As requested by Al, I am posting this here. I'd like to preface this by saying I will be happy to buy hardware from DynoFlash. I'm not out to save every penny I can, I want a rock solid daily driver with proven performance parts.

I realize I could read for days and days on this subject (and I have), but I want to hear from the expert. Everyone wants to say their combo of mods works best, but only guys like DynoFlash really have seen what all the different parts affect in the car through tuning.

So here's the scneario:

Purchased a 2003 Evo with about 11k miles on it. Mostly stock except it has a boost gauge in the ash tray and a DynoFlash TTM flash for 93+.

First things first - I'm almost out of gas, and the only thing we have around here that is 93 is ethanol. Is it safe to run this gas in the car until I get it all sorted out?

Secondly - Rather than just sending in the ECU and getting a base flash for 91 octane, I would rather prep the car with some parts and get a full custom tune next time you are at a shop within reasonable distance. I'd love to get 300 or more whp, but this is also a daily driver (or will be) so I need to keep it in reason, and it can't be much louder than stock (wife will be driving it a lot).

From what I have read thus far, I need a boost controller (manual with cockpit control seems to be the key here), 255lph fuel pump, Some type of intake, injectors and possibly some exhaust mods. I'd like to do all this before getting the custom tune for obvious reasons.

Another question is gauges. It already has a boost gauge in the ashtray. I'm going to relocate the radio so I can use the 42 design gauge panel. What gauges should I get? I'm thinking A/F, EGT, and either oil temp or oil pressure. What do you suggest?

Final question at this point - I may try to pick up an extra ECU in case I have to run in for warranty work or something. Does it have to be an '03, or will '04 or '05 work as well?

Thanks for the help
Robb

 

you need 3'exhaust for sure(magnaflow muffler with cat reduces noise)
and u dont need injectors. and extra ecu.
if it is daily driver, why would u need a/f ,egt .oil pressure gauges for?

 

they cant tell if your ecu is flashed for warranty if you dont drive an 05, so i dont see why you would need an extra ecu, as when you got one you would have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed to work with your keys, and they would ask why. as far as i can tell to get to 300 hp you need exhaust, full turbo back if possible, or at minimum high flow cat, intake( make sure you get a good one i advise to stay away from the k&n typhoon) people have suggested the panel filters, al likes the helix as far as i can tell. boos controller is not needed now with a dynoflash as al can controll boost with the flash through the ecu. fuel pump and injectors are not needed at 300whp but if you go more you will need them. seeing as you are worried about the warranty that eliminates cams and a turbo upgrade. no alcohol injection which is suggested for 91 to make more power, full exhaust, intake, ic piping, o2 housing maybe, and a tuned flash can get you 280-300

*edit* oh yeah the greddy evo 2 exhaust is really quiet its what i have.

 

Send in the ecu with $50 for sfed ex and handling and I will swap you to the 91 octane tune or what ever gas you specify for free along with the new boost controlled flash for temp use

For mods - I strongly suggest the Buschur Staged upgrade path - depending on your Budget - stage 2 or 3 is real nice - full specs, prices and dyno sheets with the Buschur flash are located at www.buschurracing.com

If some some reason you do not like Buschur parts (who could resist them?) A HKS suction kit and some other 3" exhuast and a Halman MBC is a great combo - throw in a fuel pump. Of course after that cams are good. Basically do a search on my forums and you can check the case studys 1 - 31 and all the other dyno sheets I have posted in these forums.

As far as gauges - I like fuel pressure - oil pressure and egt

You cant run any other ecu in your car expect the one which came with the car

 

Just like to add that i have the invidia full exhaust with NO cat and it is not that much louder than stock during normal driving. at 7k rpms, thats a dif story. Either way, no resonation in the cabin whatsoever, my wife can actually stand to ride in it(thats saying a lot).

anyway, i got it from www.gscmotorsports.com.

im not knocking anyone's parts, but the buschur system is kind of loud(performs better than the rest though, supposedly). just wanted to let you know.

 

if you want a quieter Buschur version the Magna flow muffler and high flow cat is quiet

 

What do you mean here- Are you going to swap it to 91 and set it up for a MBC at the same time?

Also, will running the 93ethanol hurt anything for this weekend? I'll mail out the ECU on Monday.....

Thanks for all the help. Coming to Chicago, St Louis, or MN soon for custom dyno tunes?

 

I mean I am going t give it the new ecu boost control feature

 

So no MBC is necessary?

Also, you still haven't said if running 93 Ethanol would (or should, I know you can't guarantee anything) cause any possible damage to my car flashed for 93?