hey guys. Haven't been around in awhile, and it's been one hell off a year. I am putting together a list of mods, that I want to do. However I want to do this thread a bit unique. instead of purely objective thoughts on parts(PLENTY of those threads around) I have a list, and I'd like a line for line response with Subjective thoughts(my particular concerns are highlighted with the parts) I've done my fair share of research and I have my notes, but we collectively can make better decisions I think. the first three parts are priority, purely because I can do them without going to a shop for a tune. that's a bit difficult seeing as I am in Iraq


Eibach Pro-kit
http://www.amsperformance.com/cart/e...g-springs.html
I’m after the 1.2 drop to pull my car out of the clouds, while legitimately upping my traction.

Tial QR BPV
http://www.amsperformance.com/cart/t...off-valve.html
I am pulling out my ricer membership card here. I want more noise damnit! but the legitimate airflow gains are of course part of this reason.

A-column double/triple pod(STOCK COLOR IS A MUST)
No preference on these, just want opinions on the different offerings here on the forum. going for a boost gauge and AFR(for after the tune) suggest gauges should be as close to stock as possible.

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AMS Intake
http://www.amsperformance.com/cart/A...ce-Intake.html
this is just a shielded cold air intake, best I can tell. Is there a better/cheaper alternative? K&N, generic SRI, etc...

Test-Pipe (Cat replacement) / full turboback exhaust(preferred)
http://www.amsperformance.com/cart/A...Test-pipe.html
Again, not set on a brand, I think $300 for a test pipe is a bit crazy. But for a guaranteed bolt up, I’m not opposed. I couldn't find anything definitely, but on a power level, it doesn't seem like a turboback brings enough to the table to justify how much more they cost. atleast on our application.

Replacement Intercooler + piping
http://www.amsperformance.com/cart/A...ipe-Combo.html
I grabbed link since I was already on AMS. Can you guys suggest your personally used upgrades for this? I’ve heard good things about Mishimoto

Other parts not listed. Cobb Accessport and boostpill. Definite musts for the tune.

 

Eibach Pro-kit or Swift Springs will definitely give you an improve handling and look.

 

go with swift i got mine installed yest perfect drop and ride quality is almost stock

 

Well Ive got the Eibach Pro Kit, AMS single exhaust, AMS Intercooler, & AMS UICP they are not installed yet but very good quality items that are well made & I havent ever heard anything bad about AMS products. As far as the intake I have the Ultimate Racing because I didnt want to buy the small battery kit or relocate my battery but heard good things about it and with an intake on our cars a tune is must! I also went with the Ultimate Racing LICP over AMS because there is a small fitment issue w/ the AMS and the price was cheaper.

 

Swift springs + 100

 

I have the AMS single exit catback and I love it. Its not too loud just cruising around and it sounds great. When I bought the catback a month ago it was on sale shipped any where in the US for $550. I also have a DIY intake on it the only reason I have it on there is because it was on it when I bought the car. If I were to do it myself that would have been the last thing I would have done and I would have gone with the AMS intake for sure and will once Im done with my other modds.

 

The AMS SRI is really the only intake worth getting for the RA on stock turbo. Yes, you have to relocate or use a small battery, but mainly because you just can't really make a good intake without using that space. All other intakes have shown such small gains for the RA

The AMS SRI also gives you some of the blow off sound without having to sacrifice power with a vta bov.

If you're staying on stock turbo, I think the AMS FMIC is overkill. My intake air temperature is very close to ambient on stock turbo, so going for an expensive AMS FMIC is just overkill imo. Even Evo X owners know it's not entirely necessary on their stock turbo

Tial QR is a really high-quality, high performance bov. If you plan to stay on stock turbo, you don't need it at all. I think those Tial's can handle over 40psi, which you probably won't be doing on your RA, at least probably not anytime soon

Just my input

 

Got Swift springs and love them. Also bought a used evo x bov from a member on this forum, maybe that's a route for you aswell?

 

Well, that's a couple points for Swift Springs. The thing about springs, is I'm not opposed to the stiffer ride for improved performance. I'm half tempted to just go right into full coil-overs. seen the pictures, they definitely look good.

As far as an Intake, I have zero issue putting a small battery. Been looking at that anyways. relocation to the trunk isn't possible because of the Speaker and Amplifier setup I am having done in the trunk. (Also a bit of an audiophile, so willing to sacrifice the small pickup in weight to have a properly vented and sized sub box instead of the OEM thing) probably will end up going with the AMS SRI, been consistently hearing the same thing about it.

It's true that the Tial is is definitely overkill. but I like the idea being able to have an adjustable spring rate. VTA is definitely not a must, just a ricer desire. my drop in filter was enough to up the noise level a small bit. I'm not opposed to the AMS BOV or even an OEM EVOX, Just to stiffen up the shifts a bit.

as far as a new intercooler, AMS was just the site I was on. That's so far down the road it's not even funny lol. the simple things

I want to eventually upgrade the turbo... but I have a hard time sinking that money knowing I could have spent just a few thousand more and just bought the Evo. I'm sure once I get back from Iraq I will forget Evo's even exist and enjoy flooring it int he Ralliart anew. Kind of a perk, everytime I go home my car feels unbelievably fast.. just like the first test drive.

simple things I'm focusing on now are Springs, new BPV, and a true boost gauge.

 

FYI, an intake is not necessary for the stock turbo. The stock intake set-up can handle more airflow than the tiny stock turbo could every possibly flow, so its more for cosmetic than performance.

 

How do u sacrifice power with a vta bov?

 

i, too, was looking for the most stock-appearing gauges i could find. here's my cp-e pod with just the wideband in it in this pic, how'd i do?

 

Looks good I was torn between something like that and what I went with which is the rexpeed A pillar dual gauge pod just got it in the mail today, just waiting on my wideband that should be here monday to install.

 

yeah, the rexspeed dual pod is what I was looking at in that regard. I strongly dislike not having a boost gauge. just going to through a boost gauge and AFR in there. I like that AEM gauge. it matches well with our factory gauges. I'm kind of open ended on the second gauge. running mostly stock parts, is there a more useful gauge you guys can think of? I really can't think of any that can narrow down as many problems as an AFR.

I think that may be first on my car. do the new gauges, and the springs. found a local vendor that can get the swift springs in for $315. that's Kamispeed in Orlando. Probably have them do the install as well. that's a quick afternoon job.

 

my 3 gauges of choice are afr, boost, and temp (transmission). my reason for choosing AEM was a combination of the fact that it looks extremely similar to OEM, it is relatively affordable, and much more reliable than some of the cheaper stuff like Prosport and Glowshift and all those eBay offerings(i've heard of/witnessed way too many failures to go that cheap). Defi was just a bit too much for me and I've heard some bad things about STRI, so AEM was the logical choice for me.

i still need to find a proper adapter to run the temp sensor in the trans though. i want to just use one of the drain-plugs instead of welding in a new bung, and i know i've seen an adapter that screws into the ss-t drain plug location and then allows you to thread a temp gauge into it but i can't find it anywhere for the life of me.

as far as the pod-choice, i've never really been a fan of pillar-pods and having to look away to check gauges. i like the location of the cp-e since it's very conveniently located right with the rest of the cluster and the textured plastic is almost identical to the original dashboard piece. down-road view is not really obstructed at all either, imo, and i'm only 5'10" and drive with the seat-height adjustment all the way down so it's not like i'm towering over anything