The mods on the car (evo ix) are as follows:
Cosworth m2 (272)
UICP/LICP
Aem CAI
TBE (no cat)

I'm getting tuned for 91 octane, and I've read up that the intercooler on the evo 9s are good up to 350hp, and there is no way I will get that w/ my mods on 91 oct., so my question is do I really need to upgrade? I plan on swapping ICs down the line, but that won't be for awhile, and the money spent on the IC could go towards the tune. Any opinions or suggestions are appreciated, thanks.

 

intercoolers always help but i see your point you basically have not mods yet but im not going to lie to you my first mod was a 1200 APS 3.5 Intercooler to make to everything is breathing fine and cool regaurdless of mods i had my second mod was a full 3" TBE with downpipe and test pipe etc.....

 

^ so your saying that it would be better to shell out the money now just for that extra insurance?

 

Next mod should be a Manual Boost Controller, FMIC, and Studs. For now you are fine though.

 

yea you can get a MBC for like 100 get the forge unit then get FMIC then i would say complete 3" TBE

 

Where are you getting tuned?

 

^ i was going to go to fftec

 

If you are on the stock turbo, an upgraded IC will gain some power, although not a whole lot.

The OEM IC is rated up to 400-500hp (I forget exact numbers). Only after like 25-26+ psi, is an upgraded IC needed.

If I were in your shoes I would get a MBC and then do the tune, and then you will be set for a while until the IC is more of an option based on your financial situation.

 

^ forgot to mention I have a MBC, but on my budget, it seems like the tune is more important

 

You don't need a IC. If you have money to burn it's a nice mod. But to invest 700-800 dollars on something and gain a few hp with the stock turbo....you decide if it's worth it.

 

I would get the tune. Sounds like your tight on money and your mods are good for now.