Debating on my first mod, stubbled upon AMS Stage 1, any thoughts, opinions, or comments? Any would be appreciated, thanks!

Here's the link:
http://www.amsperformance.com/cart/A...a-Stage-1.html

Note: would be going with dual exhaust....

 

that's a very good start!

 

You can't go wrong with AMS. Great customer service and solid proof on performance.

 

Add a testpipe to it and you'll be gettin much more for the money.

 

Prices are high, but they make great parts and their customer service is top notch.

Intake: Excellent part. Very happy with mine.
Dual Exhaust: Very good part. Sounds great, useful for track days. Had a guy in a modded STI compliment me on the sound. Let's face it, Subaru boxer engines with exhausts sound a hell of a lot better than ours, so this was a nice compliment. Mine started to rust this winter, though, which I need to talk to them about.

I went elsewhere for my tune, so I can't speak to that. They use ECUtek, which is a little depressing given the cost, but they know what they're doing.

That's a great price for the set.

 

If you get it you will not be disappointed with the results, I took my MR to them a couple of times and was VERY happy when I got it back. I am from Chicago but am not there at the moment but if I was my X would be on their schedule for a tune.

 

the previous owner of my car messed with the tune so took it to AMS for a reflash after i bought it. the power came on much smoother after the tune, i am very happy with it.

AMS parts are high quality but you can buy your own exhaust/test pipe/gauges etc and use their tune (that is what i did)

but you will not be unhappy if you get it all through them.

 

Can't go wrong with AMS

 

How bad is the rust? Any other sugguestions on exhaust if I don't got ams?

 

And do they usually replace the part if it rusts like that?

 

No idea. Since the exhaust is stainless steel, I can only assume that it is some type of surface rust that I may be able to buff out. I'm hoping some rail dust landed on the tailpipe and started to rust, which I may be able to repair. I work near a rail crossing.

I won't get a chance to look at it closer until this weekend. Until then, assume it's an environmental issue rather than some problem with the exhaust. I wouldn't let that stop you.

 

How much will the AMS stage 1 cost after installation (I'm assuming the near $1600 price is for the equipment only!) any ideas? (I wouldn't trust myself enough to install anything on my own and wouldn't have the time anyways)

 

stage one can get you so much fun over stock, you should be looking at around 300 - 310 to the wheels, get it and have fun!