I was explaining my rationale as to my intake purchase. This thread deals with multiple performance mods I had questions on.

Also I mentioned that I may get a "real" intake anyway, and one of the reasons why (which I didn't mention), was that if COBB has different maps for different intakes, then maybe they are quite a bit different, and my assumptions are wrong.

 

I believe the reason Cobb has so many different maps for different intakes is because some use the stock MAS housing, some don't. They tested these throughout the country to account for different elevations, temps, conditions. Then they gave a map with conservative gains. My tuner got quite a bit of hp/tq after tuning compared to the Cobb tune I was running.

I did my mods a little at a time just as you did, and read the hundreds of posts on here over and over. I got the mods that were approved by Cobb. First Access Port, then TBE, then FMIC, UICP, LICP. Then I got the intake. I chose ETS because it retained the stock MAS housing. Other intakes have a different size piping from the original, and people here have said the different size caused some air getting by the MAS that wasn't measured and was difficult to tune correctly. I even annoyed Rob at Cobb to ensure I was safe to run the mods I had. Then once I was out of bolt on mods, I got tuned. It was a pretty big difference. Now the addiction is out of control and I am getting a bigger turbo, tubular exhaust manifold, injectors, 3 port.

BTW, I still have the stock fuel pump and I haven't run out of fuel yet. If I ever get there, I will get a larger fuel pump.

 

Well I think I have decided on my upgrade path, now just the pesky detail of funding it:

Stage 1:
Cobb AP with Stage 1 map

Stage 2:
Perrin or TurboXS catback
AMS HFC (or another one that has a second bung for a wideband)
Rexspeed O2 downpipe
Cobb stage 2 map

Stage 3:
Wideband and Boost gauge
ETS UICP
ETS 4" FMIC
ETS LICP
3-port
Blouch WGA
Custom AP tune

At this point I may look into E85 or an FP green and supporting fuel mods (probably DW1000s and a new single pump fuel pump). There's only 1 E85 station near me but it's on my way to work, which is the only place I drive my car to, so it wouldn't be too bad. I will also look at a PnP intake manifold or one of the aftermarket ones.



I think I have addressed everything here.

 

If I can add my .02... don't get a TurboXS catback. They are poorly made and loud as hell. Go with the Perrin

 

The price of the TurboXS is what caught my eye, and the sound clips i have heard were nice. What I am really looking for is a reasonably price one that has a nice deep, but not too loud exhaust note. So many exhausts are either too loud or the note makes it sound like a civic. Really looking for something deep without breaking the bank.

 

Either way, the Perrin is a bit better quality. I think you'll be much happier with that one

Edit: After all, longevity should be a concern too

 

What about a few mods that would make the car more enjoyable to drive, not more powerful but simply feeling sportier. Like a short shifter and shifter bushings.

Evo X short shifter

A lot of people also want to enjoy a fun daily driver and put these mods along with basic power mods.

The rest of your list looks like it should be a great car to enjoy on a daily basis!

Frank
TWM Performance

 

Yeah I've been thinking about a short shifter first. I was going to wait and see if changing my transmission oil helped at all with the notchiness going from 2nd to 3rd. If it doesn't I may look at one of these with a weighted shift knob.

 

Better synthetic transmission oil and a weighted shift knob will definitely help, at least according to quite a few of our customers!

 

You are wrong about this, on the VIII & IX its a power upgrade but not on the X's. Using the search feature and learning about it would help. If your not sure about what will help a X, maybe you shoulndt give advise. The OP will listen and buy a part that wont help his goal. Sounds like you confused him, OP its the UICP that is the one you want to get.

 

+1, on the X it's the UICP with all the rubber that balloons, replacing with a hard pipe has proven to add 10-15whp. The LICP will not help much, though it does increase throttle response, don't expect any gains out of it.