Hi all,

I have a '12 Evo MR and I'm ready to pull the trigger on what I consider to be a fairly large list of bolt-ons. If anyone has opinions or experience with any of my mods, and a little free time, I'd like to read your words.

I consider this to be stage 1 of a several stage build that addresses suspension, SST, E85, and turbo in later upgrades.

What I use it for:

This is primarily my daily driver but I also autocross a little bit. If I had to narrow it down to one goal I'd say it's for hooning, however reliability is still of the utmost importance.

The mod list:

MAP Rev2 Short Ram Intake with heatshield

Cobb 3" Quad Tip Cat-Back
Cobb High Flow Cat
MAP SS O2 Eliminator Downpipe w/ Recirc, O2 Bung

Cobb 3-Port Boost Control Solenoid

Mishimoto Evo X Intercooler 3.0"
Cobb Tuning Intercooler Hard Pipe Kit

Prosport EVO 52mm AFR Gauge
Prosport EVO 52mm Boost Gauge
Prosport EVO Mounting Cup x 2

Tuning will be done at Modern Automotive Performance or RS Motors, not sure which yet.

Any thoughts, concerns or glaring omissions from the peanut gallery? Am I on the right track here?

 

Pretty solid start. If your boost targets get over 24 PSI, you may need an aftermarket diverter valve to seal the boost.

O2 sensor itself? Zietronix, AEM, Innovative LC1, systems are decent..

For autocross, tires are a big help. Maybe a good set of pads to help the stopping too.

Enjoy!

 

I think I'm going to wait and see on the diverter valve but if you have recommendations I'd like to see them, is 24psi really it for factory valve?

The AFR gauge comes with a Bosch 4.9 5 wire heated O2 sensor, would you replace that? If so why?

I didn't mention it since it wasn't exactly in line with the theme but... I have 265 Pilot Super Sports on 9.5in wheels for summer, and 245 Pilot Alpin PA4's on the factory wheels for winter. I think I'm doing alright in that department. Pad's are also on my list but I'm going to wait until they actually need replacing.

 

my stock holds boost just fine all the way up to 27-28 psi. There are recommendations to just crush the stocker to hold more boost.

 

My opinion is you can find much better gauge choices...

 

What would you recommend instead? What is it that you don't like about the prosports?

 

Great list of mods as I'm doing a similar build. Although you may be just fine you might want to consider an upgraded fuel pump or injectors. Good luck with the build.

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I'd say I'm close to needing fuel system upgrades as well but I think I'm going to wait on the pump and injectors until I am ready to go for E85.

 

looks like it will be a fun car to drive!

 

Stack
AEM
DEFI

 

The Bosch O2 is perfect. Good call on the brakes and tires.

I have the synapse DV. I would say get a boost leak test done, the stock valves will vary. Is not a huge issue, but helps.

I would also wait on the fuel upgrades till you get to E85. Don't need big fuel yet.

Definitely a great start. Enjoy!

 

What do you guys think about heat wrapping the downpipe and/or Cat?

If you recommend wrapping do you recommend dry wrap or silicone treatment?

 

For autocross, as mentioned before, get some good tires and brakes. I would suggest upgrading to DOT4 fluid, maybe some good SS lines to hold the pressure better and good Dual purpose pads. I've used Works Blue pads and I love them. So quiet, still dusty, but has good bite. Best duals I've used so far. Ferodo D2500s or Project Mu pads are also recommended.

 

Thanks for the feedback, I talked a little already about the tire upgrades I have already done. As far as the brakes go I am planning to buy the Stage 1 Kit from MAP when the current set is ready to be replaced.

 

Got everything installed last weekend. I ended up getting tuned at MAPerformance. Went from 273hp/298tq @ 22.4psi stock to 341hp/338tq @ 27.3psi with the mods. I'm happy with my choices overall but there was one miscalculation, I didn't notice that the MAP intake moves the bypass valve from the stock location. Tim @ MAP was able to mod the bypass valve hard pipe to adapt to the new location and I'm thrilled with the results.

Next up will be new clutches and probably a rebuild for the SST, after that I should be ready to step up to an EF2 turbo upgrade and big fuel for E85.

A few notes/observations:

Swapping out the downpipe was a *****. I highly recommend a lift, don't know what I would have done without it.

I'd pick up a few replacement clips for the under tray before you get started, I broke like 4 though I didn't have a proper panel tool so that would help.

The resulting exhaust note sounds great, nice low rumble at idle, throaty under throttle, and quiet as a mouse at highway speed.

Replacing the intake really uncorks the sound of the turbo spooling, audible "woosh" when building boost and clearly audible bypass release. If I didn't know better I would swear I had done mods specifically to enhance the sound. The intercooler and hard pipes may also be assisting with that but I went a couple of days before I added that intake and that was what really unleashed it.

I do have to be more careful now about making sure the trans is warm before I get too playful. I have a remote starter so I often start it 15 mins before I leave the house, engine will be warm but the trans isn't and I have experienced slight slippage if I don't give the trans a few miles to get warmed up as well. Other than that issue, which I kind of expected, the stock SST seems to be holding up well with current modifications but I'd be getting worried if I took it much further without addressing that first.

If you have any other questions or comments hit me up.