. (If anyone lives in the Northeast and has these or any other sway bars on their Ralliart there is a
in it for you if give me a ride )I know I just spewed a whole bunch of stuff out, so if you need any more clarification on anything, ask. I've just been thinking about all of this stuff for my car for a while now and I don't want to be someone who has to post in the "Most Regretted Purchased Parts" thread in the Evo X section.
Thanks in advance everyone! All opinions welcome and appreciated!
Not sure where the ricer comment comes from, but the car is turbo, and most of the exhausts are straight through with little to no restriction. Not only are they loud, but none of them sound "Ricer" so put that thought to bed please.
Also, a bov upgrade is needed for anything over stock boost levels. You can run without as i do, but its an upgrade worth doing if u have the cash.
Upper intercooler piping and a high flow filter will make an audible difference in and out of the cabin. Perceptively, buying a turbo car, but wanting power and quiet would have led me to a non turbo car.
at anyrate
ivey tune
intercooler
upper pipe
lower pipe
bov upgrade
high flow filter
those would be the mods that will keep it relatively quiet and give up 240 or so whp if the tune is good, and it should be from ivey.
^ no no no the stock bov can handle boosts above stock i believe all the way up to 28 or so if im not mistaken. I myself still have my stock bov on and i am boosting 21.5 stock is 19 runs like a champ!