I have a 2012 MR and I'm trying to figure out what parts I can put on my car without reflashing, and still be safe. I don't really know anything and a buddy of mine is helping me with the parts. I was told running some parts with the OEM tune can damage it. Not sure if it was true or not. Would intake, intercooler, and exhaust be fine without tuning / reflashing?

Also I live in Ft. Knox , Kentucky and I haven't seen any performance shops. I'm guessing I'll have a hard time bringing it into a shop if I don't know how to do anything or if I have to tune it. Are there any reputable shops near Ft. Knox?

I appreciate the help.

 

Tires/rims, uicp & licp, light bulbs, lose weight

 

And catback exhaust.

 

OE sized MAF Intake (AEM, ETS, K&N, Cobb, etc)
Upper and Lower IC pipes
FMIC
CBE

None of those performance mods should throw a CEL or be destructive on an OE tune in anyway.

You won't get the most out of them until you get a tune, but I understand there's a million reasons why someone would just want to keep their new expensive car on a factory tune.

 

Panel replacement air filter like a Cosworth, Work, K&N, etc. etc. and after MAF turbo inlet like Cobb or Perrin.

I wouldnt run an intake on an a newer 2012 without tune. They are leaner from the factory then the 08 to 10s were and most likely will give you problems especially if the MAF housing is too big or too close to the filter element.

 

Safest bet is a cat back. U could run an intake, but I wouldn't recommend it. Personally I would leave everything stock for now and buy an access port as it comes with tunes and pretty much sets u up with future mods and the ability to log how your car is doing as well as checking and clearing CEL should any come up. It was my first mod

 

Just drive the car a while, educate yourself about tuning parts and the car and what works well, then make a plan about what outcome you want for the car ie WHP or a specific purpose then make educated decisions about what to do. Don't just dive in eyes closed and nose plugged and hope your head doesn't bounce off the bottom of the pool.