So I have an Evo IX SE with the following upgrades:
3" Turboback
Apexi Intake
Tune

I am trying to keep my modifications cheap but effective. So far I've been pleased with the results, I'm trying to keep my fuel ecconomy so I haven't done boost control yet. But I'm seriously considering it. (The necessity for a retune and boost gauges and fuel economy have been holding me from doing it).

Right now I'm thinking about:
ETS LICP
EPM o2 Dump
Intake Pipe(turbo to MAF) ->After reading the filter roundup, seemed like I was shooting myself in the foot by using the stock intake pipe. Who sells just the pipe w/o the filter?

In the future:
EBC
Intercooler w/ UICP (Stock battery, I have a 600W amp for the sub in the trunk)
Fuel Pump

Way down the road(perhaps never, ha):
FP Red
Cams
Injectors
Ported Exhaust and Intake Manifold
Exedy Twin HD

So what do people think about my ideas for this summer, LICP, o2, intake pipe? I think I'll be spending less than $600 and I'm hoping it won't require a retune. If I decide to do it it'll obviously consult my tuner about that. What kind of gains do you think these parts will muster, 10-15 whp? Or am I being too optimistic.

Thanks and please don't think I've been reading/searching, there is a reason why I came up with this little list.

 

your going to need a tune for the 02 dump if you want to take full advantage of the power it can provide

 

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...-100-time.html

 

That's a great guide, a big reason I came to be looking at the options I am now.

 

I think the biggest thing you need right now is a boost controller. Running stock boost is really limiting your power. Forget ECU controlled boost or an electronic boost controller, a manual boost controller is going to be your cheapest/easiest solution. After that, a tune would be your best bet so you can really take advantage of all your mods. If you decide to do an o2 housing too I'd also recommend you do a ported exhaust manifold at the same time (both of these can be done after the tune if you can't afford it all at once, just be sure check/set your boost as needed).

The ETS LP2 LICP is a very nice piece; I helped my friend install one a few weeks ago. I do prefer my Nisei though since it has a mounting bracket and is aluminum (his LP2 is steel). A great cost effective intake pipe is the Samco; its very similar to the Perrin in design but comes it at just over $100.

 

If you can Go to a muffler shop that bends pipe and get them to make your IC piping. Mine worked great for the price and looked cleaned once i painted it flat black.... just make sure it is Mandrel bend and not crush bends

 

I don't want to run a MBC for a few reasons, and please correct me if you think I'm wrong on these:
-Weather dependence, in PA I could be over-boosting easily in the winter.
-Power curve, from what I've seen a good EBC will give you a better power band and can hold peak/target boost better than an MBC.
-Necessity for a boost gauge, to allow me to identify my first concern, these aren't cheap and an EBC provides me the same information.

 

I picked up the AEM truboost for $250 bucks. Can't go wrong its a great ebc with a gauge all in one.

 

-MBC's are very quick and simple to adjust
-MBC > EBC on the stock turbo; I've tried!
-Prosport boost gauges are only $39. For under $100 you can get a MBC, gauge, and gauge pod.

 

Buy used parts on here for best deals , Meth, Turbo, cams, Fuel, Boost controller you can even make your own, I have one you can buy for cheap, I have a home made one also for cheap.