Additionally, closed loop control at WOT isn't possible here. Why?

The factory O2 sensors are narrow band sensors and cannot give an accurate A/F reading outside a narrow range near stoich. Furthermore, emissions standards do not apply to WOT. The ECU extrapolates WOT fuel requirements based upon PT data, and uses only the MAS as a means of input pursuant to meeting the target A/F programmed into the WOT table. The O2 sensors are not used at WOT, and there is no means of A/F correction.

Now, if someone came up with a way to run WOT at closed loop whereby the ECU would use the MAS and reference a wideband O2 sensor for correction, there would be little need for retuning A/F on a dyno regardless of what mods were made.

 

Back on topic, I'd hang up on the upgraded IC idea; it isn't going to help with power output on the stock snail. It didn't for me, anyway. When you factor in that an IC upgrade costs about ~$700 to get 2whp on a 16G equipped car, it seems like a waste.

The manifold will certainly help midrange torque, but nothing for top end. Drivability and area under the curve will improve tremendously, though, particularly on race fuel.

As it has already been stated, a test pipe is the obvious way to make more power in your setup with a very minimal financial investment. No wonder you dynoed a bit lower than the rest of the 1+++ cars that weekend.

IMO, the test pipe and a race gas map/methanol/water injection area about all you're going to be able to do with that setup until you choose to ditch the 16G. A pulley will help a bit, but I'm not ready to possibly compromise harmonic balancing for a few whp.

For me, next on deck is an upgraded rear swaybar, and Ferodo DS2500 pads and lines. If I get a wild hair next year, maybe some nice wheels, but I doubt it.

 

Those are pretty much my conclusions as well:

The return on the IC is too small to justify the cost.

Want to use the manifold, just have to figure how to rig a bracket to support it.

I like the idea of UDP, but nervous about a solid crank pulley.

I intend to do the H2O/MeOH injection and tune for a race map w/93 oct. Maybe advance the cams to +2/+2 like Joe's setup.

 

The IC is great if you're road racing the car. For a street car on the stock turbo, the stock IC's great, and the end tanks are better than most aftermarket stuff.

Everyone knows how I feel about the manifold, and it does allow you to run more boost up top (I see 21.5PSI at 7800, and that was on the stock hotside).

Methanol's the way to go, but if you're doing a dedicated map, make sure you rig in safeguards like a flow switch, level sensor and map switching.

 

Yes, i do. I put it one the same time i did some of my other mods so it is difficult to determine the contribution it made to the overall improvement in the car's performance. If you take an evo with the stock gasket, run both engines for the same duration and then touch the intake manifolds, all else equal,mine should be cooler. One thing is for sure since i have installed this gasket is that my car no longer get that sluggish feeling from heat soak on hot days.