First off I would just like to say that I did some searching and the questions I have really couldn't be answered without starting a new thread.

Anyway this past weekend I went to my local tuning shop (Agile Auto for those of you that might know) and I was talking to one of their tuners about what I could do with my car. I told him my limit was $3000, and he said that I would be right around 330hp with a TBE, intake 272 cams and a tune.

Now from the searching I've done on these forums, I've seen people making that much or more power and spending a lot less. I also didn't ask the guy if that price included installation of EVERYTHING which would be dumb because I could do the TBE and intake myself, I just need them to do the tune.

(I would also like to add that up until 2 weeks before I bought my car I thought I was getting an STI which I know a crap load about and its about the total opposite for the Evo. I have no idea where to begin after intake, tune and a TBE.)

So my question is, what should I expect with about $3000 including installation of everything except the TBE and intake and is the price they gave me accurate?

-thanks

 

I would go with TBE, Manuel Boost Controller, and mail in flash. That should run you about $1300 and depending on your car and tune you should be over 300whp at that point. Those are, in my opinion, the best first mods to get. With your money you have to spend I would also think about adding an intake, uicp, licp, maf piping. You could also think about ported/coated oem exhaust manifold, turbine housing, O2 housing etc. All of this should be close to $3000. A larger front mount and cams would be good to but I would wait a little bit later to do those... Just my opinion. Hope this helps a little. Drive safe!

 

wow 3k overpriced. U can attain 330 whp jus on a good tune, tbe, and mbc set to approx 23 psi- that will cost u around $800-1300. This doesnt take a pro to do.. to install the basic parts.

I think 3k jus for the addition of cams with those simple modifications is BOGUS. U should get it for 2k and under at least. The cams might be the only hard install which can be done professionally. Idk man... i jus think 3k is too much

 

Turbo Back, Cat delete, Manual Boost, drop in filter... I wouldnt worry about an intake yet. then go for the flash of tune if the money allows. All the basic mods that will produce the most power, especially for a 9, that you can install yourself with the exception of the flash. after that look into the shops for flash's. i like AMS in gathersburg mainly cause i know a few of them and there customer service is exceptional. I ususally tend to stay away from shops so if you need any help let me know, im in the frederick area and I know quite a few evos in the area.

 

And yeah 3000 is alot for what you will need to get 330whp for a 9. you can do it for half that easliy.

 

Thanks a lot guys for all the help and advice! It definitely will help me when the modding begins.

Also I didn't know there was an AMS shop in Md...I live in Glen Burnie, and knowing there is an AMS shop close by is really comforting.

Do you happen to know the exact address for this AMS shop? I would definitely like to go there soon to see what they have to say. I looked on their website and they only had 1 address but perhaps the place your talking about is an AMS shop + another company(s) which is why it might not be on AMS's website.

-thanks!

 

i believe that its not the same shop in MD, its atlantic motorsports not AMS

 

I am in MD too if you need help installing. Definitely do the TBE (you choose which one is best for you), Fuel pump, next a LICP and a tune. Personally I would do a custom tune, there are many places available locally that do excellent work. You will need a Manual Boost Controller too. I would think with these you would be about 1500 and approximately 340-350 whp.

 

Thanks a lot! I would greatly appreciate your help if I need it when installing parts. Saving money instead of taking it to the shop is what I like.

Is there anyone else here that has some input on this shop?

 

Thanks man! Do you know of Agile Auto in Bel Air? Thats the only quality place that I know does good work around me.

btw are there any local meets in Baltimore area? I would definitely like to go to one to talk you guys in person.

-thanks again

 

First question is what are your long term goals for the car? I think about this stuff alot and I personally hate doing things twice. Once you have that out of the way you can make better decisions.

If you may go with a aftermarket turbo kit one day there is no reason to buy a downpipe or o2 housing. If you do you'll just be buying the same parts twice...same goes for a licp if you want a Race core from AMS/Buschur. Same goes for a fuel pump, intake etc etc. Do you need to pass emissions?

Assuming the above because most of us are hp junkies. I would do a tune, drop in filter, test pipe or just a catback, mbc, boost guage that will put you at 300whp+ until you save up for the real build. If you won't ever be going that route the other opinions are great.

 

i have never heard anythinga bout this shop before, i have looked at the web page several times but there isn't much info on their page, im guessing to just call them for some input on whatever it is you need

 

In my opinion do a TBE, Intake, AMS UICP&LICP Manual Boost controller, and a tune.

 

Good point. For the first 1 year - year and a half it will be my daily driver and probably accumulate about 13k miles. After that I will make it my weekend warrior and get a beater.

When it does become my weekend warrior I would still like to keep the full interior. Just concentrate most of the mods on engine performance.

In the mean time since the "real build" is more then a year away I would like to have some more power but not go crazy. I think 350-370 is what I would like to obtain.

 

I have been to the AMS barbq and met a few people but have not made it out to the chick fila meets which are every friday. Maybe we can hit one of those up sometime. I have only been here for a month so I don't know that many people yet but am looking forward to meeting up.